Tangy Cranberry-Orange Pecan Muffins Recipe

Fruity Cranberry-Orange Pecan Delight Muffins Recipe

Baking these delightful cranberry-orange pecan delight muffins brings a burst of seasonal warmth to your kitchen.

Vibrant orange zest dances with tart cranberries, creating a symphony of flavors that sing in every bite.

Toasted pecans add a delicious crunch that elevates these tender muffins beyond ordinary breakfast treats.

Sweet and tangy notes blend perfectly, promising a mouthwatering experience that will make your mornings brighter.

The aroma of freshly baked muffins will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to taste these irresistible treats.

Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with natural goodness, these muffins are a delectable way to start your day.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary recipe that turns ordinary mornings into something truly special.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 174 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Cranberry-Orange Pecan Muffins

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, choose fresh, free-range eggs for richer flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet undertones, opt for pure extract over artificial versions.
  • Coconut Oil: Brings tropical richness and healthy fats, select unrefined for deeper flavor.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener with depth, choose local raw honey for best taste and nutrition.
  • Orange Juice: Adds citrusy brightness, use freshly squeezed for vibrant flavor.
  • Orange Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma, select organic oranges to avoid pesticide residue.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • Almond Flour: Provides gluten-free base, look for finely ground, blanched variety.
  • Coconut Flour: Adds lightness and subtle sweetness, ensure it's fresh and fragrant.
  • Baking Soda: Creates lift and airiness, check expiration date for maximum effectiveness.
For Fruits and Nuts:
  • Cranberries: Bring tart burst and festive color, choose plump, deep red berries.
  • Pecans: Adds delightful crunch and nutty depth, select fresh, whole pecans for best texture.

Tools to Make Cranberry-Orange Pecan Muffins Easy

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs, vanilla, oil, and other liquid components evenly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Muffin Tray: Standard 12-cup tray lined with paper liners for easy baking.
  • Zester or Grater: Needed to create fine orange zest for intense citrus flavor.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for gently folding cranberries and pecans into batter.
  • Toothpick: Helps check muffin doneness by testing center for moisture.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.

Cranberry-Orange Pecan Muffins in the Making

  • Oven Warmup

Warm the oven and prepare a muffin tray with soft paper liners. This creates a cozy home for your delicious treat.

  • Liquid Magic

Blend eggs, vanilla, melted coconut oil, honey, fresh orange juice, and zesty orange peel into a silky smooth mixture that promises delightful flavor.

  • Flour Power

Sprinkle baking soda into the orange juice, then gently incorporate almond and coconut flour. The key is a light touch to keep the texture tender.

  • Fruity Nutty Fusion

Tenderly fold cranberries and crunchy pecans through the batter. These little bursts of flavor will make each bite exciting.

  • Baking Brilliance

Fill muffin cups generously, tucking extra cranberries on top for a beautiful finish. Bake until golden and a testing stick comes out clean.

  • Cooling Moment

Allow muffins to rest in the tray, then transfer to a cooling rack. Patience ensures perfect texture and makes the waiting worthwhile.

Boost the Flavor of Cranberry-Orange Pecan Muffins

  • Replace almond and coconut flour with gluten-free all-purpose blend or whole wheat flour for different texture and nutritional profiles.
  • Substitute cranberries with blueberries, raspberries, or chopped dried cherries to create exciting flavor variations that match seasonal availability.
  • Toast pecans before adding to intensify their rich, buttery flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste sensation in each muffin bite.
  • Experiment with alternative natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia to adjust sugar levels and create personalized taste preferences while maintaining moisture.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 weeks, ensuring fresh-baked taste whenever you crave a delightful treat.

Plating Cranberry-Orange Pecan Muffins Right

  • Serve Fresh and Warm: Enjoy these muffins straight from the oven for maximum flavor and soft, tender texture.
  • Pair with Creamy Companions: Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a delightful morning breakfast experience.
  • Breakfast Sidekick Selection: Complement the muffins with a steaming cup of herbal tea, fresh orange juice, or a smooth cappuccino to enhance the citrusy notes.
  • Make-Ahead Morning Magic: Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to a month, perfect for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.

Meal Planning with Cranberry-Orange Pecan Muffins

  • Store at Room Temperature: Keep freshly baked muffins in an airtight container on the kitchen counter for up to 3 days, maintaining their soft texture and delightful flavor.
  • Refrigerate for Extended Freshness: Seal muffins in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain moist and delicious.
  • Freeze for Long-Term Enjoyment: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for quick breakfast or snack options.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore their fresh-baked warmth and soft texture.
Print
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Tangy Cranberry-Orange Pecan Muffins Recipe

Tangy Cranberry-Orange Pecan Muffins Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Cranberry-orange pecan delight muffins blend tangy citrus with sweet berries and nutty crunch. Homemade comfort arrives with balanced flavors that welcome friends and family to savor delightful morning treats.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup (150 g) cranberries
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans
  • 2 ⅓ cups (230 g) almond flour
  • ⅓ cup (40 g) coconut flour
  • ½ cup (120 ml) orange juice
  • ¼ cup (85 g) honey
  • 2 tbsps melted coconut oil
  • ½ tbsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking soda

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 12-cup muffin tray with paper liners for effortless muffin removal.
  2. Wet Ingredients Fusion: Whisk eggs, vanilla extract, coconut oil, honey, orange juice, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl until completely blended and smooth.
  3. Dry Ingredient Integration: Fold baking soda, almond flour, and coconut flour into the liquid mixture, stirring minimally to preserve a delicate muffin texture.
  4. Fruit and Nut Incorporation: Gently fold in cranberries and pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter without excessive mixing.
  5. Filling and Topping: Fill muffin cups 3/4 full, garnishing each with additional cranberries for visual appeal and added flavor complexity.
  6. Baking Process: Bake for 22-27 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center of a muffin.
  7. Cooling and Finishing: Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently and minimally to maintain a soft, tender muffin texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Strategic Cranberry Placement: Sprinkle extra cranberries on top before baking for a beautiful, professional-looking presentation that hints at the delicious flavors inside.
  • Moisture-Preserving Technique: Let muffins rest in the tin for 15-20 minutes after baking to help them set and retain maximum moisture and softness.
  • Temperature Precision: Use an accurate oven thermometer to ensure exact 175°C (350°F) temperature for consistent, perfectly golden-brown muffins every time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 174
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 40 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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