Orange Streusel Muffins: A Delightful Citrus Treat for Brunch
If you’re looking to add a burst of sunshine to your brunch table or simply enjoy a sweet treat with your morning coffee, these Orange Streusel Muffins are the perfect choice. Moist, fragrant, and full of zesty orange flavor, these muffins are topped with a buttery, sweet streusel that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for those busy mornings when you still want to enjoy something homemade. Here’s how you can make them!
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Name | Orange Streusel Muffins |
|---|---|
| Category | Quick Breads |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 12 muffins |
| Calories per Serving | 216.2 kcal |
| Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars) based on 1 review |
Ingredients
For the Muffins
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Egg | 1 |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Biscuit Mix | 1/4 cup |
| Orange Juice | 1/2 cup |
| Orange Marmalade | 2 tbsp |
| Pecans (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 tsp |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
| Butter or Margarine | 2 tbsp (melted) |
For the Streusel Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 tsp |
| Butter or Margarine | 2 tbsp (melted) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 216.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 20.6 mg |
| Sodium | 275.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sugars | 17.7 g |
| Protein | 2.7 g |
Instructions
-
Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by cracking the egg into a medium bowl. Add the sugar, melted butter (or margarine), and fresh orange juice. Use a whisk to beat the mixture together until well-combined and smooth. -
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the biscuit mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. The batter should still be lumpy, so avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy. -
Add the Flavorful Ingredients
Fold in the orange marmalade and chopped pecans. Be sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter, as these ingredients add both texture and flavor to your muffins. -
Beat the Batter
With a spatula or wooden spoon, beat the batter by hand for about 30 seconds to help everything come together. This step ensures that the texture is consistent and that all the ingredients are incorporated. -
Prepare the Muffin Tin
Grease a standard muffin tin or line it with muffin liners. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. This will give them enough space to rise without overflowing. -
Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter (or margarine). Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle a generous amount of this streusel topping over each muffin. -
Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Be sure to check at the 15-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary. -
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat.
Variations
While these Orange Streusel Muffins are delicious as written, you can easily customize them to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some simple variations you can try:
-
Marmalade Substitute: If you don’t have orange marmalade, feel free to swap it out for any fruit preserves or jelly you have in your pantry. Apricot, strawberry, or raspberry marmalade will work wonderfully in this recipe.
-
Mini Muffins: For a bite-sized version, you can bake these muffins in a mini muffin tin. Just be sure to reduce the baking time by half, checking them at around 8-10 minutes for doneness.
-
Nut-Free Option: If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans and substitute them with an additional 1/4 cup of dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries.
-
Citrus Twist: If you want to elevate the citrus flavor, try adding the zest of one orange to the batter. This will intensify the bright, zesty flavor and make your muffins even more aromatic.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
-
Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Stir just until the ingredients are combined, as overmixing can result in dense, tough muffins.
-
Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice will give these muffins a brighter, more vibrant flavor than store-bought juice, which may have added sugars or preservatives.
-
Check for Doneness: Because oven temperatures can vary, it’s important to check for doneness around the 15-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, your muffins are ready.
-
Cool in the Tin: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
Perfect Pairings
These Orange Streusel Muffins are perfect for a variety of occasions and pair beautifully with a range of beverages:
- Tea: Pair them with a fragrant Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a relaxing afternoon break.
- Coffee: The slight sweetness and citrusy flavor make these muffins a great companion to a rich cup of coffee or cappuccino.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh fruit such as berries, grapes, or melon to create a light, well-rounded brunch.
Conclusion
These Orange Streusel Muffins are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that can brighten up any morning or special occasion. With their perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and citrusy flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you serve them at brunch, for a snack, or as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea, they’ll be a hit with everyone who tries them. Try out the variations and see which one is your favorite!
