Outrageously Good Orange Muffins

As I stumbled upon a chilly morning, I was reminded of the comforting warmth of freshly baked muffins, especially Outrageously Good Orange Muffins. The smell of citrus fills the air, awakening the senses and igniting a sense of nostalgia. These muffins are not just a treat but a delightful experience that transports you to sunny mornings with a cup of coffee in hand. I remember the first time I made them; the zest of the oranges dancing in the bowl, blending perfectly with sugar, creating a fragrant mixture that brought smiles all around. With every bite, you’ll find a burst of citrusy goodness that’s both sweet and refreshing.

Ingredients Required for Outrageously Good Orange Muffins

When it comes to baking, the right ingredients can make all the difference. For these Outrageously Good Orange Muffins, I carefully select each component to ensure a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The key players include fresh oranges, which provide natural sweetness and zest, and a mix of flours that lend both moisture and structure to the muffins.

• All-purpose flour: 1 ¾ cup (210g) – This is the foundation of the muffins, providing structure and lightness.
• Almond flour: ½ cup (56g) – Adds a delightful nuttiness and moisture, making the muffins tender.
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon – A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise beautifully.
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon – Works in tandem with the baking powder to ensure a fluffy texture.
• Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Orange zest: Zest from 2 large oranges – Infuses the muffins with a vibrant citrus flavor.
• Organic cane sugar: 1 cup (200g) – Sweetens the muffins while complementing the orange zest.
• Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice: ½ cup (100g) – Provides moisture and a burst of fresh flavor.
• Greek yogurt: ¾ cup (75g) – Adds creaminess and keeps the muffins moist.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – A classic flavor enhancer that rounds out the sweetness.
• Almond extract: ½ teaspoon – Adds a subtle almond flavor that pairs beautifully with orange.
• Salted butter: ½ cup (1 stick, 113g), melted – Enriches the muffins with a buttery flavor.
• Coarse sugar: For sprinkling – Adds a delightful crunch to the muffin tops.

Recipe Steps for Outrageously Good Orange Muffins

Making these Outrageously Good Orange Muffins is a straightforward process, and you’ll find it incredibly rewarding! Let’s dive into each step to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly. Follow the instructions carefully and enjoy the delightful journey of baking.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners. Make sure to spray the inside of the liners with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial to ensure your muffins release easily after baking.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly through the batter.

3. In a separate large bowl, combine the orange zest and organic cane sugar. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar for at least 30 seconds. This process infuses the sugar with the vibrant flavor of the orange zest.

4. Add the eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the bowl with the sugar and zest mixture. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. The mixture should be creamy and fragrant.

5. Now it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a wooden spoon. Stir until just combined; it’s important not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, and we want them to be light and fluffy.

6. Finally, stir in the melted butter until everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth and thick, but be careful not to overwork it. A few lumps are okay!

7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. You can use a cookie scoop for easy portioning. If you like, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.

8. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 to 19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overbaking.

9. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows them to maintain their delightful texture.

10. For storage, keep the orange muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, place the muffins in reusable silicone bags and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply reheat it in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or thaw at room temperature.

Recipe Tips about Outrageously Good Orange Muffins

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Outrageously Good Orange Muffins turn out perfectly every time! Follow these suggestions to enhance your baking experience.

• Storage: For optimal freshness, store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
• Freezing: These muffins freeze beautifully! Store them in reusable silicone bags and reheat when desired.
• Pairing: Serve with a dollop of cream cheese or a side of fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast spread.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add in ½ cup of chocolate chips or fresh cranberries to the batter for added flavor.
• Garnishing: A sprinkle of sliced almonds on top before baking adds a beautiful crunch and flavor.

Serving Ideas for Outrageously Good Orange Muffins

When it comes to serving these delightful Outrageously Good Orange Muffins, the possibilities are endless!

• Breakfast Delight: Serve warm muffins freshly baked alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning treat.
• Brunch Star: Add them to your brunch spread with fresh fruits, yogurt, and a variety of spreads.
• Snack Time: Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet afternoon snack that’s sure to please the kids.
• Holiday Treat: These muffins are great for festive gatherings, making them a seasonal favorite for family celebrations.
• On-the-Go Snack: Perfect for busy mornings, these muffins can be grabbed and enjoyed on the way out the door!
• Gifting Option: Wrap them in cellophane and gift them to friends or family as a homemade treat.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Outrageously Good Orange Muffins are truly a delightful treat that brings a burst of sunshine to your day. Their moist texture, paired with the zing of fresh orange, makes them a perfect choice for breakfast or any time you crave something sweet. I encourage you to try making these muffins yourself—you won’t regret it! Enjoy the experience of baking and the joy of indulging in these heavenly muffins!

Outrageously Good Orange Muffins

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Outrageously Good Orange Muffins. With a vibrant citrus flavor and moist texture, they make for a perfect breakfast or snack. Experience the deliciousness tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 12 muffins

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1.75 cup All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup Almond flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon Kosher salt
• item Orange zest Zest from 2 large oranges
• 1 cup Organic cane sugar
• 2 item Eggs Large, at room temperature
• 0.5 cup Freshly squeezed orange juice From about 2 large oranges
• 0.75 cup Greek yogurt Vanilla or plain, whole milk or 2% preferred
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon Almond extract
• 0.5 cup Salted butter Melted
• item Coarse sugar For sprinkling, optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners and spray the inside of the liners with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
• In a separate large bowl, combine the orange zest and organic cane sugar. Rub the zest into the sugar for 30 seconds.
• Add the eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the sugar mixture. Whisk until smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Stir in the melted butter.
• Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
• Bake for 15 to 19 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
• Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 1 week. Freeze for longer storage.

Notes

• Tip 1: I love sprinkling sliced almonds on these muffins before baking for added crunch!
• Tip 2: For orange chocolate chip muffins, stir in ½ cup of mini or regular chocolate chips after mixing the batter.
• Tip 3: For cranberry orange muffins, fold in 1 heaping cup of fresh cranberries.
• Tip 4: To make dairy-free, use dairy-free yogurt and vegan butter or oil.

Keyword baking muffins, Citrus Muffins, Easy Muffins, Orange Muffins Recipe