Place sugar, butter, eggs, milk and vanilla in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and beginning to bubble. Remove from heat, strain if necessary (to remove any bits of cooked egg). Stir in raisins and let cool, uncovered, in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. (regular bake setting/not fan assisted) and grease or line 6 muffin cups.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add flour mixture to raisin/butter mixture and mix until all the flour is absorbed. Divide batter between 6 prepared muffin cups. (They do not rise much at all, so you’ll want to fill/over-fill the cup up.) Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden and a cake tester comes out clean. Remove from oven and spoon a kitchen teaspoon of maple syrup over each muffin. (I like to spoon another bit of maple syrup over the muffins just before serving, as well).
Notes
Be sure to read the notes above this Recipe Card, for more tips on making this recipe.