Raspberry & chocolate muffins

There must be some sort of sign saying 'Spiders Welcome', because in the last 24 hours alone I have had three spiders move in, the worst of which was a white tail above my kitchen window. My husband had to escort them off the premises as I only allow Daddy Long Legs to stay (as long as they don't come near me).

Aside from unwanted guests of the arachnid variety, life has been pretty mellow. My father and brother were kind enough to stop by, eat and then run, but not before grabbing a brown paper bag filled with these ruby flecked beauties you see above and below.

When I am expecting guests I tend to make two sweet options just in case one doesn't appeal. And it's fortunate I did that, as the Blackberry-Balsamic Brulee I made for dessert was a little lacklustre and these modest but charming muffins saved the day and everyone left happy.

My photographic ability really doesn't do them justice, not in the slightest. I urge you to give them a try - and feel free to use whatever type of chocolate takes your fancy, I'll end up trying all three shades I'm sure, any excuse to make another batch.

ease: 5/5.
prep time: 15mins.
cooking time: 25mins.
total: 40mins.


taste: 4.5/5. McDreamy Mr. Muffin.

Oh my goodness, these would have to be in my top 3 muffins of all time at least. They are best when still warm from the oven.


The sugar crusted top is divine and crackles beneath your teeth as you dive into it's incomprehensibly moist and soft middle. The cake itself is sublime - the perfect texture and base to build upon.
The chocolate (in this instance I used milk as hubby prefers it, but IMO definitely go for the dark chocolate, it would elevate this to luxurious rather than just indulgent, white would also be interesting) is firm but also velvety liquid, it's silken sweetness softened by the juicy, tart raspberries which give it zing and pizzazz.

A perfect pairing enveloped within a perfect muffin. Bliss!

Next time I would use dark chocolate and increase it to 150g as I was wanting more cocoa goodness. Even though I only cooked these for 25mins, they were a touch overdone, so check from the 20minute mark. This recipe made 10 muffins.

would I make it again: Yes. Might have to get myself a copy of Bourke Street Bakery if the other pastries are anyway near as good as these muffins.

recipe:  Raspberry & dark chocolate muffins