Muffins & Cupcakes

Oude Kaas & Cumin Muffins
Muffins are an excellent stand-by when you can't face the idea of pulling on your jeans and going to the baker. These savory muffins are made with simple store cupboard ingredients: 'oude kaas' (aged Gouda) or Parmesan cheese, cumin, milk, flour, butter & eggs. And, because muffins require as little handling as possible, you'll whip them up in no time!

Advocaat & Raspberry Muffins
My pear & advocaat muffins are always such a hit that I came up with a spring version, using raspberries. They're still light and fluffy, but they have a refreshing raspberry punch that also adds a dash of color.

Apple Pie Muffins
My apple pie recipe seems to be the most popular one on this whole website, so I thought I'd shamelessly create some simple muffins inspired by the Dutch classic to dangle like a fragrant apple & sultana flavored carrot.

Banana, Redcurrant & Almond Muffins
This easy recipe delivers a moist and moreish muffin that could be described as banana bread disguised as a muffin, enriched with toasted almonds and zesty redcurrants.

Orange & Banana Muffins
Muffins are a relatively recent trend in the Netherlands, but they have been fully embraced here, because they are so easy to make at home. Unlike Americans, the Dutch don't see muffins as a breakfast item, but rather as a sweet snack or treat. I like to come up with my own versions. Orange and banana smoothies (another import) are a favorite on...

Pear & Advocaat Muffins
Pears and Advocaat may sound like a surprising combo, but don't knock it till you try it. There is something about this delicate balance of flavors that really works! The result is a light, fluffy muffin that is decidedly moreish. But why take my word for it? Make them and decide for yourself.

Truffle Kruidnoten Cupcakes
These festive cupcakes were inspired by truffle 'kruidnoten', the latest twist on classic Dutch 'kruidnoten', those tiny ginger nut cookies eaten at 'Sinterklaas'. I'll describe it as an aromatic cakelet topped with a layer of crispy sweet white chocolate, dusted with bitter Dutch cocoa powder. Need I say more?

Romantic Wedding Cupcakes
I made these lemon cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for my wedding, so obviously I love them. While I used them for a rather extraordinary occasion in my life, I've served them in more everyday settings too. You can dress these easy-to-make cupcakes up or down with fancy cupcake cups and holders and sugar decorations for smarter settings,...

Spijs Cakes (Spijscakejes)
My 'spijscakes' (no, not that type of spacecake) are made with that Dutch seasonal favorite, almond paste (called 'spijs' in the Netherlands), and enriched with almond liqueur. Flaked almonds add crunch and yet another level of deep almond flavor to these moreish muffins.