Orange Muffins: Soft, Citrusy, and Irresistible
There’s nothing quite like the bright, zesty flavor of fresh oranges baked into a soft, fluffy muffin. These Orange Muffins are bursting with citrusy goodness, lightly sweet, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delicious afternoon snack.
Made with real orange juice, zest, and a touch of vanilla, these muffins have a moist crumb and a refreshing citrus aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a light glaze, they are easy to make and always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Bright & Refreshing Flavor – Made with real orange juice and zest for a natural citrus taste.
✔ Soft & Moist Texture – Light, fluffy, and not overly dense.
✔ Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and no special equipment needed.
✔ Perfect Anytime – Enjoy them for breakfast, with tea, or as a sweet treat.
✔ Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a citrus glaze for extra flavor!
Ingredients
To make 12 delicious orange muffins, you’ll need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- Zest of 2 oranges
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or substitute whole milk)
- ½ cup (120ml) melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
How to Make Orange Muffins
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with butter.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.
Step 4: Combine & Mix
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 7: (Optional) Add a Glaze
- Mix powdered sugar and orange juice to create a thin glaze.
- Drizzle over the cooled muffins for extra sweetness!
Serving Suggestions
🍊 With Butter & Honey – Serve warm with a spread of butter or orange marmalade.
☕ With Coffee or Tea – A perfect pairing for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
🍫 Chocolate Orange Muffins – Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a citrusy-sweet treat!
🥜 Nutty Variation – Add chopped walnuts or almonds for a crunchy bite.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for 15 seconds.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
These Orange Muffins are the perfect blend of fresh citrus, light sweetness, and bakery-style softness. Whether you make them for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, their zesty flavor and soft crumb will have you coming back for more.
Try this easy homemade muffin recipe and enjoy a burst of sunshine in every bite!