๐๐๐ง Autumn Cranberry-Orange Muffins ๐ง๐๐
Autumn Cranberry-Orange Muffins are a delightful seasonal treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty sweetness of oranges. These muffins are perfect for the fall season and can be enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
๐ History:
The history of muffins, in general, dates back centuries to Europe, where they were more like flatbreads. The concept of sweet, cake-like muffins we know today began in the United States during the 18th century. As for the specific combination of cranberry and orange, it’s a modern twist that capitalizes on the popularity of these fruits during the autumn season.
๐ง Components:
- 1 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp grated orange zest
- 1 egg
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
๐ฉโ๐ณ Steps to Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix; lumps are okay.
- Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts, if you’re using them.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
โฐ Time Needed:
Preparation time: Approximately 15 minutes
Baking time: Around 18-20 minutes
Total time: Roughly 35-40 minutes
These Autumn Cranberry-Orange Muffins are a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Enjoy your baking adventure! ๐๐๐ง๐๐งก
๐๐๐ง Autumn Cranberry-Orange Muffins Nutrition Facts ๐ง๐๐
Here are the approximate nutrition facts for one standard-sized Autumn Cranberry-Orange Muffin:
- Calories: 200-250 calories (varies with specific ingredients and portion size)
- Total Fat: 9-12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-6 grams
- Cholesterol: 35-40 milligrams
- Sodium: 150-200 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 28-32 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 14-16 grams
- Protein: 3-4 grams
These values can vary slightly depending on factors such as the size of the muffin and specific ingredient brands used.
๐ Health Information:
Autumn Cranberry-Orange Muffins can be a tasty treat, but they are not typically considered a low-calorie or low-sugar option due to the presence of sugar, butter, and sometimes nuts. However, they do offer some health benefits from the cranberries and oranges:
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Cranberries: These berries are known for their high content of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C. They are also associated with potential benefits for urinary tract health.
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Oranges: Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, which is important for your immune system, skin health, and overall well-being.
To make these muffins a bit healthier, you can consider using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar content, and incorporating additional fiber sources like oats or bran. However, be mindful of portion size and enjoy these muffins as an occasional treat.
