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Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipes

    Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipes

Chocolate chip muffins are a warm hug in baked form—soft, fluffy, studded with melting chocolate, perfectly sweet, and endlessly customizable. Whether you like your muffins bakery-style and towering, cozy and cinnamon-spiced, or decadently double chocolate, there’s a recipe here for every kind of muffin lover. In this 1,200-word guide, you’ll discover three chocolate chip muffin recipes, each offering something unique: a classic café-style muffin, a tender banana-chocolate chip muffin, and a rich double chocolate version. These muffins are simple to make, use everyday ingredients, and deliver consistent, delicious results.


1. Classic Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Muffins

These are the muffins you see lined up behind café bakery glass—golden domes, soft interiors, and big chocolate pockets. The secret lies in using both melted butter and oil for balanced texture, and baking at a high temperature first to encourage a tall rise.


Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour


¾ cup granulated sugar


1 tbsp baking powder


½ tsp salt


⅓ cup melted butter


⅓ cup vegetable oil


2 large eggs


¾ cup whole milk


1 tbsp vanilla extract


1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips


2 tbsp coarse sugar for topping (optional)


Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 cups.


In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.


In another bowl, combine the melted butter, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla.


Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Over-mixing creates dense muffins—so stop as soon as the batter comes together.


Fold in the chocolate chips.


Fill the muffin cups all the way to the top; this creates a beautiful rise. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for crunch.


Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15–16 minutes more.


Let cool 10 minutes before enjoying.


What Makes This Recipe Special?

This technique of starting with a high temperature sends a burst of heat into the batter, pushing each muffin upward into that signature dome. The combination of butter and oil gives the muffins both flavor and moisture. They stay soft for days and reheat beautifully.


2. Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness, moisture, and softness to muffins. This version is perfect when you have overripe bananas on your counter and want something chocolatey but not too rich. With warm spices and brown sugar, these muffins taste like banana bread’s cheerful, chocolate-studded cousin.


Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour


1 tsp baking soda


1 tsp baking powder


½ tsp salt


1 tsp cinnamon


½ cup unsalted butter, softened


½ cup brown sugar


¼ cup white sugar


2 large eggs


1 tsp vanilla extract


3 very ripe bananas, mashed


1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semisweet)


Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan.


Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together.


In another bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy.


Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.


Mix in the mashed bananas.


Add the dry mixture into the wet batter and stir gently, stopping once everything is incorporated.


Fold in the chocolate chips.


Spoon the batter into muffin cups about ¾ full.


Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.


Why This Recipe Works

Ripe bananas add so much moisture that the muffins stay tender even without oil. Brown sugar deepens the flavor and enhances caramel undertones. Cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the chocolate. These muffins freeze well and are wonderful warm with coffee or tea.


3. Double Chocolate Chip Muffins (Bakery-Style Rich & Fudgy)

This recipe is for chocolate lovers who want muffins that border on dessert. Cocoa powder infuses the batter with deep chocolate flavor, while chocolate chips melt into velvety pockets. These muffins are slightly fudgy, yet still fluffy enough to feel like a muffin and not a cupcake.


Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour


½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)


1 cup granulated sugar


1 tbsp baking powder


½ tsp salt


2 large eggs


½ cup vegetable oil


¾ cup buttermilk (or ¾ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar)


1 tbsp vanilla extract


1 ½ cups chocolate chips (semisweet or dark)


Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).


In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, and salt.


Whisk eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla in a separate bowl.


Pour the wet mix into the dry mix and fold together. Don’t worry if the batter looks thick—this makes the muffins taller and richer.


Fold in the chocolate chips.


Fill muffin wells to the top.


Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake 12–14 minutes more.


Cool slightly; the tops will crack beautifully like a bakery muffin.


Why This Recipe Is a Winner

Using oil instead of butter creates a moist, tender crumb that complements the bold chocolate flavor. Buttermilk adds acidity, which activates the baking powder, giving the muffins a high rise. The result is a rich, indulgent muffin that still feels light enough for breakfast.


Tips for Perfect Muffins Every Time

1. Don’t Overmix

Stirring too much overdevelops the gluten in the flour. Mix until you just see the dry ingredients disappear.


2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Room-temperature eggs and dairy blend more smoothly, giving the batter better structure and height.


3. Fill Your Cups to the Top

If you want tall, bakery-style muffins, don’t be shy—fill those wells all the way.


4. Try Different Chocolate Chip Types

Each type of chocolate creates a different personality:


Milk chocolate – creamy and sweet


Semisweet – balanced classic flavor


Dark chocolate – rich and sophisticated


Mini chips – perfect for even distribution


Chunks – melty pockets of chocolate goodness


5. Add a Crunchy Topping

A sprinkle of:


coarse sugar


streusel


chopped nuts

adds irresistible texture.


Creative Variations

You can use any of the base recipes above and add fun twists:


Orange zest + dark chocolate chips


A spoonful of Nutella swirled on top


Coconut flakes mixed into the batter


Cinnamon sugar sprinkled before baking


Chopped walnuts or pecans


These changes instantly elevate your muffins and make them feel custom.


Serving & Storage

Serving

Muffins are best slightly warm, when the chocolate is melty and the tops are soft. Reheat in the microwave for 10–12 seconds or warm in a low oven.


Storage

Room temperature: 3–4 days in an airtight container


Refrigerator: 1 week


Freezer: 2–3 months (wrap individually)


To thaw frozen muffins, simply microwave or leave them at room temperature for 1–2 hours.

Chocolate chip muffins are wonderfully versatile: fast enough for breakfast, sweet enough for dessert, and easy enough for everyday baking. With these three recipes—a classic café-style version, a moist banana-chocolate chip twist, and a decadent double chocolate batch—you can satisfy any mood or chocolate craving. Each recipe gives you a reliable base, yet leaves plenty of room for personalization. Whether you're baking for family, gifting a warm batch to a friend, or treating yourself to something sweet with morning coffee, these muffins deliver comfort and joy in every bite.


Further Reading 

Strawberry Banana Pastries & Treats

https://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Banana-Pastries-Treats-Desserts-ebook/dp/B0FTTF17LY/

Egg Recipes and Pancake Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Egg-Recipes-Pancake-Boxed-Family-ebook/dp/B0DJBXM4PZ/

Baking With Strawberries: Tips for Cakes and Pastries

https://articlepaid.com/baking-with-strawberries-tips-for-cakes-and-pastries

Carrot Cake Recipes and Scone Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Carrot-Cake-Recipes-Scone-Boxed-ebook/dp/B0D7HTK7N2/

Planting Lavender in Pots & Growing Sunflowers from Seeds

https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Lavender-Growing-Sunflowers-Seeds-ebook/dp/B0D7K96B9Z/


Thursday, November 20, 2025

French Apple Pie Thanksgiving Cake

                                    

French Apple Pie Thanksgiving Cake

Thanksgiving desserts tend to fall into familiar categories—pies, cakes, and sometimes elegant tarts—but every now and then, a recipe comes along that blends those worlds together into something spectacular. The French Apple Pie Thanksgiving Cake is exactly that kind of dessert. It’s a cross between a rustic French apple cake, an old-fashioned American apple pie, and a soft, buttery spice cake layered with tender fruit. Every bite tastes like warm cinnamon, caramel-kissed apples, and fall comfort wrapped in a single forkful. It’s the dessert you bring to the table when you want something festive, indulgent, and memorable without the stress of constructing a full pie crust.

This cake is built in layers of flavor: deeply caramelized apples, a velvety batter scented with vanilla and nutmeg, a crumbly French-style streusel topping, and a glossy apple-pie inspired glaze that drips beautifully over the finished cake. It bakes tall, fills the house with a nostalgic aroma, and slices cleanly while still remaining moist and irresistibly tender.

Below is the complete Thanksgiving-style guided recipe—ingredients, steps, tips, variations, and make-ahead notes—crafted to be both foolproof and celebratory.


Ingredients

For the Caramelized Apple Filling

  • 5 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady work best), peeled and sliced

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional but brightens the flavor)

For the Cake Batter

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 3 eggs, room temperature

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • ¾ cup sour cream or full-fat yoghurt

  • ¼ cup whole milk

French Crumble Topping

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

  • Pinch of salt

Apple Pie Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 2–3 tablespoons apple cider or milk

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Small pinch cinnamon


Step-By-Step Directions

1. Make the Caramelized Apple Filling

This is the most important part of the cake, and what makes it taste like a marriage between apple pie and French apple cake.

  1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add the apple slices and sauté for 3–4 minutes.

  3. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.

  4. Cook for 5–7 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the juices form a caramel-like syrup.

  5. Add a little lemon juice if using.

  6. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

The apples should be tender but not mushy—like pie filling that still holds shape. This allows the cake to slice beautifully.


2. Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan or deep cake pan.

  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with the granulated and brown sugar until pale and fluffy.

  4. Add the eggs one by one, beating thoroughly each time.

  5. Mix in the vanilla extract.

  6. Add the sour cream and mix until smooth.

  7. Incorporate the dry ingredients slowly, alternating with milk, until a thick, velvety batter forms.

The texture should be richer than standard cake batter—more like a hybrid between pound cake and spice cake.


3. Assemble the Cake

  1. Spread half the cake batter into the prepared pan.

  2. Spoon half of the caramelized apples over the batter.

  3. Add the remaining batter carefully, smoothing the top.

  4. Add the remaining apples over the surface, gently pressing them in.

This creates a layered effect reminiscent of French apple cake but with the lushness of American apple pie hidden inside.


4. Make the French Crumble Topping

This streusel adds buttery crunch and soaks up the apple juices.

  1. Add flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a bowl.

  2. Rub in the cold butter using your fingertips or a pastry cutter.

  3. Stop when the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle the crumble generously over the top of the cake.


5. Bake

Place the cake in the oven and bake for 55–70 minutes, depending on your oven and the depth of your pan. It’s done when:

  • The edges are golden brown

  • A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

  • The top looks crisp and lightly caramelized

Let the cake cool at least 20–30 minutes before unmolding. It becomes easier to slice as it cools.


6. Finish with Apple Pie Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, apple cider or milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Drizzle generously over the warm—but not hot—cake. The glaze catches the ridges of the crumble topping and forms a shiny coating that makes the dessert look bakery-level special.


Serving Suggestions (Highly Recommended for Thanksgiving)

Warm with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

The cold ice cream melts into the warm apple-rich center.

With a Dollop of Spiced Whipped Cream

Beat heavy cream with sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon.

With a Side of Caramel Sauce

Perfect for guests who love extra sweetness.

For a Fancy Touch: Add a Powdered Sugar Snow

Lightly dust the top to enhance the rustic French look.


Tips for the Best French Apple Pie Cake

Use Two Types of Apples

A tart apple (like Granny Smith) mixed with a sweet one (like Honeycrisp) mimics authentic pie flavor.

Don’t Skip the Sour Cream

It guarantees a moist, dense-yet-fluffy crumb.

Caramelize the Apples Fully

Under-cooked apples release too much liquid, causing the cake to sink.

Let the Cake Rest

The flavors deepen as it cools, and the structure firms beautifully.


Thanksgiving Variations

1. Salted Caramel Version

Add a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce on top before serving.

2. Maple Pecan French Apple Pie Cake

Add:

  • ½ cup chopped toasted pecans

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup to the batter

3. Bourbon-Spice Celebration Cake

Stir 1 tablespoon bourbon into the caramelized apples for a warm, grown-up twist.

4. Crust-Inspired Bottom Layer

Press a thin layer of crushed graham crackers and butter into the pan for extra pie vibes.


Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead

  • Bake the cake the day before Thanksgiving.

  • Store covered at room temperature.

  • Add the glaze right before serving for best appearance.

To Freeze

Freeze slices or the entire cake (without glaze). Thaw at room temperature and glaze freshly.

Reheat

Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.

This French Apple Pie Thanksgiving Cake offers the best of both worlds: the soft, comforting familiarity of apple pie and the elegance of a French patisserie-style apple cake. It holds its shape when sliced, looks stunning on a dessert platter, and brings a luxurious sweetness to your holiday spread. Most importantly, it carries that nostalgic autumn flavor every Thanksgiving dessert needs—apples, cinnamon, and butter—wrapped in a format that’s easier, more reliable, and far more show-stopping than a traditional pie.


Related Reading

Buttery Puff Dough Recipes and Fig Recipes

https://www.amazon.com/Buttery-Dough-Recipes-Delicious-Meals-ebook/dp/B0DSCRVFC9/

Urban 3 Sisters Planting and Square Foot Gardening for Beginners

https://www.amazon.com/Sisters-Planting-Gardening-Beginners-Planters-ebook/dp/B0F2TQQH1R/

Plantng Lithops From Seed

https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Lithops-Succulents-Kingston-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0CW1BBTKP/=

Hydroponic and Kratky Sweet Potatoes

https://www.amazon.com/Hydroponic-Kratky-Sweet-Potatoes-Water-Based-ebook/dp/B0F7892GF5/


Cheesecake Waffle Cone Recipes

   Cheesecake Waffle Cone Recipes 

Cheesecake lovers know the joy of a perfectly smooth, creamy filling—but when that indulgent richness is piped into a crisp waffle cone, the experience becomes entirely new. Cheesecake waffle cones are playful, elegant, and portable, combining the charm of ice-cream cones with the luxury of cheesecake. They’re excellent for parties, brunches, birthdays, and even casual weekend treats. What makes them special is how customizable they are: you can blend fruits, chocolates, nuts, sauces, or spices directly into the filling or simply layer them in. Below are three standout recipes that go beyond the basics—each with its own identity, textures, and flavors that delight with every bite.


1. Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Waffle Cones

This first recipe celebrates a classic combination: creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries. The sweetness of the waffle cone complements the tanginess of the cream cheese, while the bright strawberry swirl adds a fresh, fruity burst.

Ingredients

For the cheesecake cream:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup cold heavy cream

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for macerating strawberries)

For the shells:

  • 6–8 waffle cones

  • Melted chocolate (optional for dipping)

  • Crushed graham crackers (for the rim)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the strawberries.
    Toss chopped strawberries with sugar and set aside for 10 minutes. Once the juices release, mash lightly with a fork. You want a thick, spoonable sauce—sweet but with texture. Set aside to cool.

  2. Make the cheesecake filling.
    Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. In a separate bowl whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice, mixing gently until everything comes together.

  3. Swirl in the strawberries.
    Spoon the strawberry sauce over the filling and use a spatula to gently swirl it in. Avoid over-mixing—those red ribbons should remain visible.

  4. Prepare the waffle cones.
    Dip the tops of the cones in melted chocolate, then into the crushed graham crackers. This not only looks beautiful but adds crunch and that classic cheesecake flavor.

  5. Assemble.
    Pipe the filling into each cone, allowing the strawberry swirls to remain visible. Garnish with extra strawberry pieces on top.

Why This Recipe Works

This cone gives you everything you love about strawberry cheesecake—creaminess, freshness, crunch, and tang—in a light, summery form. It’s ideal for warm days, garden parties, or when you want a dessert that looks stunning with minimal effort.


2. Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Waffle Cones

This variation leans into decadence. Think of it as the waffle-cone version of a chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake or a Ferrero Rocher transformed into a creamy dessert. Between the silky filling, the crunch of nuts, and the richness of chocolate, every bite feels extravagant.

Ingredients

For the cheesecake cream:

  • 8 oz cream cheese

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • ½ cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

  • Pinch of salt

Add-ins and toppings:

  • ½ cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped

  • Chocolate chips or shaved chocolate

  • Chocolate sauce for drizzling

For the shells:

  • 6–8 waffle cones

  • Melted dark chocolate

  • Crushed hazelnuts for the rim

Instructions

  1. Dip the cones.
    Coat the rims of the waffle cones in melted dark chocolate. While wet, roll them in crushed hazelnuts. Place upright to set.

  2. Make the chocolate-hazelnut filling.
    Beat the cream cheese well until smooth. Add the chocolate-hazelnut spread and beat until fully incorporated. In another bowl whip the cold heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks, then fold it gently into the chocolate mixture. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

  3. Add texture.
    Fold in half of the chopped toasted hazelnuts and a handful of chocolate chips or chocolate shavings.

  4. Pipe and garnish.
    Fill each cone generously using a piping bag. Top with extra chopped hazelnuts and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is rich, indulgent, and texturally exciting. The toasted hazelnuts give the cone a nutty depth that balances the sweetness of the chocolate-hazelnut spread. It’s perfect for chocolate lovers or as a dessert for festive occasions where you want something show-stopping but easy to assemble.


3. Tropical Mango Coconut Cheesecake Waffle Cones

If you want a cheesecake cone that tastes like sunshine, this tropical version offers a refreshing alternative. Sweet mango blends beautifully with creamy cheesecake, and the coconut adds island flair. This cone works especially well for warm-weather gatherings or Caribbean-inspired menus.

Ingredients

For the cheesecake cream:

  • 8 oz cream cheese

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

  • 1 teaspoon lime zest

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

For the mango component:

  • 1 cup fresh mango chunks

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • Optional: a splash of coconut rum for adults

Add-ins and toppings:

  • ½ cup toasted coconut flakes

  • Extra diced mango for garnish

For the shells:

  • 6–8 waffle cones

  • White chocolate for dipping

  • Shredded coconut for the rim

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mango.
    Mash the mango chunks with sugar until you have a textured puree (leave some small chunks). If you’re adding coconut rum, stir it in and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

  2. Dip the cones.
    Melt the white chocolate and dip the rims of the waffle cones. Immediately coat with shredded coconut. The combination of white chocolate and coconut sets into a crisp, candy-like shell.

  3. Make the cheesecake filling.
    Whip the cream cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Combine the two by gently folding. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, lime zest, and lime juice. The lime brightens the cheesecake and pairs perfectly with mango.

  4. Swirl in the mango.
    Similar to the strawberry recipe, gently fold the mango puree into the cheesecake mixture, leaving ribbons for visual appeal.

  5. Assemble.
    Pipe the mixture into the cones, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes, and finish with extra mango cubes on top.

Why This Recipe Works

This cone feels refreshing, light, and tropical. The lime cuts through the sweetness, the mango brings a juicy brightness, and the coconut adds depth and texture. It’s especially wonderful in warm climates or summer gatherings.


Tips for the Best Cheesecake Waffle Cones

  1. Chill the filling before piping.
    Even 20–30 minutes in the refrigerator helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to pipe and helping it hold shape in the cone.

  2. Serve immediately or chill upright.
    Waffle cones can soften over time from moist fillings. If serving later, keep cones chilled and upright in a cone holder or muffin tin.

  3. Use high-quality cones.
    Thick, crisp waffle cones hold up better and don’t get soggy as quickly.

  4. Add a “barrier” if needed.
    Chocolate-dipped interiors slow down moisture absorption and add flavor.

  5. Get creative with fillings.
    These recipes are flexible—swap fruits, mix chocolates, use caramel, peanut butter, or even cookie butter.


Final Thoughts

Cheesecake waffle cones are fun, elegant, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re craving something fruity, decadent, or tropical, these three recipes offer the perfect starting point. The strawberry swirl cone delivers fresh, classic charm; the chocolate hazelnut cone offers richness for dessert lovers; and the mango coconut cone brings a sunny, tropical twist. Together, they create a trio of cheesecake experiences that turn simple waffle cones into extraordinary desserts—perfect for sharing, customizing, and savoring one creamy bite at a time.

Related Reading

Buttery Puff Dough Recipes and Fig Recipes

https://www.amazon.com/Buttery-Dough-Recipes-Delicious-Meals-ebook/dp/B0DSCRVFC9/

Urban 3 Sisters Planting and Square Foot Gardening for Beginners

https://www.amazon.com/Sisters-Planting-Gardening-Beginners-Planters-ebook/dp/B0F2TQQH1R/

Plantng Lithops From Seed

https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Lithops-Succulents-Kingston-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0CW1BBTKP/=

Hydroponic and Kratky Sweet Potatoes

https://www.amazon.com/Hydroponic-Kratky-Sweet-Potatoes-Water-Based-ebook/dp/B0F7892GF5/


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