Citrus Burst Orange Muffins

These Citrus Burst Orange Muffins are a refreshing treat with a vibrant, zesty flavor. With fresh orange juice and zest in the batter, they’re perfectly sweet, light, and fluffy—ideal for breakfast or a snack. The burst of citrus makes them feel bright and refreshing with every bite!

Why You’ll Love These Muffins:

✔ Zesty & Refreshing – A citrus explosion with every bite.
✔ Light & Fluffy – Soft and airy texture, perfect for breakfast.
✔ Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients with easy-to-follow steps.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch and enjoy them all week long!

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make Citrus Burst Orange Muffins:

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, fresh orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
5. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or dried cranberries.

Step 4: Bake the Muffins
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions:

• Enjoy the muffins with a glass of fresh orange juice for an extra citrus kick.
• Serve warm with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey.
• Perfect for a light brunch or as a grab-and-go breakfast.

Tips for the Best Orange Muffins:

• Use fresh orange juice and zest: For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated zest.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Stir until just combined for a light texture.
• Try adding poppy seeds: For a fun twist, add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a lovely crunch.

Storage Instructions:

• Store Leftovers: Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: These muffins freeze well! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Recipe Overview:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin, based on 12 servings):

Calories: 210 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g

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