Zesty Orange Marmalade Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in these delightful Zesty Orange Marmalade Muffins, infused with the sweetness of orange marmalade and complemented by a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any snack time, these muffins offer a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a hint of orange, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these muffins are a quick and delicious treat that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (measured)
granulated sugar
1/4 cup (measured)
baking powder
2 1/4 teaspoons (measured)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (measured)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
milk
3/4 cup (measured)
orange marmalade
2/3 cup + 1/2 cup for frosting (measured and stirred into batter and frosting)
vegetable oil (or melted butter or shortening)
1/4 cup (measured)
orange extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
cream cheese
1/2 cup (softened)
confectioners' sugar
2 cups (more if needed for frosting)
orange food coloring
optional (to enhance color of frosting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the second-lowest position.
2
Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and orange extract until smooth and well mixed.
5
Stir in the orange marmalade, ensuring it is distributed evenly in the wet mixture.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients using a wooden spoon. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing for tender muffins.
7
Spoon the batter generously into each muffin cup, filling each about 2/3 full.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
To prepare the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining orange marmalade in a bowl until fluffy.
11
Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency, adjusting with more sugar if necessary.
12
Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over each cooled muffin and, if desired, add a few drops of orange food coloring to enhance the visual appeal.
13
Store any leftover muffins in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Orange Marmalade Muffins?
They are citrus-infused muffins made with orange marmalade and topped with a creamy orange-flavored cream cheese frosting.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Which oven rack position is best for baking these muffins?
Position the oven rack in the second-lowest position for even baking.
How many muffins does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
What dry ingredients are needed for the batter?
You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
What are the wet ingredients for the muffins?
The wet ingredients include 2 large beaten eggs, 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon orange extract.
How much orange marmalade goes into the muffin batter?
Use 2/3 cup of orange marmalade for the muffin batter.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter or shortening.
How do I mix the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined.
Why shouldn't I overmix the muffin batter?
Avoiding overmixing ensures that the muffins remain tender rather than tough.
How much should I fill the muffin cups?
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
How long do the muffins need to bake?
Bake the muffins for approximately 18 minutes.
How can I tell when the muffins are finished baking?
The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should I cool the muffins in the pan?
Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What is in the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of softened cream cheese, orange marmalade, and confectioners' sugar.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese.
How much orange marmalade is used in the frosting?
Add 1/2 cup of orange marmalade to the frosting mixture.
How much confectioners' sugar is needed for the frosting?
Use 2 cups of confectioners' sugar, adding more if needed to reach the desired consistency.
How do I make the frosting fluffy?
Beat the softened cream cheese with the orange marmalade until the mixture is fluffy before adding the sugar.
Can I add color to the frosting?
Yes, you can add a few drops of orange food coloring to enhance the visual appeal.
When should I apply the frosting to the muffins?
Wait until the muffins have cooled completely before spreading the frosting over them.
How should leftover muffins be stored?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Are these muffins good for brunch?
Yes, these zesty muffins are a perfect addition to breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.
Is the orange extract mandatory?
The orange extract provides an extra burst of citrus flavor, but it can be omitted if unavailable.
What kind of flour is recommended?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to line the muffin tin?
Yes, use paper liners to prevent the muffins from sticking to the tin.
How do I adjust the frosting thickness?
Gradually add more confectioners' sugar until you reach a smooth and spreadable consistency.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the second-lowest position.
Can I use shortening in the batter?
Yes, shortening is a suitable alternative to vegetable oil or butter in this recipe.
What type of sugar is used in the muffin batter?
Granulated sugar is used in the muffin batter.