Spiced fruit cake muffins are a delightful treat, combining the richness of a traditional fruit cake with the convenience and fluffiness of a muffin. Here's a simple recipe you can follow to make them:
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants, chopped dried apricots, etc.)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds – optional)
1/4 cup crystallized ginger (optional for extra zing)
1/4 cup orange juice or apple juice (to soak the dried fruit)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
Soak the dried fruit: In a small bowl, mix the dried fruit and juice (orange or apple juice) and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the fruit to plump up.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
Add the soaked fruit and nuts: Gently fold in the soaked dried fruit (along with any leftover juice) and the nuts (if using).
Scoop the batter: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup with the batter, about 2/3 full.
Bake the muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these spiced fruit cake muffins with a warm cup of tea or coffee! They are perfect for the holiday season or whenever you crave a cozy, fruity treat.