How to Troubleshoot Muffins

Last Updated: October 8, 2020 References

When your muffins turn out a total disaster, rather than giving up on ever making them again, do some detective work to work out what went wrong, so that you know to avoid that next time.

Steps

1
Assess muffins that rose too high. If the muffins had peaks like Everest with too much color, this is known as "peaked". It usually means that the muffins have been baked in an oven that is too hot,^{[1]
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2
Assess muffins that overflowed. This usually means that the muffin cavities in the pan were overfilled. Don't fill the holes more than two-thirds full.^{[2]
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3
Assess undercooked muffins. An undercooked muffin will have a center that is too moist and it doesn't peak enough. Usually this is caused by the oven not being hot enough or the cooking time was too short.^{[3]
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4
Assess muffins that didn't rise much. Poorly risen muffins with a heavy, dense texture usually means that the raising agent was insufficient or ineffective (stale) or that the muffins were missing an ingredient or two. If you've made substitutions to the muffin, this may also be another reason for poor rising.^{[4]
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5
Assess burned muffins. Usually this means that either the oven temperature was too high or you left them in for too long. Use a timer if you're forgetful.
6
Know what a good muffin looks like. When a muffin has baked properly, it will have an even texture and will have risen evenly in the centre. Overall the colour will appear golden. When looked at in the pan, the muffins will be starting to come away from the sides of the pan holes of their own accord.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

What would happen if the holes in the muffin tin were filled more than two-thirds?

Community Answer

The muffins would rise higher. It's not bad; it's how commercial bakeries get such big muffin tops.
Question

Half of my muffins came out fine, the other half are underdone. What do I do?

Amy273

Community Answer

Turn the baking tray around in the oven so that the muffins facing the oven door are facing the direct heat. This will ensure consistency in your muffins.
Question

I have a new oven. My muffins aren't rising like in my old oven. Is it a problem with the temperature?

Community Answer

If your muffins aren't baked through, the problem could be that the oven temperature could have been to low, the batter could have been overmixed, and/or the wrong amount of leavener was used.