Tangy Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Recipe for Breakfast Joy

Whipping up these delectable cranberry, orange & pecan muffins promises a burst of morning delight that’ll make you dance in your kitchen.

Tart berries mingle with zesty citrus notes, creating a symphony of flavors.

Crunchy pecans add a delightful texture that surprises with each bite.

Warm spices whisper comfort into every crumbly morsel.

A simple recipe that feels like a cozy embrace from your favorite baker.

Mixing these ingredients takes mere minutes, ensuring you spend less time preparing and more time savoring.

You’ll want to brew some coffee and settle in for a truly memorable breakfast experience.

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins That Brighten Mornings

• Burst with Seasonal Flavors: Cranberries, orange zest, and pecans create a delightful combination that captures the warmth of autumn and winter in every bite.
• Quick Breakfast Champion: Prepare these muffins in under an hour, making them perfect for busy mornings when you need a nutritious and delicious grab-and-go breakfast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Great for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or as a sweet afternoon snack that appeals to both kids and adults with its balanced sweetness and nutty crunch.
• Beginner Baker Friendly: Simple mixing technique and straightforward ingredients make this recipe accessible for novice bakers looking to build confidence in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Pecan Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the muffins.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the golden-brown color of the muffins.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the muffins' rich texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet background flavor to the muffins.

• Cranberries, Pecans, Orange Zest: Fresh cranberries add tartness, pecans bring a nutty crunch, and orange zest provides a bright, citrusy note that complements the other ingredients.

Baking Directions for Perfect Cranberry Orange Pecan Muffins

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 375°F and get a muffin tin ready by lining it with paper cups or spraying with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Salt

Make sure everything is well blended and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Beat until the mixture looks smooth and completely combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently.

Mix just until everything is incorporated – don’t overmix the batter.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

• Cranberries
• Pecans
• Orange zest

Distribute these ingredients evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin

Scoop the batter into each muffin cup, filling about two-thirds of the way full.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

They’re done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins rest for a few minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and savor your delicious creation!

Tips to Elevate Cranberry Orange Pecan Muffins

• Grate only the orange's outer colored layer to avoid bitter white pith, maximizing fresh citrus flavor.
• Stir batter minimally to keep muffins tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
• Use fresh or frozen cranberries, ensuring they're patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
• Lightly toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crispiness.
• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Variations to Refresh Muffin Flavors

• Gluten-Free Citrus Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring same texture and light crumb.
• Vegan Cranberry Pecan Version: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and maintain original flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Berry Alternative: Reduce sugar content, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, add extra orange zest for natural sweetness.
• Whole Grain Healthy Upgrade: Swap half white flour with whole wheat or oat flour, boost nutritional value while keeping classic taste.

Pairing Suggestions for Cranberry Orange Pecan Muffins

Pair these muffins with a bright, medium-roast Colombian coffee that complements the orange zest and cuts through the nutty pecan richness.

Enjoy a crisp mimosa with freshly squeezed orange juice to enhance the citrusy notes and create a delightful weekend morning experience.

Serve with a dollop of vanilla-infused Greek yogurt or a light cream cheese spread to balance the tart cranberries and add a smooth, cool texture.

Select a warm chai latte with its spicy undertones that harmonize beautifully with the pecans and provide a cozy, comforting accompaniment.

Storing Cranberry Orange Pecan Muffins Properly

• Store muffins in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes. Wrap in foil to prevent excessive drying.
• Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, microwave directly from frozen state for 30-45 seconds or warm in oven at 350F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

• Are cranberries good for my health?

Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, boost immune system, and help prevent urinary tract infections. They’re low in calories and rich in vitamin C.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries directly in the recipe without thawing. Just fold them into the batter carefully to prevent color bleeding.

• What does orange zest add to the muffins?

Orange zest provides a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the tart cranberries and adds depth to the overall taste of the muffins.

• How do pecans enhance these muffins?

Pecans bring a rich, buttery crunch that contrasts with the soft muffin texture and adds nutty flavor and extra protein to the recipe.

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry, orange & pecan muffins deliver a delightful morning symphony of tangy and sweet flavors. Warm spices and crunchy pecans elevate these classic breakfast treats, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted)

Sweeteners and Liquids:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning and Leavening:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F (190°C) and ready a muffin tin with paper liners or cooking spray for optimal non-stick surface.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until smooth, then incorporate milk and vanilla extract, blending until fully integrated.
4. Gently merge wet ingredients into dry mixture, stirring minimally to prevent over-mixing and maintain a tender muffin texture.
5. Delicately incorporate chopped cranberries, roughly crushed pecans, and fragrant orange zest into the batter, distributing evenly with a light folding motion.
6. Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising during baking.
7. Place muffin tin in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until tops turn golden brown and a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
8. Remove from oven and let muffins rest briefly in the tin, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to prevent continued cooking and achieve perfect texture.

Notes

• Swap dried cranberries for fresh ones to adjust tartness and moisture content in the muffins.
• Add a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top before baking for a delightful crunchy texture and sparkling finish.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to help create a more uniform and tender muffin crumb.
• Replace cow’s milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains soft, fluffy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 176 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg