Description
Delight in these festive Simnel Muffins, bursting with mixed dried fruits soaked in orange zest and juice, encasing a hidden marzipan center, then topped with a sweet orange glaze and colorful mini eggs. Perfect for a seasonal treat or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Mixture
- 250g mixed dried fruits
- Zest and juice of 1 medium orange
Batter
- 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
Filling & Topping
- 175g marzipan
- 200g icing sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice (for icing)
- Mini eggs (for decoration)
Instructions
- Soak the Fruit: Tip the mixed dried fruits into a bowl, add the orange zest and juice, then microwave on medium for 2 minutes or soak for 1 hour to plump up the fruit.
- Prepare Muffin Cases and Oven: Line 12 deep muffin tins with paper muffin cases and preheat the oven to fan 180°C / 160°C conventional / gas mark 4.
- Make the Batter: Beat together the softened butter, golden caster sugar, beaten eggs, self-raising flour, mixed spice, freshly grated nutmeg, and milk until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This can be done with a wooden spoon or a handheld mixer. Then fold in the soaked fruit mixture thoroughly.
- Assemble Muffins: Fill each muffin case halfway with the batter. Divide the marzipan into 12 equal pieces, roll each into a ball, then flatten to the size of the muffin cases using your thumb. Place one marzipan disc into the center of each muffin case and cover with the remaining batter.
- Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they have risen, are golden brown, and feel firm to the touch.
- Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and leave them to cool completely before icing.
- Prepare Icing: Beat the icing sugar and orange juice together until thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
- Ice and Decorate: Drizzle the orange icing over the cooled muffins and top each with a cluster of mini eggs. Leave the icing to set before serving.
- Serve: These muffins are best eaten within a day of making for optimal freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Soaking the dried fruits in orange juice and zest softens them and infuses citrus flavor.
- Ensure the muffin tins are well lined to avoid sticking.
- Marzipan centers add a lovely surprise texture and sweetness inside the muffins.
- The orange icing should be just thick enough to coat the spoon – too thin and it will run off the muffins.
- Mini eggs add a colorful and festive decoration, perfect for Easter or spring celebrations.
- Use fresh spices for the best aromatic impact in the batter.
- These muffins keep best for a day; storing them in an airtight container will help maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (including fruit soaking)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Simnel muffins, marzipan muffins, fruity muffins, festive baking, orange zest muffins, dried fruit cake, British baking, Easter muffins
