Simple Orange Muffins Recipe – Zesty, Fluffy & Irresistible!

Thank you so much for stopping by the kitchen today! I’m Poulef, and I absolutely love sharing cozy, crowd-pleasing recipes you can make with everyday ingredients. These simple orange muffins are bursting with bright citrus flavour, wonderfully moist, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. Every bite brings sunshine—and trust me, your home will smell like a bakery when these come out of the oven!

Before we begin: if you haven’t already, subscribe to my email list for delicious recipes, tips, and kitchen love delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s bake something joyful!

Overview of Recipe Content

These Simple Orange Muffins are:

• Fluffy, tender, and citrusy—moist with just the right crumb
• Quick and easy—ready in under an hour
• Perfect for any time—great with coffee or tea
• A crowd pleaser—kids and adults alike adore them

What You’ll Love

Imagine biting into a soft, airy little muffin with a gorgeous orange aroma and citrusy zing! These are:

• Sweet but not too sweet
• Zest-forward and wonderfully balanced
• Great warm from the oven or at room temperature

Full Ingredient List

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• 1 ¾ cups (210 g / 7.4 oz) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (149 g / 5.2 oz) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup (177 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• ⅓ cup (78 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Muffin tin (12 cups)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and rubber spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Citrus zester and juicer

Suggested Additions & Variations

• Fold in ½ cup fresh blueberries for a burst of juicy flavour
• Add a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top before baking for a sparkly crunch
• Swap vegetable oil for melted butter for richer flavour
• Drizzle a quick citrus glaze (orange juice + powdered sugar) once cooled

How to Make Simple Orange Muffins

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These muffins are straightforward and fun to make—let’s jump into the steps!

Step 1 — Prep Your Oven & Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease with non-stick spray.

Step 2 — Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• flour
• sugar
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt

This ensures an even lift and tender crumb.

Step 3 — Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Then whisk in:

• freshly squeezed orange juice
• vegetable oil
• orange zest
• vanilla extract

The orange zest is key here—don’t skip it! It gives that bright, fragrant citrus punch that makes these muffins unforgettable.

Step 4 — Combine & Fold

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—small lumps are totally okay! Overmixing can make muffins tough instead of soft and fluffy.

Step 5 — Fill & Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups (about ¾ full). Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6 — Cool & Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. These are divine warm, but also lovely once cooled.

What to Serve with Simple Orange Muffins

These orange muffins are versatile—here are some gorgeous pairing ideas:

• A dollop of Greek yogurt and honey
• Slices of avocado toast for a balanced breakfast
• A cup of hot coffee or creamy latte
• With a fruit salad for brunch

If you love citrus, you’ll also adore the tender crumb of my Flourless Vanilla Cake for a dessert twist!

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Zest before juicing your orange to make zesting easier.
• Room temperature egg blends more smoothly.
• Don’t open the oven until at least 15 minutes in so the muffins rise beautifully.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: 2–3 days in an airtight container
• Refrigerator: up to 5 days
• Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month

Warm them slightly before serving for a fresh-baked feel!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Fresh juice gives the best flavour, but you can use store-bought if fresh isn’t available.

Can I make mini muffins?
Yes! Bake mini muffins at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes.

Can this be gluten-free?
Swap the flour for a gluten-free baking blend 1:1 (results vary slightly).

Conclusion

These Simple Orange Muffins are your new go-to citrus treat—bright, tender, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or coffee hour, these will disappear fast!

While you’re here, check out more zesty and delicious treats like my:

• Pure Chocolate Bliss Muffins — decadently rich little wonders

Bake joyfully, and tag your creations on Pinterest! Visit my Pinterest boards here.

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Muffin)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~180
Protein	3 g
Carbohydrates	28 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	15 g
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Sodium	160 mg

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