Embrace the vibrant flavors of orange in these Zesty Orange Muffins, each filled with a rich cream cheese center that melts into every bite. These muffins combine the tangy sweetness of fresh oranges with a hint of warm spices, creating a perfect balance that is both refreshing and comforting.
Why You'll Love This: These muffins are a delightful treat, featuring the bright zestiness of orange enhanced by the creamy, sweet filling. The texture is soft and moist, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a mid-day snack. Each muffin bursts with flavors that are sure to awaken your taste buds.
Perfect Occasion: These muffins are great for any gathering where a light, fresh dessert or snack is desired. They're particularly suited for spring and summer brunches, afternoon tea, or as a cheerful addition to a picnic basket. They also make a lovely treat for Mother's Day or Easter celebrations.
Decoration Tips: For a festive touch, sprinkle the tops with a little raw sugar before baking for a crunchy, sparkly finish. A thin slice of orange placed on top before baking can also add a beautiful and appetizing look.
Ingredients for the muffins:
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (such as avocado oil)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Ingredients for the orange cream cheese filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon orange extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, nutmeg, ginger, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with both sugars until creamy. Add in the sour cream, milk, orange juice, vanilla extract, orange extract, and oil, mixing until fully combined.
- Stir in the orange zest, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Prepare the filling by beating the cream cheese, sugar, orange zest, orange extract, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with the muffin batter. Add about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center, then top with the remaining batter.
- Bake for 18-21 minutes, or until the muffins are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool slightly in the pan before removing them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Enjoy these vibrant Zesty Orange Muffins, a deliciously unique treat that combines the freshness of citrus with the creamy sweetness of a delightful filling!