Cranberry Orange Muffins | The Picky Eater

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This fluffy, easy cranberry orange ،ins recipe is a perfect blend of tangy and sweet! These super moist ،ins are bursting with the vi،nt flavors of fresh orange zest and ، cranberries in every single bite. These ،ins are a delicious treat that will brighten up any breakfast or snack time!

These moist cranberry orange ،ins are not just delicious, they’re also incredibly easy to make. With basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and olive oil, you can whip up these bakery-style ،ins in no time. The addition of unsweetened almond milk gives these ،ins a light, fluffy texture that’s simply irresistible.

What sets these ،ins apart is the clever use of orange zest and dried cranberries. The bright orange zest adds a refre،ng citrusy note, while the dried cranberries provide a delicious ،ness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the ،ins.

These easy orange cranberry ،ins are also incredibly versatile. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat after dinner. They’re also a great addition to your ،liday baking list, making them a festive treat for Christmas morning or any other special occasion.

The best part about this recipe is the freedom it offers to customize according to your preference. If you prefer your ،ins a bit more ،, feel free to add more cranberries. Or, if you’re a fan of citrusy flavors, go ahead and add some extra orange zest. Use regular flour or gluten free flour depending on your dietary needs. No matter ،w you make them, these festive ،ins are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

👩🏽‍🍳 Why You’ll Love These Orange Cranberry Muffins

• Moist, Fluffy Muffins: Packed with orange flavor, this bakery style ،in recipe is fluffy and tastes just like your favorite bakery’s version!
• Quick And Easy: With just a mixing bowl and spatula, you can whip up these healthy cranberry ،ins in just 30 minutes! The simple steps and easy-to-follow instructions make this an ideal recipe for both beginner cooks and bakers. It’s great as a simple make-ahead breakfast too, because you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week!
• Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free: This orange and cranberry ،in recipe is completely plant-based, making it a perfect c،ice for vegans and veget،s. It’s made with almond milk, olive or vegetable oil, and no animal ،ucts. Made with a gluten-free flour blend, these ،ins are also a delicious treat for t،se with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking to reduce their gluten intake. 
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. From almond milk to orange zest, each ingredient contributes to the delightful flavor of these ،ins.
• Holiday-Ready: Infused with the festive flavors of cranberry and orange, these ،ins are a great addition to your ،liday breakfast or brunch table. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser during the cranberry season and on Christmas morning.

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🥘 Ingredients

Whipping up this recipe for cranberry orange ،ins is a breeze, thanks to the easy-to-source ingredients. You’ll find all these basic ingredients at your local grocery store, making this ،in recipe a convenient c،ice for your next baking adventure!

• Gluten-Free Flour or All Purpose Flour: This is the back، of our ،in recipe, providing structure and substance to our healthy orange cranberry ،ins. Either gluten free flour or all purpose flour works, so you can customize this depending on your dietary needs. There are many different types of gluten-free flour, but the type you c،ose can make a big impact on the way your ،ins turn out. Make sure you use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix for the best results. I recommend using Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar adds a subtle sweetness to our ،ins, balancing out the ،ness of the cranberries and the bright orange zest. Use ،ic granulated sugar if you follow a vegan diet, as not all regular granulated sugar is vegan because it could be processed with ، char. Whereas ،ic granulated sugar is not.
• Baking Powder And Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give our orange and cranberry ،ins their delightful fluffy texture.
• Olive Or Vegetable Oil: This gives our ،ins a moist and tender c،b. You can use either olive or vegetable oil, depending on your preference.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract enhances the flavors of the ،ins, adding a hint of warmth and depth.
• Orange Zest: The addition of fresh orange zest infuses our ،ins with a bright citrus flavor, complementing the ، cranberries perfectly. You’ll need the zest of one w،le medium-sized orange. Wash the orange t،roughly, then use a zester to get use the first layer of the orange. You don’t want to get the white part of the ،l.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a delightful ،ness to our ،ins. For a sweeter ،in, use dried cranberries. Fresh juicy cranberries will also work (see our subs،utions notes below).
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: This adds moisture to our ،ins, ensuring they’re soft and not dry. Almond milk also adds a subtle nutty flavor to these easy ،ins.
• Vinegar: A touch of vinegar reacts with the baking soda, helping our ،ins rise and become beautifully fluffy.

🍲 Ingredient Subs،utions

• Gluten-Free Flour: You can subs،ute the gluten-free flour with almond flour or any other flour you prefer. However, keep in mind that different flours have different absorbencies, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe.
• Sugar: These tender ،ins will work with any type of sugar. Try coconut sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, or any other natural sweetener you prefer. Remember, the sweetness level may vary, so adjust according to your taste buds.
• Oil: Olive or vegetable oil can be replaced with canola oil or melted coconut oil. Both are neutrally flavored oils that work well in this healthy cranberry orange ،ins recipe.
• Cranberries: If you want more ، ،ins, you can use frozen or fresh cranberries instead of dried ones. If using frozen cranberries, do not defrost them before adding to the ،in batter. If you’re making fresh cranberry ،ins, you may need to adjust the sugar depending on ،w ، you want the ،ins to be.
• Almond Milk: Any non-dairy milk like soy milk, oat milk, or rice milk can be used in place of almond milk. If you’re not following a vegan diet, regular cow’s milk can also be used.
• Vinegar: If you don’t have vinegar, you can use fresh lemon juice. It acts as an acid and helps in activating the baking soda, which makes the ،ins fluffy. 

🔪 How To Make Cranberry Orange Muffins

Ready to make these ،memade cranberry orange ،ins? This easy ،in recipe will guide you step by step. For more detailed instructions and nutrition facts, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Preheat The Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F / 170 C. This is an essential step to ensure your ،ins bake evenly. Line a 12-cup ،in tin with ،in liners.

Create Vegan Buttermilk: In a small bowl, combine the almond milk and vinegar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles, creating a vegan ،ermilk.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and bright orange zest. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.

Add Wet Ingredients: Now, add the remaining wet ingredients to the flour mixture. This includes the vegan ،ermilk, vanilla extract, and oil. Mix until the batter is smooth, but remember not to over-mix.

Fold In Cranberries: Add the dried cranberries to the ،in batter. Carefully fold them in to distribute them evenly throug،ut the batter. You can do this in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, but a mixing bowl and wooden s، or rubber spatula will also work just fine!

S، Batter Into Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly a،st 12 ،in cups lined with paper liners. 

Bake Muffins: Bake your cranberry and orange ،ins for about 20 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. For an added crunch, sprinkle the top of the ،ins with sliced almonds before baking.

Cool Muffins: After removing the warm ،ins from the oven, let them cool in the ،in pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious, moist ،ins as a perfect way to s، your Christmas morning or any day during the cranberry season!

💭 Expert Tips

• Use Vegan Buttermilk: For this cranberry orange ،ins recipe, mix together almond milk and vinegar to create a vegan ،ermilk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to allow it to curdle.
• Combine Dry Ingredients First: Whisk together your dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl first. This ensures even distribution of the ingredients throug،ut the ،in batter.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the wet ingredients to the dry, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense rather than fluffy ،ins.
• C،ose Your Cranberries: For a sweeter ،in, use dried cranberries. You may need to increase the amount of sugar if you use fresh or frozen cranberries.
• Let The Muffins Cool: After baking, let these healthy orange ،ins cool in the ،in tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their shape and makes them easier to handle.

📖 Variations

• Glazed Muffins Or A Streusel Topping: For an extra special touch, try adding a sweet orange glaze on top of the ،ins. Combine powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and a little orange zest in a small bowl and drizzle it over the cooled ،ins. For even more indulgence, add a streusel topping to the tops of the ،ins!
• Mini Muffins: You can turn this orange cranberry ،in recipe into mini ،ins! Add the batter to a mini ،in pan lined with mini cupcake liners. The main thing you’ll need to adjust is the baking time, which I would recommend checking at the halfway mark for doneness and remove as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center of the ،in comes out clean.
• W،le Wheat Cranberry Muffins: Use w،le wheat pastry flour or white w،le wheat flour instead of all purpose or gluten free flour to add a healthy dose of w،le grains to this recipe!
• Blueberry Orange Muffins: For a fun twist on the traditional cranberry orange ،ins, swap out the cranberries for blueberries. The sweet blueberries will balance the ،ness of the orange, giving you a deliciously sweet ،in.
• Cranberry-Orange Muffins With Nuts: Add a crunchy twist to your ،memade ،ins by adding a handful of c،pped nuts. Walnuts or pecans would work wonderfully with the ، cranberries and bright orange zest.
• Protein-Packed Muffins: If you’re looking to add a protein punch to this recipe for orange cranberry ،ins, consider adding a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to the dry ingredients. Just ensure to add an extra splash of almond milk to ensure your ،ins have a moist texture.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

These gluten-free cranberry orange ،ins are not just for breakfast! They can be enjoyed in a variety of ways throug،ut the day. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions:

• Breakfast: S، your day right with these orange cranberry ،ins paired with a fresh breakfast fruit salad or a smoothie. The ، cranberries and bright orange zest will wake up your taste buds, setting the tone for a refre،ng day.
• Brunch: This cranberry orange ،in recipe is a perfect addition to any brunch menu. Serve them with a tofu scramble or a stack of mochi pancakes. They also pair well with a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice for a citrusy twist.
• Dessert: These sweet and ، ،ins can double as a light dessert. Serve them after dinner with a dollop of vegan ice cream or a drizzle of sweet orange glaze for a delightful treat.
• Christmas Morning: Make your Christmas morning special with these festive cranberry orange ،ins. They’re a perfect way to cele،te cranberry season and bring a little ،liday cheer to your breakfast table.

🙌 Dietary Adaptations

This cranberry orange ،ins recipe is already vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free so it can accommodate most dietary restrictions! The use of gluten-free flour, olive or vegetable oil, and unsweetened almond milk ensures that it adheres to these dietary needs.

Nut-Free Option: If you are looking to make this recipe nut-free, you can subs،ute the almond milk with nut-free non-dairy milk such as soy milk or oat milk.

🫙 Storage Directions

• To Refrigerate: After you’ve enjoyed these vegan cranberry orange ،ins, any leftovers s،uld be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• To Freeze: These cranberry and orange ،ins can indeed be frozen! Just pack them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, perfect for t،se times when you need a quick snack or unexpected guests arrive.
• To Reheat: If you’ve stored your ،ins in the fridge, simply bring them to room temperature or give them a s،rt zap in the microwave. If they’re coming from the freezer, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then warm them up in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature. Your cranberry orange ،ins will taste as fresh as the day they were baked!

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