Vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins
Description:
Vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins are a delightful and healthy treat that combines the zesty flavors of orange with the tartness of cranberries, all in a moist and fluffy muffin. They are not only delicious but also suitable for those following a vegan diet.
History:
The exact origin of Cranberry Orange Muffins is unclear, but muffins, in general, have been a popular baked item for centuries. The combination of cranberries and oranges in baked goods is a classic pairing that likely evolved from traditional recipes using these ingredients in various desserts.
Components:
Here are the key components you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as an egg substitute)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of one orange
Steps to Prepare:
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and dried cranberries.
-
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vegetable oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
-
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
-
Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
-
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
-
Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Total Time:
The total time needed to prepare Vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins is approximately 30-35 minutes, including prep and baking time.
These muffins make a wonderful breakfast or snack, and their sweet-tart flavor combination is sure to bring smiles to your face. Enjoy your homemade Vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins!
Nutrition Facts for Vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins (Per Serving):
-
Calories: Approximately 180-200 calories per muffin, depending on size and specific ingredients used.
-
Total Fat: About 6-8 grams, mainly from vegetable oil.
-
Saturated Fat: Minimal, typically less than 1 gram.
-
Trans Fat: None, as this is a vegan recipe.
-
Cholesterol: None, as it’s a vegan recipe with no animal products.
-
Sodium: Around 200-250 milligrams, primarily from baking soda and salt.
-
Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams, mainly from flour and sugar.
-
Dietary Fiber: About 1-2 grams, contributed by the flour and dried cranberries.
-
Sugars: Approximately 10-15 grams, naturally occurring from orange juice and added sugar.
-
Protein: Around 2-3 grams, mainly from the flour and a small amount from the applesauce.
-
Vitamins and Minerals: These muffins provide a good dose of vitamin C from the orange juice and zest, along with some calcium, iron, and potassium from various ingredients.
-
Additional Nutrients: Vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins also contain antioxidants from cranberries and oranges, contributing to their health benefits.
Health Information:
-
Vegan: These muffins are entirely plant-based, making them suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
-
Low in Saturated Fat: They contain minimal saturated fat, which is heart-healthy.
-
No Cholesterol: Being vegan, there is no cholesterol in this recipe, which is beneficial for heart health.
-
Good Source of Vitamin C: Thanks to the orange juice and zest, these muffins provide a significant amount of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
-
Dietary Fiber: While not exceptionally high in fiber, they still offer a small amount, which aids in digestion.
-
Antioxidants: Cranberries and oranges are rich in antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Note: Nutrition facts may vary slightly based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. It’s always a good practice to calculate the exact nutrition facts based on the brands and measurements you use. These values are approximate and intended for general reference.
