Zesty Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Recipe for Breakfast

Sweet morning aromas dance through the kitchen with these cranberry, orange & pecan muffins that blend tart and zesty flavors into a delightful breakfast treat.

Bursting with bright citrus notes, the recipe captures the essence of comforting home baking.

Juicy cranberries punctuate each tender bite, while toasted pecans add a delicate crunch and nutty depth.

The vibrant orange zest weaves a fragrant ribbon of freshness throughout the muffins, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Seasonal ingredients come together effortlessly, transforming simple pantry staples into a spectacular morning indulgence.

Every forkful promises a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that will brighten your day.

Dive into this delectable recipe and savor the warm, homemade goodness that awaits.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 11

Fruity Goodness In Cranberry Orange & Pecan Muffins

• Flour: Provides structure and crumbly texture to the streusel.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create golden-brown caramelization.
• Pecans: Brings nutty crunch and rich depth of flavor.
• Butter: Binds ingredients and creates a rich, moist topping.

• Flour: Foundation of the muffin, ensuring tender and soft texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Neutralizes acidic ingredients and promotes browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Creates tender, rich muffin base with smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure to muffins.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic background flavor.
• Orange Zest: Provides bright, citrusy aromatic notes.
• Orange Juice: Introduces fresh, tangy moisture.
• Sour Cream: Ensures incredibly moist and tender crumb.
• Cranberries: Adds tart burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color.
• Pecans: Introduces nutty crunch and sophisticated texture.

Baking Tools For Cranberry Orange & Pecan Muffins

• 12-cup muffin tin: Essential for shaping and baking the muffins evenly.
• Paper liners or cooking spray: Prevents muffins from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Electric mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to create a light, fluffy texture.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining dry ingredients.
• Large mixing bowl: Necessary for mixing wet ingredients and creating the batter.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing the streusel topping.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Spatula: Helps fold in cranberries and pecans gently.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows muffins to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Toothpick: Checks muffin doneness by testing the center.

How To Make Cranberry Orange & Pecan Muffins Easy

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the kitchen heat to a toasty 375F. Grab your muffin tin and give it a quick spritz of non-stick spray or line with cute paper cups.

• Streusel Magic

Create a crunchy crown by mixing flour, sugar, and chopped pecans. Drizzle melted butter and stir until it looks like sandy crumbs.

• Dry Ingredient Dance

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl until they’re best friends.

• Butter and Sugar Romance

Whip softened butter and sugar in a big bowl until they become light and fluffy like a cloud.

• Liquid Love

Drop in eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla and bright orange zest. Swirl in orange juice and sour cream until everything looks smooth.

• Batter Harmony

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t go crazy mixing – be tender. Toss in cranberries and pecans for bursts of flavor.

• Muffin Filling

Spoon batter into muffin cups, leaving room for rising. Shower each muffin with the pecan streusel topping.

• Oven Adventure

Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Listen for that perfect golden moment when they’re done.

• Cooling Celebration

Let muffins rest in the tin for a quick 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips For Fluffy Cranberry Orange & Pecan Muffins

• Room Temperature Magic: Let eggs, butter, and sour cream sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smoother batter and better texture.
• Gentle Folding Technique: Use a light hand when adding cranberries and pecans to prevent tough muffins – fold just until ingredients are incorporated.
• Moisture Preservation: Store muffins in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
• No Soggy Bottoms: Prevent wet muffin bottoms by placing the muffin tin on the middle oven rack and avoiding overcrowding.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free butter alternative for a lactose-free version.
• Vegan Transformation: Use flax eggs, plant-based butter, and dairy-free yogurt to create a completely plant-based muffin.

Ways To Serve Cranberry Orange & Pecan Muffins Warm

• Breakfast Companion: Pair these moist muffins with a steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea for a delightful morning treat that awakens your senses.
• Brunch Showstopper: Arrange the muffins on a beautiful platter alongside fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, and honey for an impressive brunch spread that will wow your guests.
• Afternoon Snack Upgrade: Pack these muffins in lunch boxes or enjoy them with an afternoon tea for a sweet pick-me-up that brings a touch of homemade comfort to your day.
• Gift from the Kitchen: Wrap a few muffins in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that spreads joy and warmth to friends and family.

Smart Tips To Store Cranberry Orange & Pecan Muffins

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. This prevents soggy bottoms and maintains perfect texture.
• Refrigeration Method: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Freezing Technique: Freeze muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave before serving.
• Moisture Maintenance: Place a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture, keeping muffins soft and preventing them from becoming soggy during storage.

Moist Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Cranberry, orange & pecan muffins combine zesty citrus with tart berries in a heartwarming breakfast treat. Nutty pecans and sweet-tangy flavors create a perfect morning companion for coffee lovers who crave homemade comfort.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (470 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for streusel)
• 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter, melted (for streusel)

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Position oven rack in middle position and preheat to 375F (190C). Prepare muffin tin with grease or paper liners to prevent sticking.
2. Streusel Creation: Combine flour, sugar, and pecans in a bowl. Drizzle melted butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside for later use.
3. Dry Ingredient Blend: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until uniformly mixed and free of lumps.
4. Butter Mixture: Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light, pale, and fluffy with soft peaks forming.
5. Wet Ingredient Integration: Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly. Mix in vanilla extract and orange zest until smoothly aromatic.
6. Liquid Fusion: Pour orange juice and sour cream into the mixture. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet components, minimizing stirring to maintain tender texture.
7. Final Incorporation: Delicately fold chopped cranberries and additional pecans into batter, distributing evenly without overmixing.
8. Baking Preparation: Fill muffin cups two-thirds full with batter. Sprinkle reserved streusel generously across muffin tops.
9. Baking Process: Bake for 18-20 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into muffin center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
10. Cooling Stage: Let muffins rest in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Use exact ingredient measurements for consistent texture and taste, especially with baking powder and flour.
• Avoid Overmixing: Stir batter minimally to prevent tough, dense muffins; gentle folding maintains a light, tender crumb.
• Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter and better ingredient integration.
• Customize Creatively: Swap cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for seasonal variations, or use gluten-free flour for dietary needs.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg