Cranberry Orange Sunshine Muffins
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Cranberry Orange Sunshine Muffins
Ever get a craving for something bright and cheery? Something that tastes like a hug? These cranberry orange zest muffins are exactly that. Honestly, they’re like little bites of sunshine.
A Taste of Home: Brief Overview
These aren't just any cranberry muffins . They're a celebration of flavour! These muffins bring a taste of the holidays any time of year.
They're super easy. Expect to spend around 45 minutes from start to finish. This muffin recipe yields 12 perfect muffins.
Share them, if you really want to!
Why You'll Love These Muffins: Main Benefits
Besides tasting amazing, these citrus muffins are packed with Vitamin C thanks to the orange juice. They are perfect for a homemade brunch recipe or a quick breakfast on the go.
What makes them special? The combo of tart cranberries and bright orange. It is a flavour explosion.
Let's Get Baking: Ingredients
Right then, let's grab our kit and start baking these gorgeous cranberry orange muffins ! First, we need 2 cups of all-purpose flour .
¾ cup of granulated sugar is next. Then it's 2 teaspoons of baking powder , and ½ teaspoon each of baking soda and salt .
Don't forget the wet bits! ½ cup of vegetable oil , ¾ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice , 2 large eggs , 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and zest from 1 large orange .
Lastly 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries chopped, of course!.
These breakfast muffins are so simple, even a complete beginner can nail them. Honestly, if I can do it, anyone can! Get ready for a taste of sunshine!
Ingredients & Equipment
Ready to whip up some smashing cranberry orange zest muffins ? Grab your apron and let's get started. Honestly, this easy muffin recipe is so simple, it's practically foolproof.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g). Go for a good quality unbleached flour for a better rise.
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g). Regular white sugar does the trick.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons . This is your rising agent. Don't skip it!
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon . Helps with browning.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon . Balances the sweetness.
- Vegetable Oil: ½ cup (120ml). Keeps the muffins moist.
- Orange Juice: ¾ cup (180ml). Freshly squeezed really makes a difference, trust me.
- Large Eggs: 2 . Room temperature is ideal for better incorporation.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons . Adds a touch of warmth.
- Orange Zest: From 1 large orange (about 2 teaspoons). This is where the magic happens!
- Cranberries: 1 cup (100g), chopped. Fresh or frozen, your call. If using frozen, no need to thaw them.
Seasoning Notes
For these citrus muffins , the orange zest baking is the star. Don't be shy. Also, a pinch of nutmeg can add a lovely, subtle warmth.
If you're feeling adventurous, a dash of cardamom is also lovely.
Want a quick substitution? Lemon zest and juice can replace the orange for a lemon- cranberry muffins . Works a treat!
Equipment Needed
- Muffin tin (12-cup). The heart of the operation.
- Muffin liners (optional). Makes for easier cleanup.
- Two large mixing bowls. One for wet, one for dry.
- Whisk. For combining dry ingredients.
- Rubber spatula. For gentle folding.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy is key!
- Zester. For that precious orange zest recipe .
Don't have muffin liners? Just grease the muffin tin really well.
Cranberry Orange Sunshine Muffins: A Taste of Happiness
Right then, let’s get cracking and bake some proper good cranberry orange zest muffins ! Honestly, these are a ray of sunshine.
Perfect with a cuppa. This is your blueprint for baking bliss. It's perfect for a Sunday bake off or a cheeky midweek treat.
Prep Like a Pro: Setting the Stage for Muffin Magic
First, mise en place , yeah? Get everything measured out. It saves so much time. Chop your fresh cranberries . Zest that orange zest , proper fine.
It's all about flavour. Don't forget to preheat the oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . I always line my muffin tin, less mess innit?
Safety first! Don't be a numpty. Mind your fingers with that zester. Hot oven burns are a right pain.
Baking Brilliance: step-by-step to Scrumptious
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Easy peasy!
- In another bowl, mix oil, orange juice , eggs, vanilla, and orange zest . The smell is amazing!
- Pour the wet into the dry. Gently stir. A few flour streaks are fine.
- Fold in those chopped cranberries. Don't overmix, yeah?
- Fill each muffin cup ⅔ full.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes . A skewer should come out clean.
- Cool in the tin a bit. Then, cool completely on a wire rack.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Superior Cranberry Muffins
- Don't overmix the batter. Seriously, that's how you get tough orange muffins .
- Zest is key! It's where that intense flavour comes from.
- Want to get ahead? Mix the dry ingredients the night before. Sorted!
If you don't have time for homemade muffins , you can even buy store-bought ones and add a bit of orange zest baking .
Recipe Notes for Your Cranberry Orange Zest Muffins
So, you're about to bake some smashing cranberry orange zest muffins ? Ace! Here are a few extra notes to make sure yours turn out spot-on.
Honestly, even if you bodge it a bit, they'll still taste amazing. Right, let’s crack on!
Serving Like a Pro
Fancy plating? I say, go simple but elegant. Dust with a little icing sugar. Maybe add a sprig of rosemary for colour.
A blob of clotted cream? Yes, please! For a real treat, serve these breakfast muffins with a strong cup of tea.
They also pair beautifully with a crisp glass of prosecco for a homemade brunch recipe . Or, just grab one straight from the cooling rack.
I won't judge.
Storing Your Bakes
These citrus muffins are usually gone in a flash at my place. But if you've got more restraint than me, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about three days.
Want them to last longer? Pop them in the fridge. They'll be good for up to a week. Fancy future dessert muffins ? Freeze them.
Just wrap them individually. They'll keep for up to two months. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Easy peasy.
Switch It Up!
Fancy a change? Why not try lemon instead of orange? Lemon cranberry muffins are just as delicious. Need gluten-free fresh cranberry muffins ? No worries.
Loads of gluten-free flour blends work a treat. A bit of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, adds a lovely crunch too.
The easy muffin recipe allows a great canvas to experiment.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Each cranberry orange muffin is roughly 220 calories. They've got a bit of protein, fat, and carbs to keep you going.
Plus, the cranberries are packed with antioxidants! And that orange zest baking gives you a Vitamin C boost. It's practically health food! Or at least, that’s what I like to tell myself when I’m having my third snack muffin of the day.
So there you have it. Now you’re equipped to bake the best cranberry orange zest muffins ever! Remember, don’t overthink it. Just have fun, and enjoy the process. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries for these cranberry orange zest muffins, or do I need fresh ones?
Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen cranberries work a treat in this recipe. If using frozen, there's no need to thaw them beforehand; just toss them in while they're still frozen. They'll bake up beautifully and add that lovely tartness we're after, no soggy bottoms here!
My cranberry orange zest muffins are coming out a bit dry. What am I doing wrong?
Dry muffins are a baker's worst nightmare, a bit like a soggy biscuit! The most common culprit is overbaking, so try reducing the baking time by a few minutes. Also, be sure you're not overmixing the batter; only mix until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined a few streaks of flour are fine.
Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher, drier muffins. Make sure to measure your ingredients properly, too. A good set of measuring spoons and cups is a baker's best friend.
How do I store these cranberry orange zest muffins to keep them fresh?
To keep your muffins as delightful as the day you baked them, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Wrap them individually in cling film before placing them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn, as no one wants a freezer burnt muffin!
Can I substitute anything for the orange zest in the cranberry orange zest muffins recipe?
Orange zest is key to the flavour of this recipe, a bit like the secret ingredient in your grandma's famous gravy! However, if you're fresh out of oranges, lemon zest makes a decent substitute, giving a similar citrusy zing.
You could also use a teaspoon of orange extract, though the zest provides a more vibrant and natural flavour.
What's the best way to get that perfect dome on my cranberry orange zest muffins?
Ah, the coveted muffin dome! For that picture perfect rise, a few things can help. First, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh they're the engine room of leavening. Fill the muffin cups quite full, about ⅔ to ¾ full. Also, a hot oven is key.
Preheat it properly, and consider starting with a slightly higher temperature for the first few minutes (e.g., 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes), then reduce it to the recommended temperature for the remainder of the baking time. This gives them that initial burst of heat for maximum lift.
Cranberry Orange Sunshine Muffins
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |