Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, feel-good bake that delivers both zest and crunch, you have to try these Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins. The tart burst of cranberries, the sunshiny sweetness of orange, and the mellow crunch of pecans come together in each fluffy, golden muffin. Whether you whip them up for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat, these muffins are pure joy in cupcake liners—no dry, bland bites here! Let’s be honest, there’s just nothing quite like homemade Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins to turn an ordinary day into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins lies in how just a few wholesome ingredients can bake up into something spectacular. Each one works its charm—adding zing, texture, or a touch of natural sweetness—making these muffins completely irresistible.

• Almond Flour: The hero behind that moist, tender crumb; it keeps the muffins gluten-free and protein-rich.
• Coconut Flour: Provides structure and a subtle sweetness—just a little goes a long way!
• Baking Soda: Lends the muffins their lightness and rise by lovingly reacting with orange juice.
• Eggs: Essential for binding and ensuring that gorgeously fluffy texture.
• Orange Zest: Infuses bright citrus flavor and fragrance in every bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor, giving the muffins that comforting bakery aroma.
• Orange Juice: Keeps things deliciously moist and amplifies the zingy orange notes.
• Honey: Naturally sweetens the muffins; it also contributes a gentle, golden moisture.
• Coconut Oil (melted): Adds richness and helps create a soft crumb—plus, it’s better for you!
• Cranberries: Their tart pop balances sweetness and adds gorgeous bursts of color.
• Pecans (chopped): Give an irresistible nutty crunch and pair so perfectly with orange and cranberry.

How to Make Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Muffin Tray

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (that’s 350 degrees Fahrenheit). Line a muffin tray with paper liners. This not only makes the muffins easier to remove, but also saves you from scrubbing the tray later—a win-win!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients (and the Secret Foaming Step!)

In a roomy mixing bowl, add your eggs, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil, honey, orange juice, and orange zest. Here’s a pro tip: sprinkle the baking soda right onto the orange juice and watch it foam a little. This extra step makes your Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins extra airy and light!

Step 3: Add the Flours and Combine

Now gently incorporate the almond flour and coconut flour into your wet mixture. Use a low mixer speed or a gentle hand with a spatula. You want to mix just until combined—over mixing can make the muffins dense, and we want tender and soft instead!

Step 4: Stir in Cranberries & Pecans

Time for those flavor bursts! Fold in your fresh cranberries and chopped pecans. Don’t rush—gentle stirring stops the berries from breaking up and streaking the batter. Every muffin should have beautiful, whole berries and nutty crunchy bits.

Step 5: Fill, Top, and Bake

Spoon the batter into each muffin liner, filling right to the top and gently pressing down so each cup is snugly packed. For visual wow-factor, press a few extra cranberries on top of each muffin. Now bake your Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins for about 25 minutes—when a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready! Let them cool at least 20 minutes so they set up perfectly and don’t crumble when you remove them.

How to Serve Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins

Garnishes

A little garnish can take your muffins from lovely to absolutely irresistible. Try dusting the tops with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or add a few curls of fresh orange zest for a pop of color. Even a light honey drizzle can add an extra touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins are fantastic with creamy Greek yogurt or a dollop of mascarpone on the side. Fresh fruit—like sliced oranges or a berry medley—makes everything feel even more vibrant and brunch-worthy.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the muffins on a rustic wooden board nestled among orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Or, for a special brunch, stack them in a tiered stand for instant wow factor. Individually wrap them in parchment for the most adorable edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, keep any leftover Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, though fair warning—they tend to disappear faster!

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Just place them, fully cooled, into a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months, making it easy to have a sweet treat on hand anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-baked flavor, reheat your muffins in the oven at 160 degrees Celsius (320 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 20 seconds. This brings those citrusy, nutty aromas back to life—almost as if they just came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and pat dry before adding. They’ll be plumper and less likely to dry out your Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins.

What can I substitute for pecans?

Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts will work well if you don’t have pecans on hand. Each will give your Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins a slightly different twist—so delicious!

Are these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, thanks to almond and coconut flours, these Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins are completely gluten-free, making them perfect for those with sensitivities or anyone aiming to cut down on gluten.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

You can try swapping in flax eggs and using maple syrup instead of honey. While the flavor and rise may be slightly different, you’ll still get a tasty batch of Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane or fine grater and only take the orange-colored part of the peel—the white pith underneath is bitter. Fresh zest gives your Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins an amazing aroma and a flavor punch!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to get baking and share the magic of Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins with friends and family. There’s something so special about homemade treats bursting with real fruit, nuts, and citrus—give these a try and prepare for rave reviews!

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