For everyone who’s ever wished they had just one simple muffin batter into which they could throw their own mix-ins, this recipe is for you.

In the video above by Martha Stewart, Kitchen Conundrums expert Thomas Joseph shares a basic muffin batter recipe you can upgrade to make your own. According to Joseph, this master batter can be used with any type of fruit and nut blend — as long as you follow the right ratios.

When it comes to using whole berries like blueberries or raspberries, Joseph recommends using 1 1/3 cups of fruit. But if you’re using sliced berries like strawberry or peach, you should only use one cup. Cut fruit produces more moisture in the cupcakes so reducing the amount in the recipe will also lessen your chances of making a mushy muffin, Joseph explains.

And the tips don’t stop there. Joseph also reveals a secret ingredient he uses to make a sweet and spicy topping on his muffins. Watch the video above to learn more about the surprising ingredient.

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Source: Huffingtonpost