The Perfect Cranberry, Orange and Pecan Muffins Recipe for Breakfast

Cranberry, orange, and pecan muffins dance with vibrant flavor profiles that instantly elevate morning meals.

Sweet-tart berries mingle beautifully with citrusy notes and nutty undertones, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

Seasonal ingredients elevate ordinary baking into an extraordinary sensory adventure.

Nutritious and satisfying, these muffins offer a delightful balance of textures and complex taste sensations.

Soft, tender crumbs provide the perfect backdrop for bright fruit and rich nuts.

Baking these delectable treats fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas that comfort and excite.

Prepare to indulge in a breakfast masterpiece that celebrates natural ingredients and homemade goodness.

Pro Tips for Cranberry Orange Muffin Success

• Zest Like a Pro: Grate orange zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, using only the bright orange outer layer for maximum citrusy flavor.
• Prevent Fruit Sinking: Toss cranberries and pecans in a little almond flour before folding into batter to help them distribute evenly and stay suspended.
• Mix Minimally: Stir dry and wet ingredients just until combined to keep muffins tender and prevent tough, dense textures.
• Check Moisture Balance: If batter seems too thick, add a splash of orange juice or a tablespoon of milk to achieve the perfect consistency.
• Cool Completely: Allow muffins to rest in the tin for the full 20 minutes to help them set and prevent crumbling when removing from the pan.

How to Store and Refresh These Muffins

• Refrigeration: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 4°C (40°F). Wrap individually in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain soft texture.
• Freezing: Pack muffins in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze up to 2 months for maximum flavor preservation. Thaw overnight in refrigerator or warm gently at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Restore muffins' delightful warmth by microwaving 15-20 seconds or warming in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes. Check center temperature to ensure even heating without drying out the delicate crumb.

Great Pairings for Cranberry Orange Muffins

• Brew Citrusy Morning Coffee: Pair these muffins with a bright, light roast coffee that complements the orange zest and cranberry flavors. The coffee's acidity will highlight the muffins' fruity notes, creating a refreshing breakfast experience.
• Drizzle Honey Maple Glaze: Create a simple glaze by mixing honey and maple syrup to drizzle over the warm muffins. This adds an extra layer of sweetness that enhances the pecans and brings out the natural flavors of the baked treat.
• Serve with Creamy Greek Yogurt: Top the muffins with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt. The creamy, slightly sour yogurt balances the sweetness of the muffins and provides a cool contrast to the warm, freshly baked pastry.
• Pair with Herbal Tea Blend: Choose a light herbal tea with hints of chamomile or lavender. The delicate tea will complement the muffins' robust fruit and nut flavors without overpowering their subtle sweetness.

Flavor Twists for Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins

• Lemon Cranberry Crunch: Swap orange juice and zest with fresh lemon juice and zest, then add sliced almonds on top for extra crunch and brightness.
• Maple Walnut Berry: Replace honey with pure maple syrup, substitute pecans with chopped walnuts, and sprinkle cinnamon into the batter for a warm, rich flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chip Berry Blast: Mix dark chocolate chips into the batter alongside cranberries, using a combination of almond and coconut flour to maintain the original texture while adding decadent chocolate notes.
• Spiced Autumn Harvest: Incorporate ground nutmeg, ginger, and allspice into the mixture, then fold in diced dried apricots with the cranberries for a seasonal, warming variation that celebrates fall flavors.

Why Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Are a Holiday Hero

• Burst with Seasonal Flavor: Cranberries and fresh orange zest combine to create a vibrant, tangy-sweet taste profile that captures the essence of winter and holiday baking.
• Quick and Foolproof Baking: This muffin recipe requires minimal preparation time, uses simple mixing techniques, and delivers consistent results even for novice bakers.
• Nutrient-Packed Healthy Treat: Packed with almond and coconut flour, these muffins offer a protein-rich, gluten-free alternative to traditional baked goods while delivering delicious nutty undertones from pecans.
• Wholesome Breakfast or Snack Option: With balanced macronutrients and low sugar content, these muffins serve perfectly as a morning energizer or afternoon pick-me-up that satisfies without guilt.

What You Need for These Zesty, Nutty Muffins

• Eggs: Rich protein source that helps bind the muffins together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor and enhances overall taste of the muffins.
• Melted Coconut Oil: Provides moisture and a subtle tropical hint to the batter.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that adds depth of flavor and helps with browning.
• Orange Juice: Brings bright citrus notes and adds liquid to the batter.
• Orange Zest: Provides intense orange flavor and aromatic citrus oils.

• Almond Flour: Gluten-free base that creates a tender, nutty texture.
• Coconut Flour: Adds extra moisture absorption and provides light, soft crumb.
• Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agent that helps muffins rise and become fluffy.

• Fresh Cranberries, Pecans: Provide bursts of tart fruit and crunchy nutty texture, adding complexity to the muffins.

How to Bake Muffins with a Citrus Crunch

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Tray

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a muffin tray with paper liners, ensuring each cup is evenly covered.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Melted coconut oil
• Honey
• Orange juice
• Orange zest

Whisk ingredients until they blend smoothly and create a uniform mixture.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

• Almond flour
• Coconut flour

Stir ingredients gently on low speed, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain light texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Fruits and Nuts

• Fresh cranberries
• Chopped pecans

Use a spoon and gentle motion to distribute ingredients without crushing them.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon batter into each muffin cup, filling to the top. Press down lightly for even distribution. Optional: Decorate with extra cranberries on top.

Step 6: Bake Muffins

Place tray in preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow muffins to cool completely in the tray for 20 minutes. Remove carefully and serve at room temperature.

Cranberry, Orange and Pecan Muffins Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry, orange and pecan muffins deliver a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors from seasonal ingredients. Warm spices and crunchy pecans create a delightful breakfast treat you’ll savor with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ⅓ cups (575 ml) almond flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (150 g) cranberries
• ½ cup (60 g) pecans, chopped

Flour and Sweeteners:

• ⅓ cup (40 g) coconut flour
• ¼ cup (85 g) honey

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

• ½ tablespoon orange zest
• ½ cup (120 ml) orange juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 12-cup muffin tray with paper liners or lightly grease with coconut oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, pure vanilla extract, melted coconut oil, raw honey, freshly squeezed orange juice, and finely grated orange zest until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Sprinkle baking soda over the liquid mixture, which will create a subtle chemical reaction and help with rising; gradually incorporate almond flour and coconut flour into the wet ingredients.
4. Gently stir the flour mixture using a spatula or low-speed mixer, blending until just combined without overmixing to maintain a tender muffin texture.
5. Delicately fold whole fresh cranberries and roughly chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly without crushing the fruit.
6. Divide the batter equally among the muffin cups, filling each approximately 3/4 full and pressing lightly to ensure uniform distribution.
7. Optional: Garnish the top of each muffin with additional cranberries or pecan pieces for visual appeal.
8. Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake for 22-28 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without raw batter.
9. Remove from oven and allow muffins to rest in the tray for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature before serving.

Notes

• Pecans and cranberries add delightful crunch and bursts of tangy sweetness to these moist, tender muffins.
• Orange zest and juice infuse a bright, citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the nutty undertones.
• Almond and coconut flours create a gluten-free base that’s light, fluffy, and surprisingly satisfying.
• Coconut oil provides rich moisture while honey offers a natural, gentle sweetness without refined sugars.
• Folding ingredients gently ensures tender muffins with even distribution of fruit and nuts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg