I absolutely love making cranberry orange muffins with pecan topping! The sweet and tart flavors mix beautifully, making every bite a treat. To start, I combine all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder, then mix in melted butter and buttermilk for moisture. Don’t forget to fold in those juicy cranberries! The pecan topping adds a crunchy surprise that I can’t resist. Bake them at 375°F for about 18-20 minutes, and trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing! These muffins are perfect for breakfast or a cozy gathering. Stick around, and I’ll share tips on serving them just right!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
When biting into these Cranberry Orange Muffins, you’ll immediately be captivated by the perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet citrus.
Plus, you’ll love the added health benefits and seasonal flavors! Here are three reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Bursting with vitamins from cranberries
- Invigorating citrus aroma
- Perfect for cozy gatherings
Trust me, you’ll want to make these!
Recipe
Looking for a delicious and invigorating treat to brighten up your mornings? Try our Cranberry Orange Muffins recipe! These delightful muffins combine the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty flavor of orange, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that will awaken your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then fold in the cranberries.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes:
- For an extra burst of flavor, you may add chopped walnuts or pecans.
- If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw before mixing into the batter to prevent excess moisture.
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories: Approximately 190 per muffin
Cuisine:
These delightful Cranberry Orange Muffins are perfect for a cozy breakfast or as a snack anytime throughout the day, adding a touch of cheer to your culinary repertoire!
Enjoy the delightful flavors of this classic American treat.
Equipment
To whip up a batch of these Cranberry Orange Muffins, having the right equipment on hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need a few, one for the dry ingredients and another for the wet.
- A muffin tin – Essential for baking those delightful muffins.
- Measuring cups – They guarantee you get the ingredients just right!
What to Serve With This Recipe
When I whip up a batch of cranberry orange muffins, I love thinking about what to serve alongside them.
A steaming cup of coffee or tea really brings out those zesty flavors, and some yogurt or scrambled eggs make for a hearty breakfast.
Plus, these muffins are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy morning at home or a cheerful brunch with friends!
Perfect Beverage Pairings
There’s something delightful about pairing the right beverage with cranberry orange muffins.
I love sipping on a smooth coffee variety, like a hazelnut or vanilla blend, to complement the muffin’s flavors.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try a citrusy tea selection—like lemon ginger!
Both options enhance the muffin experience while adding a cozy touch to your morning.
Enjoy!
Delicious Breakfast Sides
For a truly satisfying breakfast, I love serving cranberry orange muffins alongside a variety of delicious sides.
Fresh fruit like berries or slices of orange adds unique flavor combinations, making the meal brighter.
A yogurt parfait with granola not only tastes great but also packs in breakfast nutrition tips.
It’s a perfect way to balance sweetness and health on your plate!
Ideal Serving Occasions
Cranberry orange muffins shine at various gatherings, making them an ideal choice for brunches, holiday celebrations, or casual get-togethers.
I love serving them at a holiday brunch with family, and they always spark joy during cozy gatherings with friends.
Pair them with some warm coffee or tea, and you’ve got the perfect treats that everyone will adore.
Enjoy baking and sharing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Fresh Cranberries With Dried Cranberries?
Sure, I’ve substituted fresh cranberries with dried cranberries before. The texture changes a bit, making muffins sweeter and denser. I love experimenting with different cranberry varieties; it adds a unique twist to my baking!
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
I always store leftover muffins in an airtight container to maintain muffin freshness. If I need them for later, I pop them in the freezer. This way, I can enjoy my pastries anytime without worry!
Are These Muffins Suitable for Freezing?
I’ve stashed away muffins in my freezer like hidden treasure, and they’ve emerged with great texture preservation. Yes, these muffins are perfect for muffin freezing! You’ll enjoy them fresh even weeks later. Grab that freedom!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour in This Recipe?
Absolutely, you can use gluten-free flour! Just remember to adjust your baking time and perhaps add a binding agent like xanthan gum. I’ve found it’s all about experimenting and discovering new flavors in our baking journey!
What’s the Best Way to Ripen Oranges Quickly?
If you’re wondering how to ripen oranges quickly, I’ve found that storing them in a paper bag with an apple or banana really helps. It’s one of my favorite fruit storage tips for enhancing sweetness!
