Heavenly Fluffy Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Recipe

Baking a batch of warm cranberry orange pecan muffins can turn an ordinary morning into a delightful culinary experience.

These delectable treats blend tart cranberries with zesty orange notes and crunchy pecans.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a comforting breakfast or delicious snack.

Soft, moist interiors contrast beautifully with the nutty crunch of toasted pecans.

Each muffin delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that dance across your palate.

The simple recipe requires minimal effort but produces maximum satisfaction.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these irresistible muffins.

Bakeware for Cranberry Muffins You’ll Need

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating eggs, and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Muffin tin: 12-cup pan for perfectly shaped muffins.
• Medium bowl: For mixing dry ingredients.
• Large bowl: For combining wet ingredients and final batter.
• Small bowl: To prepare streusel topping.
• Whisk: For blending dry ingredients evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wire rack: To cool muffins after baking.
• Toothpick: To check muffin doneness.
• Spatula: For gentle folding and mixing.

Bake Muffins Packed with Flavor and Texture

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and prep your muffin tin with paper liners or a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Whip Together the Crumbly Topping

Mix flour, sugar, and crushed pecans in a small bowl. Drizzle melted butter and stir until it looks like delicate, sandy crumbs.

• Blend Dry Goodness

Grab a bowl and whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until perfectly combined.

• Cream Butter and Sweetness

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness.

• Introduce Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one by one, then toss in vanilla and orange zest. Pour in orange juice and sour cream, mixing until smooth.

• Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Don’t go crazy mixing – just combine until everything looks happy. Softly stir in cranberries and pecans.

• Fill and Top

Scoop batter into muffin cups, leaving some room at the top. Sprinkle that gorgeous streusel over each muffin.

• Bake to Perfection

Send those muffins into the oven for 18-20 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool and Enjoy

Let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before devouring.

Tips to Make Your Muffins Pop with Flavor

• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep muffins tender and light, stopping just when ingredients are combined to prevent tough, dense results.
• Prepare muffin batter the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning for maximum convenience and incredible flavor development.
• Swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to make these muffins friendly for those with wheat sensitivities without compromising taste or texture.
• Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months, ensuring a delicious breakfast or snack is always within reach.
• Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt and use plant-based butter to create a delectable version suitable for dairy-intolerant muffin lovers.

Serve Muffins That Look Bakery-Fresh

• Brunch Companion: Pair these zesty muffins with a fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait for a balanced morning meal that feels like a mini celebration.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve these moist muffins alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey or herbal tea for a perfect mid-afternoon treat that satisfies sweet cravings.
• Breakfast On-the-Go: Wrap individual muffins in parchment paper for a convenient grab-and-go breakfast that delivers incredible flavor and a quick energy boost during busy mornings.
• Dessert Transformation: Warm these muffins slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an unexpected dessert that turns a simple baked good into an indulgent sweet experience.

Store Muffins to Stay Moist and Tasty

• Store muffins in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each muffin individually with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Seal muffins in freezer-safe bags or containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen muffins stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
• Keep muffins at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and maintain their soft texture.
• Prepare muffin batter the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, bake directly from the cold mixture, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time. This method helps develop deeper flavor profiles and saves morning preparation time.

FAQs

• Why should I use both orange juice and orange zest in this recipe?

The orange zest provides intense citrus flavor while the juice adds moisture and brightness, creating a more complex and vibrant orange taste in the muffins.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. Just fold them directly into the batter, and they will work perfectly in the recipe.

• How do I prevent my muffins from becoming dense or tough?

Do not overmix the batter. Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined, which helps maintain a light and tender texture in the muffins.

• Is the streusel topping necessary for the recipe?

While optional, the streusel adds a delightful crunch and sweet nutty layer that enhances the overall texture and flavor of the muffins, making them more interesting and delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 12

Cranberry Orange Pecan Muffins Ingredient List

• Flour: Provides structure and crumbly texture for the topping.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create golden-brown crunch.
• Pecans: Brings nutty flavor and delightful crunch to the muffin's top.
• Butter: Binds ingredients and creates rich, moist streusel.

• Flour: Crucial base for muffin's tender crumb and structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Neutralizes acidic ingredients and supports rising.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Creates tender, rich texture and adds delicious flavor.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with muffin's golden color.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to muffin's soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the flavor profile.
• Orange Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes and fragrant aroma.
• Orange Juice: Adds moisture and tangy citrus undertone.
• Sour Cream: Ensures incredibly moist and tender muffins.
• Cranberries: Introduces tart burst of flavor and beautiful color.
• Pecans: Delivers delightful crunch and nutty complexity.

Fluffy Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins blend tangy citrus with sweet berries and nutty crunch. Winter mornings become delightful when these wholesome treats arrive warm from your oven, inviting eager bakers to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 mL / 16 fl oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (360 mL / 12 fl oz) cranberries, coarsely chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup (240 mL / 8 fl oz) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 mL / 4 fl oz) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 mL / 4 fl oz) pecans, chopped
• ½ cup (120 mL / 4 fl oz) sour cream
• ½ cup (120 mL / 4 fl oz) orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) granulated sugar (for streusel)
• ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) pecans, chopped (for streusel)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted (for streusel)

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare muffin tin with liners or light grease.
2. Streusel Preparation: Combine flour, sugar, and pecans, then mix with melted butter until crumbly, setting aside for later use.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together to ensure even distribution of dry components.
4. Butter Creaming: Whip butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light, fluffy, and pale, creating a smooth foundational mixture.
5. Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend eggs one at a time, then incorporate vanilla, orange zest, orange juice, and sour cream until uniformly mixed.
6. Batter Assembly: Delicately fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, avoiding overmixing. Gently fold in chopped cranberries and pecans, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
7. Filling and Topping: Fill muffin cups two-thirds full, then generously crown each with prepared streusel topping.
8. Baking Process: Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
9. Cooling Stage: Allow muffins to rest in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain a light, tender muffin texture. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins with a rubbery consistency.
• Balance Fruit Distribution: Toss chopped cranberries in a light dusting of flour before adding to the batter to prevent sinking and ensure even spread throughout the muffins.
• Customize Nut Options: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Toast nuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty richness and aromatic qualities.
• Moisture Maintenance: Use room temperature ingredients to create a smoother batter and ensure even mixing. Sour cream adds moisture and creates a more tender crumb, keeping muffins soft and delicious.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg