Fluffy Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Recipe for Breakfast Joy

These heavenly cranberry muffins burst with zesty orange undertones that dance across your palate.

Sweet and tart flavors mingle perfectly in each tender bite.

Fragrant pecans add a delightful crunch that makes every mouthful memorable.

Pulling these golden-topped treats from the warm oven, their aroma filling your kitchen with pure comfort.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magically delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Baking these muffins feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy morning embrace.

You’ll want to savor every delectable crumb right away.

FAQs About Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins

• Why use both orange juice and orange zest in the recipe?

The orange zest provides intense citrus flavor and aroma, while the juice adds moisture and brightness to the muffins. Together, they create a more complex and vibrant orange taste.

• Can I substitute the sour cream with another ingredient?

Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute for sour cream. It provides similar moisture and tanginess, helping to keep the muffins tender and soft.

• How do I prevent my cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the muffins?

Toss the chopped cranberries in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking and distributes them more evenly throughout the muffins.

• What makes the streusel topping special in this recipe?

The combination of chopped pecans with flour and melted butter creates a delightful crunchy texture that adds a nutty, sweet dimension to the muffins, making them more complex and interesting.

Why Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Are Packed With Flavor

• Burst with Seasonal Flavor: Cranberries and orange zest combine to create a vibrant, tangy-sweet taste that captures the essence of autumn and winter baking.
• Texture Wonderland: The muffins offer a delightful contrast between the soft, tender crumb and the crunchy pecan streusel topping, making each bite an exciting sensory experience.
• Quick and Easy Morning Delight: These muffins come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute breakfast gatherings with minimal prep and cleanup.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with nuts and fruits, these muffins work beautifully as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant brunch addition that appeals to both kids and adults.

What You’ll Need For Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and gives muffins their classic texture, best when fresh and properly sifted.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Key leavening agents that help muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Softened butter adds rich flavor and creates a tender crumb, room temperature is ideal.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a golden muffin exterior.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture, best when at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
• Orange Zest, Orange Juice: Provides bright, fresh citrus notes and natural moisture.
• Sour Cream: Creates a tender, moist texture and adds subtle tanginess.

• Cranberries, Pecans: Fresh or dried cranberries add tartness, while pecans provide crunch and nutty flavor, chopped for even distribution.

• Flour, Sugar, Pecans, Melted Butter: Creates a crunchy, sweet topping that adds texture and visual appeal to the muffins.

How To Make Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Easily

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Vessel

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the middle. Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and line it with paper liners or lightly coat with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Streusel Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Finely chopped pecans

Drizzle melted butter and mix until the texture becomes crumbly. Set this delightful topping aside.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure all ingredients are well integrated.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and sugar in a large bowl. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Components

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and fresh orange zest. Blend in orange juice and sour cream until smooth.

Step 6: Merge Mixtures

• Chopped cranberries
• Chopped pecans

Gently incorporate these ingredients.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

Distribute batter evenly across muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Generously sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over each muffin.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. Serve and savor these delightful treats!

Tips For Fluffy Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep muffins tender and light, avoiding tough, dense textures.
• Boost Zesty Flavor: Grate fresh orange zest directly into the mixture for maximum citrusy aroma and bright, vibrant taste.
• Customize Nut Options: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles while maintaining the crunchy streusel texture.
• Freeze for Later: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months, perfect for quick breakfast or snack preparation.
• Fruit Flexibility: Replace cranberries with blueberries or chopped apples during different seasons for delightful variation.

How To Store Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Smartly

• Refrigerate: Place muffins in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Store frozen muffins for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat Oven Method: Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature, then warm in a preheated 300F oven for 5-7 minutes. This restores their soft texture and brings out the orangey aroma.
• Microwave Quick Warm: Reheat refrigerated or thawed muffins for 15-20 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent them from becoming tough or rubbery.

Great Pairings For Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins

• Brew a Cozy Morning Companion: Pair these muffins with a warm, freshly brewed cappuccino or a light Earl Grey tea to enhance the citrusy orange and cranberry flavors.
• Create a Breakfast Cheese Board: Serve alongside a soft, creamy brie or a tangy goat cheese to complement the muffins' sweet and nutty profile.
• Elevate with a Fruity Smoothie: Blend a refreshing mixed berry or orange-banana smoothie that echoes the muffins' bright fruit notes and provides a cool contrast to the warm baked treat.
• Drizzle with Sweet Indulgence: Top the muffins with a light orange-infused honey or a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream for an extra layer of decadent flavor.

Creative Variations Of Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins

• Tropical Getaway Muffins: Swap cranberries for diced mango and add shredded coconut to the batter. Replace orange zest with lime zest for a vibrant, tropical flavor profile that transports you to sunny beaches.
• Autumn Harvest Muffins: Substitute cranberries with diced apples and swap pecans for walnuts. Sprinkle cinnamon into the streusel topping to create a warm, cozy autumn-inspired treat perfect for crisp mornings.
• Chocolate Berry Fusion Muffins: Mix in dark chocolate chips alongside cranberries for a rich, decadent version. Reduce sugar slightly to balance the chocolate's sweetness and add a handful of dried cherries for extra depth.
• Spiced Nutty Adventure Muffins: Incorporate ground cardamom and ginger into the dry ingredients. Replace pecans with a mix of almonds and pistachios, creating a complex, aromatic muffin with a delightful nutty crunch.

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Delightful cranberry, orange & pecan muffins bring festive winter warmth to breakfast tables with tangy fruit and nutty crunch. Rustic homemade goodness promises comfort in each tender bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Eggs and Streusel Topping:

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare your kitchen workspace by positioning the oven rack in the middle position and heating to 375F (190C). Grease a standard muffin tin or line with paper cups to prevent sticking.
2. Craft the streusel topping by mixing flour, sugar, and finely chopped pecans in a small mixing bowl. Drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients and gently combine until the mixture resembles rustic, crumbly texture. Reserve to the side.
3. In a separate medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until ingredients are evenly distributed and lump-free.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a pale, fluffy consistency with soft peaks.
5. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Introduce vanilla extract and vibrant orange zest, blending until aromatic and smooth.
6. Pour orange juice and sour cream into the wet mixture, stirring gently to create a cohesive, creamy base. Carefully fold dry ingredients into the liquid components, mixing minimally to maintain a tender muffin texture.
7. Gently introduce chopped cranberries and additional pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly with minimal stirring to prevent toughening the delicate mixture.
8. Portion the batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full. Generously sprinkle the reserved streusel topping across the surface of each unbaked muffin.
9. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
10. Remove muffins from the oven and allow them to rest in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack, letting them settle and develop a perfect texture before serving.

Notes

• Add a sprinkle of extra orange zest on top for an intense citrusy aroma that brightens the muffins’ flavor profile.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains moisture and tangy undertones.
• Toast pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty richness and create a deeper, more complex texture in the streusel topping.
• Freeze fresh cranberries before adding to prevent color bleeding and maintain their vibrant appearance throughout the muffins.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg