The Craving: Muffins

Muffins are a quick and filling way to start your day, but why not take a muffin break at lunch, or even dinner? From nonfat and sugar-free to iced and decadent, muffins run the gamut from healthy treat to indulgent dessert. Here are three places in Beverly Hills where you can find magnificent muffins to eat any time of the day.

1) Urth Caffe

Head over to if you're looking for some deliciously sweet organic muffins. The banana walnut muffin caught my eye this time around. The crumbly, sugar-coated specialty looked so appealing, I couldn't pass it up. The slightly flaky top and moist middle made for the perfect, on-the-go breakfast.

Price for must-have muffins: $2.50.

Urth Caffe, 267 S Beverly Drive; 310-205-9311.

2) La Provence Patisserie & Cafe

When I spotted a nonfat chocolate muffin on the menu at La Provence Patisserie & Cafe, I blinked hard to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me. Then I noticed the nonfat chocolate cherry muffin and realized that was the one for me. The fluffy, moist muffin did taste nonfat—I won't lie—but in a sweet, chocolaty "yes-this-is-OK-for-me" kind of way. Another nonfat option is the apple cinnamon muffin. There are the full-fat kinds too.

Price for must-have muffins: $2.95.

La Provence Patisserie & Cafe, Beverly Hills Plaza, 8950 W. Olympic Blvd., Ste 110; 310-888-8833.

3) Mrs. Beasley's Bakery

Known for its array of muffins both large and small, my first choice at was a pumpkin mini. While it didn't have frosting, the muffin's crunchy, sugary top provided plenty of sweetness. The smooth pumpkin taste was in sync with the flavors of autumn and would go great with a hot chai tea. Runners-up include the chocolate, banana and lemon muffins.

Price for must-have muffins: $2.50 to $4.50, depending on the muffin type and size.

Mrs. Beasley's Bakery, 255 N. Beverly Drive; 310-276-6516.