Orange and Cardamom Muffins Recipe

Introduction

These Orange and Cardamom Muffins are a fragrant and moist treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The bright citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the warm, spicy cardamom for a delightful twist on a classic muffin.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp sparkling sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper liners.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, orange juice, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
5. Step 5: Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the batter. Sprinkle the tops with sparkling sugar for a crunchy finish.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra zest, add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the batter for a spicy kick.
• Replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical flavor.
• Use sparkling sugar or coarse sugar on top to create a crunchy, sparkling crust.
• Try swapping orange juice with fresh lemon juice for a different citrus note.

Storage

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm muffins in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use buttermilk instead of milk in this recipe?

Yes, substituting buttermilk for milk will add a slight tang and make the muffins even more tender. Use the same amount (1/2 cup).

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

The muffins are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.

Orange and Cardamom Muffins Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 145 reviews

Delight in the zesty and warmly spiced flavors of these Orange and Cardamom Muffins, perfect for a refreshing breakfast or a delightful snack. Made with fresh orange juice and zest, fragrant ground cardamom, and topped with sparkling sugar for a little crunch, these muffins offer a moist and tender crumb with a subtle citrus aroma that brightens up every bite.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 large orange

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp salt

Topping

• 3 tbsp sparkling sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, orange juice, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
4. Fold Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
5. Fill Muffin Cups and Add Topping: Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle the tops evenly with sparkling sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.
6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best flavor and aroma.
• Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins.
• Sparking sugar on top adds a delightful crunch and decorative finish.
• Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
• Substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.

Keywords: orange muffins, cardamom muffins, breakfast muffins, citrus muffins, spiced muffins, easy muffin recipe