Easy & Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins
These Easy & Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins are the perfect way to brighten up your breakfast or snack time. With their delightful blend of tart cranberries and vibrant orange flavor, these muffins are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Fluffy, moist, and bursting with fruity goodness, they serve as a lovely start to your day or a delicious afternoon delight.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Servings: 16-18 muffins
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180
- Protein: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 7 grams
- Sodium: 180 mg
Why Make This Easy & Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins
These muffins are not only easy to prepare, but they also pack a flavorful punch that will impress anyone who tries them. The combination of sweet and tart from the cranberries, along with the zesty orange, creates a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, they use a simple base of cake mix, making the process quick and straightforward. You can whip up a batch for brunch, serve them at a family gathering, or simply enjoy them as a delicious snack throughout the week.
How to Make Easy & Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins
Step 1: Preparation
Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin pan with 16-18 cups by lightly spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with paper muffin liners.
Step 2: Mixing
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl (or using your stand mixer), combine the cake mix, flour, and baking powder. Give them a quick stir on low speed until they’re just combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: Now, add the sour cream (or yogurt), vegetable oil, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and both extracts (if you’re using them) to the bowl. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then mix again on medium-high speed for another 30 seconds until your batter looks smooth.
Step 3: Cooking
Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the fresh or frozen cranberries into the batter by hand. Be careful not to overmix; just combine them until they’re evenly distributed.
Fill Muffin Cups: Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, divide the batter evenly among your prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
Prepare the Streusel: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest for the topping. Use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar – this helps release those wonderful citrus oils! Stir in the tablespoon of flour, then add 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Continue mixing with your fingers until the streusel has the consistency of wet sand. If it feels too dry, add a third teaspoon of oil and mix again.
Step 4: Finishing
Top & Bake: Sprinkle a generous amount of the streusel topping over the batter in each muffin cup. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 21-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently remove them and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve Easy & Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins
These muffins are divine as a breakfast treat or as an afternoon snack. Serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy experience. They also make a lovely addition to a brunch spread or a cheerful option for a holiday gathering. For added indulgence, you might consider serving them with a light drizzle of glaze or a smear of butter.
How to Store Easy & Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins
Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy & Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the cranberries, mix just until they are incorporated to avoid tough muffins.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries give a better taste, but frozen ones work just fine!
- Customize the Topping: Feel free to add nuts or oats to the streusel topping for extra texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the batter or topping.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip Variation: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful twist.
- Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Lemon Zest: Replace orange zest with lemon zest for a zesty lemon-orange muffin variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix and flour to make them gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. -
Can I replace the oil with applesauce?
Yes, for a lower-fat version, you can substitute the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce in a 1:1 ratio. -
How do I know when my muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they are done. If it’s gooey, give them a few more minutes. -
Can I freeze the batter?
Yes, you can freeze the batter for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. -
What can I pair with these muffins?
These muffins pair wonderfully with yogurt, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream cheese for a rich twist.
Conclusion
These Easy & Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins offer a delightful way to brighten your day with their vibrant flavors and moist texture. They are simple enough for a quick bake, yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a convenient snack throughout the week, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients and bring a burst of citrus sunshine into your home today!
Print
Easy & Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 16-18 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These muffins are a flavorful blend of tart cranberries and vibrant orange, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 box of cake mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup sour cream or yogurt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for streusel)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (for streusel)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 2–3 teaspoons vegetable oil (for streusel)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin pan with 16-18 cups.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, flour, and baking powder; stir on low speed until just combined.
- Add sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and extracts; mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then medium-high speed for another 30 seconds.
- Gently fold cranberries into the batter by hand.
- Divide the batter among prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full.
- For the streusel topping, mix granulated sugar and orange zest; rub together, then stir in flour and oil until crumbly.
- Sprinkle streusel over muffin batter and bake for 21-23 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
