Mennonite Orange Muffins are a delightful breakfast or brunch treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a refreshing citrus kick. Made with freshly squeezed orange juice and zest, these muffins are soft, tender, and bursting with bright flavor in every bite. They come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients, making them a go-to recipe for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
Whether you enjoy them warm with butter, paired with coffee, or as a light afternoon snack, these muffins bring homemade comfort and irresistible aroma to your kitchen. Perfect for citrus lovers, they’re a wholesome and flavorful addition to any muffin collection.
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Key Ingredients for Mennonite Orange Muffins:
Here’s a visual of all you need to bake up a batch of these delightful orange muffins:
Detailed Ingredient List:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the muffins. Make sure to measure accurately, either using a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: Provides lift and ensures the muffins are light and airy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the orange juice to create additional leavening.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 cup orange juice: Provides moisture and the signature orange flavor. Freshly squeezed is recommended for the best taste!
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Adds richness and ensures the muffins are moist. Allow the butter to cool slightly after melting to avoid cooking the eggs.
- 2 tablespoons orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor and adds a bright, citrusy aroma. Be sure to zest only the orange part, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Mennonite Orange Muffins:
These Mennonite Orange Muffins are incredibly easy to whip up, offering a simple and satisfying baking experience. Combining the dry whisking the wet , preparing is only 15 minutes, and only 20 minutes to bake, that comes out to only 35 minutes! The blend of orange juice and zest infuses the muffins with a vibrant citrusy flavor that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Their moist, tender texture makes them irresistibly delicious and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat.
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed to prevent pockets of baking powder/soda.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, orange juice, melted butter, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it could partially cook the eggs.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay – overmixing will result in tough muffins.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. This allows the muffins to rise properly without overflowing.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops of the muffins should be golden brown.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from getting soggy.
Why You’ll Love These Mennonite Orange Muffins
The main highlight of these muffins is undoubtedly their vibrant orange flavor, delivering a burst of sunshine with every bite. Making them at home is a cost-effective alternative to buying them from a bakery, and you have complete control over the ingredients. The addition of fresh orange zest elevates the flavor profile, making them exceptionally fragrant and delicious.
If you enjoy these, you might also like our Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins for another citrusy treat! These two recipes are very similar, but different fruits may entice you! Try making these Mennonite Orange Muffins for a delightful and easy baking experience today!
What to Serve Mennonite Orange Muffins With:
Mennonite orange muffins are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of complementary dishes and beverages. Here are a few ideas:
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a frittata, crispy bacon or sausage, and a fresh fruit salad.
- With Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing! The citrusy muffins complement the warmth and complexity of coffee or tea perfectly.
- With Yogurt: A dollop of plain or vanilla yogurt adds a creamy and tangy element that complements the sweetness of the muffins.
- As a Dessert: Enjoy them on their own as a simple dessert, or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade orange glaze.
Top Tips for Perfecting Mennonite Orange Muffins:
Here are a few tips to help you achieve muffin perfection:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. Mix only until just combined, leaving a few lumps.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter allows them to emulsify more easily, creating a smoother batter and a more tender muffin.
- Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice is Best: While store-bought orange juice will work, freshly squeezed juice provides the most vibrant and authentic orange flavor.
- Zest Carefully: When zesting the orange, avoid the white pith underneath the peel, as it is bitter.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaked muffins will be dry. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Ingredient Substitutions: For a healthier option, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also use olive oil instead of melted butter.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Room Temperature: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Room Temperature: Allow frozen muffins to thaw at room temperature.
- Microwave: Reheat muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Oven: Reheat muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Final Thoughts:
These Mennonite orange muffins are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their moist, tender crumb, vibrant orange flavor, and easy-to-follow recipe, they are sure to become a family favorite. So, bake up a batch today and enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade goodness!
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- and in Our Pinterest and Facebook
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus fruit?
A: While this recipe is specifically for orange muffins, you could certainly experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit. Just substitute the orange juice and zest with the corresponding citrus fruit.
Q: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
A: Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips is a great way to customize these muffins to your liking. Fold them into the batter before filling the muffin cups.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results.
Q: How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the muffin tin?
A: To prevent sticking, use paper liners or grease the muffin tin thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
Q: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make these muffins ahead of time and store them as described above. They are even delicious the next day!
Print
Mennonite Orange Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
These Mennonite Orange Muffins are light, moist, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. With a quick prep and bake time, they’re the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line or grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, orange juice, melted butter, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool muffins in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the best flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the muffins light and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mennonite
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg