Description
Zesty citrus burst orange muffins deliver pure sunshine on a plate, bringing Mediterranean warmth to your breakfast table. Moist, tangy crumb and delicate orange essence invite you to savor morning bliss with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Flour and Leavening Agents:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Primary Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs: 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 5 tablespoons water)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375°F and positioning the muffin tin with paper liners or a light coating of grease.
- Create a vibrant liquid mixture by whisking together granulated sweetener, eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice, citrus zest, warm melted butter, creamy yogurt, and aromatic vanilla until achieving a harmonious, smooth consistency.
- In a separate vessel, thoroughly blend the dry components: all-purpose flour, leavening agents, and a pinch of salt, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, using delicate strokes to integrate components. Stop mixing the moment ingredients are just combined to maintain a tender muffin texture.
- Distribute the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until a slender testing implement emerges clean when inserted into the center of a muffin.
- Remove from oven and allow muffins to cool slightly in the tin before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling, preserving their delicate orange-infused structure.
Notes
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain a light, fluffy texture and prevent tough muffins.
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring equal measurement ratios.
- Use Greek yogurt for extra protein and tanginess, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Reserve some orange zest to sprinkle on top of muffins right after baking for enhanced citrus aroma and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg