Orange juice muffins

Enjoy a sweet moment with our delicious orange juice muffin recipe! These fluffy muffins, flavored with a hint of citrus, are perfect for a quick snack, a savory breakfast, or even to impress guests at a party. Cooking is an art, and every recipe has its own story and charm. In our case, the orange juice muffins combine tradition with innovation, offering an explosion of citrus flavors in a classic dish.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

- 130 grams unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 130 grams sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 125 grams all-purpose flour
- 3 grams baking powder (about one teaspoon)
- 45 ml fresh orange juice (about one medium orange)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (can be vanilla paste or extract)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the batter

1. Creaming the butter: Start by placing the cubed butter in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to cream it until it becomes smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial as the air incorporated into the butter will help the muffins be light and airy.

2. Adding the sugar: Continue by gradually adding the sugar to the butter mixture, mixing well until the mixture becomes homogeneous and pale white.

3. Including the orange juice: Now, pour the fresh orange juice into the butter and sugar mixture. This will add a fresh flavor and a hint of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the sugar. Mix well to integrate the juice.

Step 2: Adding the eggs and dry ingredients

4. Incorporating the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. The eggs will give the muffins a fine and moist texture.

5. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and vanilla. This will ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents and prevent lumps from forming. It is important to use quality vanilla, whether it is paste or extract, to achieve a rich flavor.

6. Combining the ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense. When the batter is homogeneous, it is ready to be placed in the molds.

Step 3: Baking the muffins

7. Preparing the molds: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. While the oven is heating, prepare the muffin molds. You can use silicone or metal muffin molds, which you can line with parchment paper or grease with a little butter to prevent sticking.

8. Filling the molds: Fill each muffin mold with batter, leaving about 2/3 of the capacity free to allow the muffins to rise. You can use a spoon or a dispenser to make this process easier and cleaner.

9. Baking: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins turn golden and pass the toothpick test (when a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean).

Step 4: Cooling and serving

10. Cooling: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes in the molds, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. This step is essential as it helps the muffins retain their fluffy texture.

Serving and variations

These orange juice muffins can be served plain, but feel free to add a drizzle of sugar glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a festive look. You can pair them with a cup of flavored tea or a fresh fruit smoothie for a perfect breakfast.

Useful tips

- For an even more intense flavor: You can add grated orange zest to the batter. This will enhance the citrus flavor and add a pleasant texture.
- Chocolate variation: If you are a fan of chocolate, try adding dark or white chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious contrast between sweetness and the acidity of the orange.
- Vegan muffins: Replace the eggs with banana puree or a combination of 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water (let sit for 15 minutes).

Nutritional information

These muffins contain approximately 180 calories per serving, being a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats from the butter. The orange juice adds essential vitamins, especially vitamin C, which supports the immune system.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but keep in mind that the texture may vary.
- How can I keep the muffins fresh? Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for a longer duration. You can freeze them to enjoy later.
- Why did my muffins rise little? Make sure the ingredients are fresh and that you haven’t overmixed the batter. Air is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

In the end, these orange juice muffins are not just a simple recipe, but also a wonderful way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a snack between meals, or as a dessert, they are sure to be appreciated. Enjoy!