Orange and Poppy Seed Muffins
These Orange and Poppy Seed Muffins are a delightful treat, offering a perfect balance of tangy citrus and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. With their light texture and refreshing flavor, they make for a perfect snack or dessert at any time of day. Whether you pair them with a hot cup of Masala Tea or enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these muffins will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe that’s as simple to make as it is delicious!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (maida) | 1 1/4 cups |
| Baking powder | 3/4 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Caster sugar (or powdered sugar) | 1/2 cup |
| Sunflower oil | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Lukewarm milk | 3 tbsp |
| Poppy seeds | 3 tbsp |
| Whole egg | 1 |
| Fresh orange juice | 1/2 cup (freshly squeezed) |
| Orange zest (from 3 oranges) | Zest of 3 oranges |
| Caster sugar (for glaze) | 2 tbsp (powdered) |
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 18 minutes
- Total time: 48 minutes
Yield
- Serves: 8 muffins
Cuisine
- Continental
Course
- Dessert
Diet
- Eggetarian
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Muffin Moulds
- Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease your muffin moulds with butter and lightly dust them with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Soak the Poppy Seeds
- In a small bowl, soak the poppy seeds in 3 tablespoons of lukewarm milk. Allow them to soak for about 10 minutes while you proceed with the other steps.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, sift together 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
4. Whisk the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate mixing bowl, crack 1 egg and add 1/2 cup of caster sugar. Whisk the mixture until it becomes pale and fluffy.
- Add 1/4 cup of sunflower oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg-sugar mixture. Whisk again until everything is well combined.
5. Incorporate the Poppy Seeds, Orange Juice, and Zest
- Stir the soaked poppy seeds and milk mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Add 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice and the zest of 3 oranges. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the sifted flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Mix until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this could result in dense muffins.
7. Bake the Muffins
- Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin moulds, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes at 180°C. You’ll know they are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Prepare the Orange Glaze
- While the muffins are baking, make the orange glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice with 2 tablespoons of caster sugar (powdered).
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and reduces. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Once it has thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
9. Glaze the Muffins
- When the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Using a brush, lightly glaze the tops of the warm muffins with the orange glaze. You can also add sprinkles or other toppings of your choice for decoration.
10. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Orange and Poppy Seed Muffins as a tea-time snack, paired with a cup of hot Masala Tea or Punjabi-style espresso coffee. They also make a wonderful dessert when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the batter only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can result in dense muffins.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated zest really enhance the flavor of these muffins.
- Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to add a little extra sugar or even a touch of lemon juice to the glaze for a tangy twist.
- Try Adding Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
These Orange and Poppy Seed Muffins will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a treat later in the day, their light texture and zesty flavor are sure to brighten your mood. Perfect for gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert, this recipe brings a little sunshine to
