Outrageously Good Orange Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These orange muffins are light and fluffy, with a refreshing citrus flavor that comes from both fresh orange juice and zest. They're easy to make, versatile, and can be customized to suit dietary preferences (gluten-free or dairy-free). Plus, they look like something straight from a bakery with their tall tops and crunchy finish. The best part? They’re a fantastic way to use up those winter oranges and make your kitchen smell incredible.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup almond flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup organic cane sugar (or coconut sugar)

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup fresh orange juice

• 2 tablespoon orange zest

• ½ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup butter (or olive/avocado oil for dairy-free)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon almond extract

• Coarse sugar for topping (optional)

• Sliced almonds (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners and lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the orange juice, zest, yogurt, butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well until fully combined.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar and top with sliced almonds for extra crunch.

6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter and a few extra on top for a sweet twist.

• Cranberry Orange Muffins: Fold in 1 cup of fresh cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweet orange flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free 1:1 all-purpose flour blend.

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt and swap the butter for olive oil or avocado oil.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, refrigerate them to maintain freshness.

• Freezing: You can freeze these muffins for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back their warm, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt and the butter with olive or avocado oil.

How can I make these muffins sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter muffin, you can increase the sugar by 2 tablespoons or add extra sugar on top before baking.

What can I substitute for the orange zest?

If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use a small amount of orange extract or lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of almond flour?

Yes, you can replace the almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour if you prefer.

How do I get bakery-style muffin tops?

Baking at a higher temperature (400°F) helps the muffins rise tall and have that signature bakery top.

What if my muffins turn out too dense?

Ensure you don't overmix the batter, as overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Mix until just combined for light, fluffy muffins.

Can I add other fruits to the batter?

Yes, feel free to experiment with adding fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples for a twist.

Can I add a glaze to these muffins?

A simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice can be drizzled over the muffins for extra sweetness and shine.

How long do these muffins last?

These muffins will stay fresh at room temperature for 2 days, and you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Conclusion

These outrageously good orange muffins are a delightful way to brighten your day with their burst of citrusy goodness. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, they are a perfect snack or breakfast treat for any occasion. Plus, with simple swaps, you can make them gluten-free or dairy-free without sacrificing taste. Give them a try and enjoy the fresh, bakery-style muffin experience at home!

Print