Description
Delight in these classic Simnel Muffins, a festive treat bursting with dried fruit, mixed peel, and a surprise marzipan center. Lightly spiced and topped with crunchy flaked almonds, these muffins are perfect for an indulgent snack or holiday celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 250g self-raising flour
- 1½ tsp ground mixed spice
- 100g light muscovado sugar
- 50g currants
- 50g sultanas
- 25g mixed peel
- 50g glacé cherries, chopped
- 2 tbsp flaked almonds
Wet Ingredients
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 100ml milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
Additional
- 100g marzipan, rolled into 12 balls
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare tin: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour and ground mixed spice to evenly distribute the spice through the flour.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and light muscovado sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring the sugar is well incorporated.
- Add eggs and liquids: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture for good incorporation, then stir in the milk and the zest of one lemon to add moisture and fresh flavor.
- Combine mixtures and fruit: Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then fold in the currants, sultanas, mixed peel, and chopped glacé cherries carefully to distribute the fruit evenly.
- Fill muffin cases with batter and marzipan: Spoon a small amount of batter into each lined muffin case. Place a ball of marzipan in the center of each, then cover with more batter until the cases are about three-quarters full to encase the marzipan.
- Top with almonds and bake: Sprinkle flaked almonds over the tops to add crunch. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted beside the marzipan comes out clean, confirming they are fully cooked.
- Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Optionally dust with icing sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep muffins light and tender.
- Marzipan in the center adds a sweet surprise—do not skip it for authentic Simnel Muffins.
- Replace glacé cherries with dried cranberries if preferred.
- Flaked almonds on top add texture and a nutty flavor; omit if allergic.
- Serve slightly warm for best flavor and texture.
