If you’re craving a bright, zesty treat that’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor, this Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe will quickly become one of your absolute favorites. These muffins are wonderfully moist and tender, thanks to the buttermilk and orange zest, and they boast an irresistible glaze that adds just the right hint of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or a stylish brunch, these orange muffins deliver a sunny burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the careful balance of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, moistness, and that unmistakable orange aroma which shines through both the muffins and the glaze.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the muffins to rise and hold shape beautifully.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while ensuring a tender crumb.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: Gives a light, airy lift making each muffin soft and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with leavening and browns the muffins perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the batter.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness with a slight tang that complements the orange zest.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist without weighing them down.
- Zest of 3 oranges: Intensifies the bright, citrus flavor you want in an orange muffin.
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice: Adds natural orange flavor and a touch of acidity for balance.
- 1 1/3 cup powdered sugar: The key to a smooth, sweet glaze that perfectly coats the muffins.
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice: Mixed into the glaze to give it that zesty sweetness and just-right consistency.
How to Make Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Then, line a 12-cup muffin pan, but here’s a little trick: only line every other cavity. This allows for better heat circulation and ultimately more evenly baked muffins with those perfect domed tops.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures they’re evenly distributed and ready to work their magic when combined with the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, orange zest, and fresh squeezed orange juice. This mixture is the heart of your orange flavor and moisture content, so give it a good whisk until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — the batter should look a bit lumpy. Once mixed, let the batter rest for 15 minutes; this little pause helps the muffins develop a beautiful crumb and lift.
Step 5: Fill and Smooth
Fill each lined muffin cavity completely full with the batter and use a spoon or spatula to smooth the tops. This helps the muffins bake evenly and creates a lovely presentation.
Step 6: The Two-Stage Bake
Bake the muffins at 425°F for 7 minutes to give them a quick rise. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for another 13 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This two-step baking gives you those golden, slightly crisp tops and a soft, fluffy inside.
Step 7: Cooling
Let the muffins cool right in the pan. This helps them set up without crumbling and keeps them moist.
Step 8: Prepare and Add the Orange Glaze
While the muffins are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh squeezed orange juice until you get a smooth, slightly thick glaze. Spoon it generously over each cooled muffin, or dip the muffin tops for full coverage. This glaze seals in the moisture and adds that signature sweet tang essential for the Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe.
How to Serve Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To make your orange muffins even more enticing, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small strip of orange zest twisted on top for a fresh burst of aroma. A scattering of poppy seeds or finely chopped candied orange peel added to the glaze can also give a delightful crunch and extra pizazz.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, bright coffee, or even a glass of fresh orange juice for an orange-themed treat. For a more substantial breakfast spread, serve alongside creamy yogurt, fresh fruit salad, or simple scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these muffins to a gathering, a rustic wooden platter garnished with orange slices and sprigs of mint will delight both the eyes and the palate. For parties, you can also half-dip the muffins in extra glaze and sprinkle them with toasted almonds or coconut flakes for a crunchy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These orange muffins stay wonderfully fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. This keeps the crumb soft and the glaze pleasantly moist, so you can enjoy them without any loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the muffins to extend their shelf life. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe resealable bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature and refresh them with a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth and softness, reheat muffins in a microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This will revive the moist crumb and gently melt the glaze for an irresistible treat.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps with the muffins’ tenderness and flavor. Let the milk sit with the acid for 5 minutes before using.
What if I don’t have fresh oranges for the zest and juice?
Freshness is key for the vibrant orange flavor, but you can use bottled orange juice in a pinch. However, powdered orange zest doesn’t quite deliver the same aromatic punch, so it’s best to use fresh if possible.
Why do I need to rest the batter for 15 minutes?
Allowing the batter to rest helps the flour fully hydrate and activates the leavening agents, producing a lighter, fluffier muffin with a better crumb.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Baking times might need slight adjustments; check with a toothpick for doneness.
How thick should the glaze be?
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a little more orange juice drop by drop.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe enough if you want a delightful burst of citrus that feels both fresh and comforting. The balance of moist, tender muffins paired with the sweet, tangy glaze makes every bite a little celebration. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your baking rotation and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
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Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Orange Muffins are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the zestiness of fresh oranges with a tender, moist crumb. Featuring a light orange glaze, these muffins are bursting with citrus flavor, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. With a quick resting time and a two-step baking process, they come together easily for a homemade bakery-quality experience.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Zest of 3 oranges
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
Glaze
- 1 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line every other cavity of a 12-count muffin pan with paper liners to ensure easy removal and even heating.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, orange zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice until well combined. This mixture provides moisture and flavor to the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until everything is moistened and combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld and leaveners to activate.
- Fill Muffin Liners: Using a spoon or scoop, fill the prepared muffin liners completely full and smooth the tops so they bake evenly.
- Bake Muffins: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 7 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 13 to 16 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the muffins are lightly golden.
- Cool Muffins: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth to form a glaze. Spoon or dip the cooled muffins into this orange glaze to add a sweet, zesty finish. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- Resting the batter for 15 minutes helps activate the leavening agents for a better rise.
- Filling liners completely full gives muffins a nice domed top.
- Adjust baking time slightly if using jumbo or mini muffin pans.
- The glaze adds a sweet citrus touch; allow it to set for a few minutes before serving.
