Tags: cookery school, cooking classes, Italian cooking, learn to cook, pasta making

Still loads of apples here in the orchard so I’m always thinking of new ways to cook and eat them. This experimental little muffin is definitely one to keep, it combines all the delicious flavours of apple pie, a layer of creamy custard in the middle and a dusting of cinnamon sugar on the top while warm.

A really perfect Autumn treat, hope you try it out. Kela x

Muffins with apple and custard in a muffin tin.
Muffins with apple and custard in a muffin tin with apples on the side.
Ingredients:
  • 90g butter, room temp
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 110g caster sugar
  • 2 large free range eggs
  • 110g self-raising flour
  • 30g custard powder (I use Birds)
  • 2 tablespoon milk
  • 1 large unpeeled eating apple, I use Coxs Pippins in this
  • Extra butter melted for topping
  • Mix 1 tablespoon caster sugar & 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Custard Filling:
  • 1 tablespoon custard powder
  • 1 tablespoon caster sugar
  • 125ml milk
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
  1. First make the custard by blending filling ingredients together until smooth then gently heating in a small pan until it thickens. Cover pan with clingfilm (to avoid a skin developing) and leave to the side to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 180C / 160C fan and line a 12 hole bun tin or large 6 hole muffin tin with papers. I used the large tin to make 6 cakes.
  3. In a large bowl beat the butter, sugar and extract together with a mixer then add the eggs in and beat until combined. Add the flour, custard powder and milk and beat again on medium speed for approx 2 minutes until pale in colour and well mixed.
  4. Spoon a layer of the batter into bottom of each muffin case, then add a dollop of custard. Add another layer of batter on top and smooth to cover the custard layer. Place thin slices of apples on top and press lightly into the batter. See photo above of the 3 stages.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 mins for the larger cakes or 25 minutes for the smaller ones.
  6. Remove from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mix. I prefer to eat these warm but they are good cold too.

"A Magical West Cork Escape"

We stayed at Dunowen House for a long weekend and genuinely didn’t want to leave. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the beauty of the house and its surroundings – the views, the gardens, the quiet… it’s pure magic. The house itself is full of character and history but still feels incredibly cosy and luxurious.

We loved having our morning coffee overlooking the sea and strolling down to the nearby coves. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Clonakilty is only a few minutes away too, so we had some lovely meals out and picked up bits from the local markets.

"A Dream Wedding Come to Life"

We were blown away with the unmatched beauty of Dunowen – the set- ting, the people and all the details make it come to life. We feel so blessed to have had our wedding here and so grateful for Kela and Stephen for making this the most special day of our lives. We are leaving a piece of our hearts here so we will absolutely have to come back again. All our love

"An Unforgettable Celebration of Love"

I could not have imagined a more beautiful stay and wedding. We took a chance and put our trust in Kela and Stephen, booking Dunowen sight un- seen! What a wonderful experience to celebrate our love with the people we care about most without having to worry about the details. The flow- ers, the food and the accommodations were unforgettable. Thank you for giving us the space to create lifetime memories! Dunowen will have a piece of our heart. We hope to come back and do it again!

"A Perfect Stay"

Kela and Stephen. Thank you for our wonderful stay at Dunowen House and letting us enjoy the beauty of West Cork in your wonderful home and surroundings. We absolutely loved it.

"Another Unforgettable Stay"

Thank you Kela & Stephen for another amazing stay. When you’ve stayed in Dunowen it’s impossible to stay elsewhere. Your house is per- fection!

"A Perfect 70th Celebration"

Many thanks Kela and Stephen for a wonderful stay at Dunowen House. The house is so spacious, especially for our smallish family group who helped me celebrate my 70th birthday. Thanks for the beautiful flowers throughout and all the home baking. We loved the location.

"Surrounded by Dunowen’s Gardens and Coastal Beauty"

Thank you for a wonderful week. Everything was perfect and we loved being able to walk to the beach and sit in the beautiful gardens. Hope to come again.

"A Perfect 80th Birthday Celebration"

The end of a fabulous week celebrating my 80th birthday. It has been a brilliant stay with everything we needed. Just perfect. Thank you so much Kela & Stephen for your thought and kindness. All the best for the future and perhaps we will see you again!

The Ultimate 5-Star Escape

Bravo! You have created the perfect backdrop for a 5 star vacation. Our group of 18 could not have imagined a more comfortable and luxe week. I’ll see you on Instagram and we will all see you again in person next va- cation.

Flowers and fruits cake close up Flowers and fruits cake close up