Who doesn’t love a warm, freshly baked muffin to start the day? These Orange Muffins are light, fluffy, and packed with fresh orange flavor. The citrusy zing of the orange pairs perfectly with the soft texture of the muffin, making each bite a burst of brightness. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or as a mid-afternoon snack, these muffins are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fresh oranges.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Orange Muffins are so easy to make, yet they taste like something you’d find in a bakery! The sweet, tangy flavor from the orange juice and zest adds such a refreshing twist. The crumb is tender and moist, thanks to the addition of yogurt, and the hint of vanilla balances the citrus perfectly. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, and your kitchen will smell heavenly as they bake. These muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients. For the full list, check out the details below!
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
- Yogurt (or sour cream)
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
For the full ingredient breakdown, keep reading below!
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the muffin cups lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the fresh orange juice, orange zest, yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s smooth and combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins. The batter should be slightly lumpy, and that’s perfectly fine.
Step 5: Scoop the Batter into the Muffin Tin
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 of the way full. This will give them room to rise while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Bake the muffins for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when touched.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Oranges: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated zest. The natural oils in the zest really enhance the flavor of the muffins.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing muffin batter can lead to dense muffins. Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined to ensure they stay light and fluffy.
- For Extra Moisture: If you want your muffins to be extra moist, substitute part of the oil with applesauce. It adds moisture without affecting the flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add-ins: Feel free to mix in some extras, like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts, for added texture and flavor.
- Make It Healthier: You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. If you prefer less sugar, you can reduce the sugar by half or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan version, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water), non-dairy yogurt, and a plant-based oil.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Orange Muffins are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. If you want to make them a little more indulgent, spread some butter or cream cheese on top. They also pair well with a side of fresh fruit, like strawberries or berries.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your Orange Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
4 FAQs
- Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice will give the best flavor, but if you must use bottled juice, make sure it’s 100% pure orange juice without any added sugars or preservatives. - Can I add other fruits to these muffins?
Yes! You can add small chunks of fresh fruit, like berries, or even a bit of chopped apple for added texture. Just be mindful that wetter fruits may affect the texture, so be sure to chop them finely. - Why are my muffins dense?
Dense muffins are often caused by overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Make sure you measure your flour correctly and avoid overmixing when combining the wet and dry ingredients. - Can I make this recipe into a loaf?
Absolutely! You can easily transform this recipe into an orange loaf by pouring the batter into a greased loaf pan. Just bake it for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Conclusion
These Orange Muffins are a bright, citrusy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re simple to make, but the fresh orange flavor makes them feel special every time. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a snack, they’re sure to bring a little sunshine to your day. Give them a try, and watch them disappear in no time!
Print
Orange Muffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Orange Muffins are light, fluffy, and packed with fresh orange flavor. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, they combine the tangy taste of orange juice and zest with a tender, moist crumb.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add orange juice, orange zest, yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Scoop the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use Fresh Oranges: Freshly squeezed orange juice and grated zest provide the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: For fluffy muffins, stir the batter gently to avoid making them dense.
- Extra Moisture: Substitute part of the oil with applesauce for extra moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg