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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Mantecadas (Mexican Muffins) + VIDEO

    Mantecadas (Mexican Muffins) + VIDEO

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted January 13, 2021 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Mantecadas are simple yet delicious Mexican muffins. These moist and super easy to make goodies are ready in no time.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Hand holding a mantecada Mexican muffin.

    A mantecada Mexican muffin served on a blue plate and next to a cup of coffee.

    Mantecadas are always a good choice.

    The hardest decision in the world is picking ONE pan dulce.

    They all look SO yummy behind the glass doors. Almost like they are begging to be picked and brought home.

    These baked goodies are easy to identify. Look for the red muffin wrappers and the poofed up tops.

    Soft and sweet. One bite, and you’ll be in Mexican pan dulce heaven!

    More Pan Dulce Recipes:

    Conchas
    Mexican Wedding Cookies
    Churros
    Apple Empanadas
    Pumpkin Empanadas
    Pineapple Empanadas
    Pan de Elote

    The ingredients for mantecadas Mexican muffins alid out.

    How to Make Them

    These are the ingredients needed to make these yummy muffins.

    Here, we’re using vegetable oil. However, you can also use melted butter for a buttery taste.

    How many types of pan dulce are there?

    There are hundreds of different types of Mexican sweet breads. Some estimate there are as many as 2000 different types of breads!

    A collage showing how to make the batter for the muffins.

    • Start by mixing the eggs and sugar together.
    • Slowly drizzle in the oil.
    • Add the milk and vanilla.

    Make it Healthier

    Use coconut oil or sunflower oil. You can also substitute regular milk for soy milk or almond milk.

    Go Nuts!

    Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts are a great addition to the batter, and they add texture.

    Mexican sweet bread is so popular, you will even find it pre-packaged at the gas station.

    One popular bread brand is Bimbo. It’s not the same as freshly baked breads, but when you have a craving, it hits the spot.

    A collage showing how to fill a cupcake pan.

    • Add orange zest (if using) to the batter.
    • Sift the dry ingredients and add slowly into the bowl.
    • Mix on low and fill in the muffin pan.
    • Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

    Orange zest is optional, but even just a small amount will add tons of flavor. Sifting is also optional. It is simply to make sure all the ingredients are mixed well.

    How to Bake:


    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. When you place the muffin pan inside the oven, immediately bring down the heat to 400 degrees F.

    Note: If using a jumbo size muffin pan, bake for 25 minutes instead.

    Good to know: Nonstick pans will make the muffins look browner.

    Why didn’t my muffins rise?

    1. If you live in a humid climate, place the muffin pan inside the fridge while the oven heats up.
    2. Also, for humid climates, reduce the milk to ¾ c instead.
    3. Leave the oven door closed. This can cause the muffins to sink.
    4. Don’t overmix. Too much air will cause them to go flat.
    5. Gently fold in nuts (if using) at the end to avoid overmixing.

    A hand holding a Mantecada muffin over a decorative blue and white plate.

    Other names for this bread:

    Quequis or panquecitos. You might even see them referred to as “muffin.”

    Mantecadas are a big treat. So easy to make and so easy to enjoy! Serve with cafe de olla or a big cup of champurrado.

    Hungry for More?

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    A mantecada Mexican muffin served on a blue plate and next to a cup of coffee.

    Mantecadas

    Mantecadas are simple yet delicious Mexican muffins. These moist and super easy to make goodies are ready in no time.
    5 from 46 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 378kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 3 eggs (room temperature)
    • 3/4 cup sugar
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
    • 2 tsp vanilla
    • 1 orange zest (optional)
    • 1 2/3 cup all purpose flour
    • 1/8 tsp salt
    • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
    • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
    • Beat eggs and add sugar.
    • Mix until well combined.
    • Add the milk and mix again.
    • Slowly drizzle in the oil while mixing.
    • Add vanilla and orange zest (if using).
    • Mix again.
    • In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
    • Add the dry ingredients a bit at a time.
    • Occasionally scrape down the sides until the flour mixture is completely mixed.
    • Line a muffin pan with cupcake wrappers.
    • Pour 3/4 of the mixture to each of the wrappers.
    • Once the oven is ready, place the muffin pan inside the oven.
    • Immediately lower the oven to 400 degrees F.
    • Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

    Video

    Notes

    WHY DIDN’T MY MUFFINS RISE?
    1. If you live in a humid climate, place the muffin pan inside the fridge while the oven heats up.
    2. Also, for humid climates, use ¾ c milk instead.
    3. Leave the oven door closed. This can cause the muffins to sink.
    4. Don’t overmix. Too much air will cause them to go flat.
    5. Gently fold in nuts (if using) at the very end to avoid overmixing.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 378kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 97IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Desserts

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ramona

      January 25, 2021 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe, easy and delicious. Will be making it again 😉

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        January 28, 2021 at 9:30 am

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    2. Alexandra

      January 25, 2021 at 3:29 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect with my morning coffee – love them!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        January 28, 2021 at 9:05 am

        Thanks!Glad you liked them

        Reply
    3. Kim Guzman

      January 25, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      Great tips! I can’t wait to try these.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        January 28, 2021 at 9:04 am

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    4. Jessica Stroup

      January 25, 2021 at 4:53 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is wonderful! A new family favorite!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        January 28, 2021 at 9:04 am

        So glad you and your family enjoyed this!

        Reply

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