Description
Delight in these Rhubarb and Marzipan Muffins, a moist and flavorful treat combining tangy rhubarb chunks with sweet, nutty marzipan. These muffins feature a golden crust glazed with apricot jam, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 200 g (1 cup) golden caster sugar
- 1 large egg
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) vegetable or coconut oil, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 230 ml (1 cup) rhubarb yogurt
Dry Ingredients
- 250 g (2 cups + 1 tbsp) plain (all-purpose) flour, plus 1 extra tbsp to mix with the rhubarb
- 1 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
Mix-ins
- 200 g (1 2/3 cups) medium diced rhubarb, chopped into small chunks and mixed with 1 tbsp plain flour
- 100 g (3.5 oz) golden marzipan, cut into small chunks
Finishing
- 2 tbsp smooth apricot jam (jelly)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F (fan) and line a 12-hole muffin tin with muffin cases to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Sugar and Egg: In a large bowl, mix together the golden caster sugar and egg using a fork or balloon whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Add Oil, Vanilla, and Yogurt: Stir in the melted and cooled vegetable or coconut oil, followed by the vanilla extract. Then add the rhubarb yogurt and mix thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the plain flour and baking soda to the wet mixture. Use a wooden spoon to gently mix the batter until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Fold in Rhubarb and Marzipan: Gently fold in the diced rhubarb that has been mixed with the extra tablespoon of flour and the chopped marzipan chunks, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Fill Muffin Cases and Bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cases. Place the tin in the oven and bake at 200°C/400°F (fan) for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C/350°F (fan) and bake for a further 15 minutes until the muffins are golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Prepare Apricot Jam Glaze: In a small bowl, warm the apricot jam in the microwave for about 10 seconds until it becomes a thinner consistency – be cautious not to overheat. Stir well to smooth out.
- Glaze Muffins: As soon as the muffins come out of the oven, use a pastry brush to glaze the tops with the warmed apricot jam, giving them a shiny and appetizing finish.
- Cool Muffins: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 10 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Mixing the rhubarb with an extra tablespoon of flour prevents excess moisture from making the batter too wet.
- Using rhubarb yogurt adds extra tang and moisture, enhancing the flavor of the muffins.
- The apricot jam glaze adds a beautiful shine and sweet fruitiness, but it can be omitted if preferred.
- Ensure not to overbake; check muffins at the 20-minute mark to avoid dryness.
- Marzipan chunks may soften during baking but will add a lovely almond flavor throughout the muffins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British