Anzac Day muffins – a delicious recipe

What is ANZAC Day?

For my overseas readers, ANZAC’s are the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp, and the day was originally the anniversary of the landing of our ANZACs on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915.  Today it commemorates all our soldiers killed in war and also honours returned servicemen and women. April 25th is a national holiday in both NZ and Australia, to remember, reflect, and commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for us.

I have to admit, when I was younger, I didn’t pay too much attention to what this day meant – it was just a ‘holiday’ here in NZ. But as I’ve aged (no smart comments please!) my understanding of exactly what this day represents has changed. The enormity of world wars, and the effects these ravaged on our countries is difficult to comprehend.

It also puts into perspective our wee sacrifices while in lockdown. Yes, I totally understand how difficult being in lockdown is for many, (and the flow on economic effects of such), but I do think our sacrifices to ‘save lives’ pale in comparison to the heroic efforts of our forebears in war time.

OK, this is getting a bit deep for my wee blog. What I want to say, is that I have the utmost appreciation for those who fought for us, and those who supported them.

So – what does all of this have to do with muffins??

Your delicious caramel filled muffin recipe

One of our family traditions on Anzac Day is to bake Anzac biscuits (cookies).  These biscuits were sent by wives and womens groups to soldiers abroad because the ingredients didn’t spoil easily.  They’re actually super yum, so I do make them at other times of the year. I like to think that the addition of oats in the recipe makes them healthy (?!!). I like to modify the traditional recipe too, sometimes throwing in some extras like dried apricots, or drizzling with white chocolate (my fav!).

Last year as I was browsing the internet, I came across a recipe for Anzac day muffins with a caramel filling, which sounded really good!

So today instead of cookies, my kitchen is wafting in the aroma of beautiful muffins.

I LOVE the Anac flavour, and am also very partial to caramel, so I was sold with just the title! But I’m pleased to say these muffins totally delivered on taste as well, which is why they’re now part of our Anzac day tradition.

If you’d like to bake these yourself, I got the recipe from Just a Mum.

Let me know if you try these yourself. I think it’ll be a tough competition over whether it’s Anzac biscuits or muffins next year!

Oh go on – don’t decide, make both! I mean, the biscuits last a long time right!?!

Enjoy!

PS. As a tip, Anna talks about the difference between brown and demerara sugars. I recommend using brown sugar in your recipe mix as she suggests, but demerara or coffee sugar crystals (if you have it) in the topping. 😋

Before you head away, pin this for later.