Perfect Plum Muffins (Made with Yogurt)

Perfect plum muffins are light, fluffy, and just sweet enough without being overly indulgent. Instead of butter, these muffins use yogurt and olive oil for moisture, making them a healthier option without sacrificing taste. Juicy plums add bursts of flavor that make every bite irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are wonderfully soft and tender thanks to yogurt, which keeps them moist. They’re quick to make, ready in under 30 minutes, and versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. The plums provide a tangy-sweet contrast to the light batter, while a sprinkle of raw sugar on top creates a satisfying crunch. They’re also easily customizable—swap in different fruits or tweak the sweetness to your liking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour (good quality, unbleached, unbromated, non-GMO)
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
½ cup light olive oil
1 cup yogurt (if using Greek yogurt, add 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk)
8 small plums (or 6 medium plums)
1 teaspoon Demerara or Swedish pearl sugar for topping (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).

2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Stir in the sugar.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, and yogurt until smooth.

4. Wash and chop the plums into small pieces.

5. Pour the yogurt mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this will make the muffins dense.

6. Fold in most of the plums, saving a few pieces to place on top if desired.

7. Divide the batter into muffin cups. Sprinkle with Demerara sugar for a crunchy topping.

8. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

9. Cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 regular muffins. Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time is 18–20 minutes, for a total of about 28 minutes.

Variations

• Fruit swap: Use peaches, nectarines, apricots, or berries instead of plums.

• Spiced version: Add cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a warm, aromatic touch.

• Health boost: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.

• Nutty twist: Stir in chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for crunch.

• Glazed finish: Drizzle cooled muffins with a simple lemon glaze for added sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.

• Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt in this recipe?

Yes, just add 1 tablespoon of milk or buttermilk to thin it out.

Do I need to peel the plums?

No, the skins soften during baking and add extra flavor and color.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

What type of plums work best?

Any ripe, juicy plums will do. Small varieties like Italian prune plums work especially well.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can cut the sugar by 2–3 tablespoons without affecting texture.

How do I keep the muffins from getting dense?

Mix the batter just until combined and avoid over-stirring.

Can I make larger muffins?

Yes, just bake 5 minutes longer and check for doneness with a skewer.

Why use olive oil instead of butter?

Olive oil makes the muffins moist, adds subtle flavor, and keeps them lighter.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, bake and store in the freezer, then reheat when needed.

Do these muffins taste better warm or cooled?

They’re delicious both ways—warm for a soft, tender bite, and cooled for a slightly firmer texture.

Conclusion

Perfect plum muffins with yogurt are a quick, wholesome, and flavorful treat that highlight the natural sweetness of plums. With minimal prep time and healthier ingredients, they’re an easy choice for breakfast, snacks, or entertaining. Make a batch, enjoy them fresh, and save a few for later—they freeze beautifully and taste just as good the next time around.