Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins Sunshine in Every Bite
Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins Sunshine In Every
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever have one of those mornings where you need a little sunshine? Honestly, these cranberry orange muffins are exactly what you need.
The tangy cranberry and bright orange are a match made in heaven!
Brief Overview
These little beauties are inspired by classic American baking, perfect for a quick easy muffin recipe . They are super easy to make, taking around 45 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe yields 12 muffins, great for sharing with friends or family!
Main Benefits
Besides tasting amazing, these cranberry orange muffins boast a nice hit of vitamin C. They're ideal for a festive brunch recipes spread, or even a cheeky afternoon treat.
What makes them truly special is the zesty flavour that brightens up any day.
Craving a Sweet and Tangy Treat?
You know when you fancy something sweet, but not too sweet? That's where these cranberry orange muffins come in. They are utterly perfect.
Originating as a simple twist on the classic buttermilk muffin recipe , it didn't take long for my recipe to become a crowd favorite.
Seriously, my family demands them during the holidays. These muffins are a breeze to bake in under an hour. You will get around 12 fluffy, flavour-packed muffins.
Why You'll Love These Muffins
One of the big upsides is that cranberries are packed with antioxidants, so you get a little boost of goodness with your treat.
They're amazing any time of year, but especially lovely for holiday baking ideas or a special cranberry desserts . Plus, the citrus muffin recipes are a great way to use up those winter oranges.
These are way better than any shop-bought orange cranberry bread and perfect as quick breakfast muffins . Forget cranberry orange scones (they are dry anyway, aren't they?), give me one of these any day.
Let's move onto the ingredients...
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Cranberry Orange Muffins
Right, let's talk ingredients. These cranberry orange muffins are super easy. Honestly, getting the right stuff is half the battle.
It's like making a proper cup of tea, innit? You need good tea bags to start with!
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups (300g) . Just your bog-standard plain flour.
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150g) . Caster sugar works too, if you have it.
- Baking powder: 2 ½ teaspoons . Don't skimp, it's what makes them rise!
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon . Just a little bit.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon . Enhances the flavor.
- Vegetable oil: ½ cup (120ml) . Canola or sunflower oil are perfect.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) . Adds a lovely tang. Can't find it? Use milk with a splash of lemon juice, sorted! That's what my nan always did.
- Large eggs: 2 . Free-range if you can, darling.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons . Pure vanilla is always best.
- Orange extract: 1 teaspoon . Optional, but gives it a real zing .
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: 1 ½ cups (150g) . Roughly chopped, mind you. Frozen's fine, no need to be a martyr.
- Orange zest: From 1 large orange . About 1 tablespoon . Don't miss this; it's key.
- Coarse sugar: ¼ cup (50g) . For sprinkling on top. Makes them look all fancy.
Quality indicators? For the cranberries, if they're fresh, they should be plump and firm. The orange? It should smell intensely orangey . Obvious, I know.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Fireworks
The orange zest is essential . That citrusy aroma? Oh my gosh! Don't leave it out. A bit of orange extract boosts the flavor.
It's like adding gravy to your Sunday roast. It makes a massive difference! Want to make orange cranberry bread ? add the same seasoning notes.
For substitutions, lemon zest works if you're after citrus muffin recipes , or even a bit of almond extract for something different.
These additions could easily be used to prepare cranberry orange scones .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- 12-cup muffin tin. Absolutely vital.
- Muffin liners. Optional, but saves on washing up.
- Two large mixing bowls. For wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk. To get rid of lumps.
- Rubber spatula. For gentle folding.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Accurate measuring is important!.
- Zester. For the orange zest, obviously.
- Ice Cream Scoop. To fill muffin tins evenly.
Alternatives? If you don't have a zester, a fine grater will do. No muffin liners? Grease the tin well. Sorted! These cranberry muffin recipe easy ? I reckon so! Perfect if you need some festive brunch recipes , some quick breakfast muffins or a holiday baking ideas !
Cooking Method: Cranberry Orange Muffins – Easy Peasy!
Oh my gosh, who doesn't love a good muffin? Especially one that screams " festive brunch recipes " like these cranberry orange muffins ! Honestly, they're like little bites of sunshine, perfect for a quick breakfast muffins or a lazy Sunday.
This easy muffin recipe is so simple, even I can't mess it up. And that's saying something!
Prep Steps – Get Your Mise en Place On!
First things first, get organised! It's called mise en place , proper fancy, but just means having everything ready. Zest your orange - makes sure is shiny, bright, and smell gorgeously! Chop those cranberries – fresh ones are great, but frozen work just as well.
Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Trust me, a little prep saves a whole load of stress later.
Step-by-Step Process – From Bowl to Oven
- Whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 ½ cups flour, ¾ cup sugar, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the wet stuff: ½ cup oil, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon orange extract.
- Pour the wet into the dry. Gently stir, just until combined . Lumps are your friends here. Seriously, don't overmix it.
- Fold in 1 ½ cups of chopped cranberries and the zest of one big orange.
- Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes , or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Pro Tips – Muffin Mastery
Want to take your cranberry orange muffins to the next level? Here’s a tip! Tossing the cranberries in a little flour helps stop them sinking to the bottom.
Clever, eh? Don't overmix the batter – seriously, it's the cardinal sin of muffin making! And if you fancy getting ahead, you can mix the dry ingredients the night before.
Sorted! These are great with orange cranberry bread or even as an alternative to cranberry orange scones .
So there you have it! A super simple, super delicious cranberry muffin recipe easy . Perfect for a holiday baking ideas session or just a cosy afternoon treat. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Right then, let's chat about these amazing cranberry orange muffins . It's all about the little things that make them extra special.
Honestly, this cranberry muffin recipe easy will become your go-to. You know, a little twist here and there can transform them.
Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Bakes!
Okay, so how about we make these cranberry orange muffins look the absolute business? A light dusting of icing sugar? Yes, please! Arrange them on a pretty plate.
Then serve with a glass of bucks fizz - or some kind of festive brunch recipes to go with that citrus muffin recipes .
A few fresh orange slices on the side always make them look fancy too.
Storage Tips: Keeping 'Em Fresh
Right, so you've baked a batch. Don't worry if there are left overs! Stash your cooled cranberry orange muffins in an airtight container.
That will keep them fresh for up to three days. If you want them longer, freeze them individually. Wrap them well.
They'll last for up to two months. Defrost before enjoying. Reheat briefly in the microwave.
Variations: Make It Your Own!
Fancy a change? Go for orange cranberry bread , swap the buttermilk in this buttermilk muffin recipe with yogurt for a tangier flavour.
To make these holiday baking ideas come to life, add a handful of chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.
Honestly, you could even try swapping the orange zest with lemon, if that's your thing! These are also very similar to cranberry orange scones if that's what you were looking for.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Goodness
Let's be real; muffins aren't health food. However, these cranberry orange muffins do offer a little bit of goodness! Cranberries are packed with antioxidants.
They can give you a bit of a boost. And the orange provides some vitamin C. It's all about balance, right? It´s a great recipe for quick breakfast muffins .
So there you have it! A few extra tips. Some fun ideas. Go forth and bake those cranberry orange muffins ! Don´t be afraid to experiment.
They are perfect cranberry desserts . Get baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries for these cranberry orange muffins?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly well in this recipe, just don't thaw them first. Toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom – a little trick that's as useful as a chocolate teapot!
My cranberry orange muffins are dry! What did I do wrong?
Dry muffins are a common baking woe! Overmixing the batter is often the culprit, as it develops too much gluten. Remember to mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, make sure you're measuring your flour correctly – spooning it into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag can make a big difference, a bit like the difference between a biscuit and a scone.
How do I store these cranberry orange muffins to keep them fresh?
To keep your muffins fresh as a daisy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in cling film before freezing, then thaw them at room temperature for a delicious treat whenever the mood strikes. They're as good as new – almost!
Can I make these cranberry orange muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum, as it acts as a binder that gluten usually provides. It's a pretty straightforward swap, really. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free baked goods can sometimes bake a little faster.
Are there any substitutions I can make for the buttermilk in these cranberry orange muffins?
Of course! If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and it will thicken slightly, mimicking the properties of buttermilk. It's a clever trick that works a treat!
Can I add nuts to these cranberry orange muffins?
Absolutely! Adding nuts can enhance the flavour and add a little crunch to your muffins. Walnuts or pecans are excellent choices - about ½ cup of chopped nuts stirred into the batter along with the cranberries will do the trick. Just remember to add them after you've combined the wet and dry ingredients, before the cranberries, to ensure even distribution, otherwise, they might all clump together!
