A muffin is a type of semi-sweet cake or quick bread that is
baked in portions appropriate for one person. They are similar to cupcakes,
although they are usually less sweet and lack icing. Savory varieties, such as
cornbread muffins or cheese muffins also exist. The term also refers to
disk-shaped muffin bread, called an English muffin outside the United Kingdom.
As American-style muffins are also available in Commonwealth countries, the
term muffin can refer to either product, with the context usually making clear
which is meant. There are many varieties such as low-fat and flavors of muffins
made with a specific ingredient such as blueberries, chocolate chips,
raspberry, cinnamon, pumpkin, date, nut, lemon, banana, orange, peach,
strawberry, boysenberry, almond, and carrot, baked into the muffin. Muffins are
often eaten for breakfast; alternatively, they may be served for tea or at
other meals.
