Food Encyclopedia

muffin

A small, cakelike bread that can be made with a variety of flours and often contains fruits and nuts. Most American-style muffins fall into the quick bread category and are leavened with either baking powder or baking soda. The yeast-raised type, such as the english muffin, is generally finer in texture. These small breads are made in a muffin pan. Muffins can be sweet or savory and, though they were once considered breakfast or tea fare, are now also served with lunch and dinner.