Basic Muffin Mix

One simple base does the work of a dozen recipes, so you learn it once and never need another muffin recipe. It comes together in one bowl with everyday ingredients, it goes sweet or savoury depending on your add-ins, and it is a great way to use up what you have. It makes a full dozen, which is ideal for lunchboxes and snacks through the week.

The golden rule with muffins is do not overmix, stir until the batter just comes together and no further, or they turn out tough and rubbery. Fold your add-ins in gently at the end. They are done when they are golden and spring back when you press the top lightly, and letting them cool in the tin for a few minutes makes them easier to lift out.

This is where the recipe really shines, because the same base goes so many ways. For sweet muffins, stir in ½ to 1 cup of sugar depending on your sweet tooth, then fold through a couple of cups of add-ins like raspberries, blueberries or choc chips. For savoury muffins, skip the sugar and go with bacon and corn, ham and cheese, or olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix and match what you have, it is a fun one to experiment with and it rarely goes wrong.

Sweet muffins are perfect with a cup of tea or in a lunchbox. Savoury ones are great warm with a little butter, alongside soup, or as a grab and go breakfast.

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a little longer, especially the savoury ones with bacon or cheese. They also freeze well, so bake a batch and pull them out as you need them.

Do not overmix the batter. Stir the base until it just comes together, then fold in your add-ins gently. A few lumps in the batter is exactly what you want.

You can adapt them. Use a plant based yoghurt and swap any dairy add-ins. Keep in mind this changes the recipe from the original, so the texture may vary a little.

Yes. They freeze really well. Cool them completely, then freeze in a container or bag and thaw as you need them.

Anywhere from ½ to 1 cup, depending on how sweet you like them and how sweet your add-ins are. Start lower if you are adding choc chips or sweet fruit.