Whip Up Cloud-Like Orange Muffins: A Sunny Treat Recipe

Sweet mornings call for a delightful twist on classic breakfast pastries with these fluffy orange muffins that burst with citrusy charm.

Zesty orange zest dances through each tender crumb, creating a bright and irresistible treat.

Soft and pillowy, these muffins promise a sunshine-filled start to your day.

The aroma of fresh oranges will fill your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.

Packed with vibrant flavor and a delicate texture, these muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a go-to for both novice and experienced bakers.

You’ll want to savor every last crumb of these delectable orange-infused morsels.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 206 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Zesty Glazed Orange Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and creates tender muffin texture with soft crumb.
• Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and helps with golden-brown caramelization during baking.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agents that help muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the muffin's texture.
• Orange Juice: Infuses bright citrus flavor and adds natural moisture.
• Milk: Creates smooth batter and contributes to soft muffin consistency.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and helps achieve tender crumb.

• Orange Zest: Provides intense, concentrated citrus aroma and vibrant flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to complement orange notes.

Tools for Baking Glazed Orange Muffins Easily

• Large Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients without lumps.
• 12-Cup Muffin Tin: Needed to shape and bake your muffins evenly.
• Muffin Liners or Cooking Spray: Helps prevent muffins from sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Zester or Grater: Great for creating fresh orange zest.
• Toothpick: Used to check muffin doneness.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows muffins to cool without getting soggy.

How to Make Glazed Muffins That Pop with Citrus

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 180C and grab a muffin tin. Slip in some paper liners or give the pan a quick spray to prevent sticking.

• Create the Dry Foundation

Grab a roomy bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended. Mix with confidence and purpose.

• Awaken the Wet Elements

In another bowl, whisk your liquid ingredients until they dance together smoothly. Let the orange juice and zest bring vibrant energy to your mixture.

• Marry the Mixtures

Gently pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Fold them together with a light touch – lumpy is good, smooth is not. Stop mixing the moment everything looks barely combined.

• Fill and Bake

Scoop your batter into muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Slide the tin into the hot oven and let magic happen for 18-20 minutes.

• Cool and Celebrate

Once a toothpick comes out clean, pull those golden beauties out. Let them rest in the tin for five minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Your orange muffins are ready to devour!

Tips for the Best Texture in Orange Muffins

• Orange Zest Enhancement: Boost the citrusy flavor by using fresh orange zest and rolling the zest in sugar before adding to the batter for an intensified aroma.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to maintain the muffins' tender texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a lighter, lactose-free version.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before, then quickly mix and bake in the morning for fresh breakfast muffins with minimal morning effort.
• Flavor Twist Variations: Experiment by adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds, or fold in dried cranberries for an extra burst of complementary citrus flavor.

Presenting Glazed Muffins in a Tasty Way

• Breakfast Companion: Pair these zesty muffins with a steaming cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Serve alongside a colorful fruit salad and light yogurt to create an elegant brunch spread that will impress guests.
• Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Pack these muffins in lunch boxes or enjoy them during a midday break with a refreshing orange-infused herbal tea for a citrusy boost.
• Dessert Alternative: Dress up the muffins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert option.

Keeping Orange Muffins Moist and Fresh

• Quick Fridge Storage: Seal muffins in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Their zesty flavor stays fresh and delightful.
• Freezer-Friendly Stash: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.
• Breakfast Prep Strategy: Bake a batch on weekends and portion for grab-and-go morning meals. Line them up in single-serve containers for easy weekday breakfast planning.
• Glaze Tip for Freshness: Add orange glaze just before serving to maintain the muffins' crisp texture. Store glaze separately in a small sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Fluffy Orange Muffins Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Moist glazed orange muffins blend zesty citrus with sweet comfort in a delightful breakfast treat. Homemade goodness brings Mediterranean sunshine right to your plate, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 120 ml (½ cup) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 120 ml (½ cup) milk
• 100 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 orange)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 100 g (¾ cup) powdered sugar
• 23 tbsps freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 180C (350F) and set up muffin tin with paper liners or light grease, ensuring even coating.
2. Dry Mixture: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking until uniformly blended.
3. Wet Components: Whisk eggs, orange juice, milk, melted butter, orange zest, and vanilla extract into a smooth, integrated liquid mixture.
4. Batter Formation: Fold wet ingredients into dry mixture with minimal stirring, creating a slightly lumpy batter that preserves the muffins’ tender texture.
5. Baking Process: Fill muffin cups three-quarters full with batter, then transfer to preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted emerges clean.
6. Cooling and Finishing: Rest muffins in tin for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling; optionally drizzle with orange glaze for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and minimally to keep muffins tender and avoid developing tough, dense textures.
• Check Moisture Balance: Use fresh orange juice and zest for vibrant citrus flavor and ensure the batter isn’t too wet or dry.
• Optimize Zesting Technique: Carefully zest only the orange’s outer colored layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives or replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk for different dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg