Problembeginnerdraft
Muffins have tunnels
Also searched as: holes in muffins, tough muffins, peaked muffins
In short: The batter was mixed too long. The is too strong, and gas collects in long channels.
Picture it
Like mole tunnels under a lawn.
What happened in your kitchen?
Question 1
Did you mix the batter smooth?
All causes, by frequency
- Mixed too long
Long mixing builds a tough network that channels gas into tunnels.
Next time: Mix only until the flour has disappeared · Lumps are fine
- Oven too hot
Set on the outside before the gas has spread inside: a pointed dome and cracks.
Next time: Check the temperature
Sources
- Harold McGee: On Food and Cooking (2004), Kapitel Kuchen, Gebäck, Zucker