Description
Soft, zesty Cranberry Muffins with Orange Zest and Pecans bursting with fresh, fruity flavors and delightful crunch. These muffins perfectly balance tart cranberries, citrus brightness, and nutty texture, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or any snack time.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- Zest of 1 medium orange
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the plant-based milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract (natural). Stir well to fully blend the liquids smoothly before adding to the dry mixture.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this will help maintain a tender texture in the finished muffins.
- Add cranberries, orange zest, and pecans: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, chopped pecans, orange zest, and the natural gelling agent evenly throughout the batter. These add-ins deliver the signature flavor and crunchy texture.
- Bake to perfection: Evenly divide the batter into the muffin cups and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool slightly before enjoying.
Notes
- Lightly toss cranberries in flour before adding to the batter to prevent sinking.
- Mix gently to avoid dense muffins; folding is preferred over vigorous stirring.
- Use a fine grater for orange zest to avoid the bitter white pith and maximize citrus flavor.
- Lightly toast pecans to enhance their aroma and crunch.
- Start testing muffin doneness at 18 minutes as oven temperatures may vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry muffins, orange zest, pecans, plant-based, moist muffins, breakfast muffins, gluten free muffins