Dawn Foods is tapping demand for savoury versions of sweet treats with a new muffin mix.

The “versatile” Savoury Muffin Mix requires the addition of oil and water to create a finished product that Dawn described as having great volume and a moist eating texture. It has minimal salt and sugar levels, so can also be used for sweet muffins, and features natural flavours and colours.

While consumers love sweet muffins, the trend for muffins featuring savoury ingredients – from cheese to vegetables, herbs and cooked meats – is growing due to consumers seeking perceived healthier alternatives to sandwiches and pastries, the company added.

As such, it can help foodservice operators target different day parts with muffins, rather than just breakfast, including on-the-go snacking, elevenses or as an accompaniment to lunch and dinner.

Dawn’s application chefs have created a series of recipes to give bakers and caterers inspiration on how to use the mix, from Savoury Muffin Pizza slices for sharing, a USA-style Meat Feast Muffin to a Cauliflower & Broccoli Cheese Savoury Muffin, ideal for serving as an accompaniment to soup (see below for recipe).

Savoury patisserie, muffins and cakes are growing in popularity, with a number of bakery businesses looking to take advantage of demand. In June, French patisserie Maître Choux launched a selection of savoury éclairs, including a smoked salmon variant and one topped with chicken mayo & avocado.

Ingredients supplier Puratos is also hoping to encourage bakers to develop more savoury patisserie with the creation of its Satin Savoury Mix, which can be used to create cakes, pastries and muffins.

The trend for savoury muffins has been building for a few years. British Baker subscribers can find out more by reading our feature ‘Muffin market mixes up savoury selection’.

Recipe: Vegetarian Savoury Muffins (pictured above)

  • Dawn Savoury Muffin Mix, 1kg
  • Vegetable oil, 300g
  • Water, 700g
  • Precooked onions, 80g
  • Precooked mushroom pieces, 160g
  • Precooked red pepper pieces, 80g
  • Precooked green peppers, 80g
  • Dawn Unishine Plus
  • Sage & onion stuffing powder (suitable for vegetarians) or peppers and mushrooms for decorating

Preparation: Add the oil, water and Dawn Savoury Muffin Mix into a mixing bowl and mix for 1 minute on 1st speed with a beater. Scrape down and mix for a further 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Fold in the onions, mushrooms, red peppers and green peppers. Deposit 125g into muffin wrap cases.

To finish: Before baking, brush the tops with Dawn Unishine Plus. Sprinkle the stuffing powder on top or decorate with peppers and mushrooms.

Bake: Bake at 190°C for approximately 30 minutes in a multi deck oven, or, at 170°C for approximately 30 minutes in a fan-assisted oven.