These bright and fluffy orange muffins are a treat for your taste buds! Bursting with sweet orange flavor, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of day.
I’m always amazed at how easy they are to whip up. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Plus, they make your kitchen smell amazing—who could resist that? 🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your muffins. If you want a healthier twist, use whole wheat flour. Just remember, it might make the muffins a little denser.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works great, but for a bit of depth, consider using brown sugar. It gives a slight caramel flavor that pairs nicely with orange.
Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh is key for the best flavor! If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled juice can work, but use less as it’s more concentrated. Don’t skip the zest—it’s where a lot of flavor lives!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, but you could use vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just melt it completely before mixing!
Eggs: If you need a vegan substitute, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water).
How Do You Get Moist Muffins Every Time?
To keep your muffins moist, follow these tips: Avoid overmixing the batter; mix until ingredients just come together. Also, don’t bake them too long as this can dry them out. Always check for doneness a couple of minutes before the time is up.
- Keep an eye on them as they bake, starting to check around 18 minutes.
- Allow them to cool in the pan for a short time before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture.
Orange Muffins Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- Orange zest for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 18-22 minutes to bake, making a total of around 30-35 minutes (including cooling time). Perfect for a quick breakfast treat or a delightful snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, start whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure everything is well blended before adding the wet ingredients.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is combined well to create a smooth mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy. This keeps your muffins light and fluffy!
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This allows space for them to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready!
7. Cool Down:
Once baked, carefully remove the muffins from the oven. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain a nice texture.
8. Optional Glaze:
If you’d like to add a sweet glaze, mix the powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this mixture over the cooled muffins and sprinkle with orange zest for a delightful touch.
9. Enjoy Your Delicious Orange Muffins!
Dig in and enjoy the bright, citrusy sweetness of these moist and tender muffins with a cup of tea or coffee. Happy baking!
Can I Use Bottled Orange Juice Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use bottled orange juice in a pinch, but fresh juice really enhances the flavor. If using bottled, try to find one that’s 100% pure with no added sugars for the best results.
Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum for better texture. Just make sure to follow the blend’s specific instructions for best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each muffin well in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Muffins?
Definitely! Feel free to add ingredients like chocolate chips, blueberries, or walnuts for added flavor and texture. Just be sure not to overfill the muffin cups if you add extra mix-ins!
