Orange Cardamom Muffins Recipe

Introduction

These Orange Cardamom Muffins are a delightful treat, combining bright citrus flavors with warm, fragrant spices. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they bake up moist and tender with a sparkling sugar topping for a subtle crunch.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 large orange, finely grated
• 1 tsp ground cardamom (use 1 1/2 tsp for a stronger flavor)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp sparkling sugar (or regular sugar) for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, orange juice, orange zest, and ground cardamom until smooth.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold until just combined and no dry flour remains.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin. Sprinkle the tops with sparkling sugar for a delicate crunch.
5. Step 5: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the muffins are risen and golden around the edges. Test by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean without wet batter.
6. Step 6: Allow muffins to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a more pronounced cardamom flavor, increase the ground cardamom to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
• Substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• If you can’t find sparkling sugar, use regular sugar sprinkled on top before baking for a sweet crunch.

Storage

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh day-old muffins, microwave them for about 20 seconds to revive their fresh aroma and softness. For longer storage, freeze muffins for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before warming briefly in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cardamom pods instead of ground cardamom?

You can, but you will need to grind the seeds finely before measuring. Ground cardamom provides the best texture and even flavor in the muffins.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and replace milk with a plant-based alternative. Use oil as usual and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.

Orange Cardamom Muffins Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 91 reviews

These Orange Cardamom Muffins combine zesty orange flavor with the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom for a delightful and cozy treat. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a comforting snack, these muffins are moist, fragrant, and topped with sparkling sugar for a subtle crunch. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they bring a sophisticated twist to classic muffins.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 large orange, finely grated
• 1 tsp ground cardamom (use 1 1/2 tsp for a stronger flavor)

Dry Ingredients

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

Topping

• 3 tbsp sparkling sugar (or regular sugar)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, orange juice, orange zest, and ground cardamom until smoothly combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Fold gently using a spatula just until no dry flour remains; be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
5. Fill Muffin Tins and Add Topping: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle each muffin top with sparkling sugar to add a sweet, crunchy topping.
6. Bake the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes or until the muffins are risen and golden brown around the edges. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm.

Notes

• To refresh day-old muffins, microwave for 20 seconds to revive the aroma and softness.
• These muffins freeze well for up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Using sparkling sugar on top adds a delightful crunch and appearance, but regular sugar can be used as a substitute.
• For enhanced cardamom flavor, increase the ground cardamom to 1 1/2 teaspoons.

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