Simnel muffins

30-60 minutes 600 kcal or less beginners dried fruit dried fruits easter easter baking easter cup cakes easter cupcakes easter fairy cakes indulgent kids cooking marzipan mixed spice muffin nutmeg orange oranges simnel cake simnel cupcakes

N/A

Makes 12

Source

Ingredients

250g mixed dried fruit

grated zest and juice 1 medium orange

175g softened butter

175g golden caster sugar

3 eggs , beaten

300g self-raising flour

1 tsp mixed spice

½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

5 tbsp milk

175g marzipan

200g icing sugar

2 tbsp orange juice for mixing

mini eggs

Method

Tip the fruit into a bowl, add the zest and juice and microwave on medium for 2 minutes (or leave to soak for 1 hour). Line 12 deep muffin tins with paper muffin cases.

Preheat the oven to fan 180C/ 160C/gas 4. Beat together the butter, sugar, eggs, flour, spices and milk until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes) – use a wooden spoon or hand held mixer. Stir the fruit in well.

Half fill the muffin cases with the mixture. Divide the marzipan into 12 equal pieces, roll into balls, then flatten with your thumb to the size of the muffin cases. Put one into each muffin case and spoon the rest of the mixture over it. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until risen, golden and firm to the touch. Leave to cool.

Beat together the icing sugar and orange juice to make icing thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Drizzle over the muffins and top with a cluster of eggs. Leave to set. Best eaten within a day of making.