Zesty Orange Muffins with Apricots and Cranberries
Indulge in these moist and flavorful Zesty Orange Muffins that combine the bright citrus notes of fresh orange juice with the sweet chewiness of dried apricots and cranberries. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a delightful addition to any brunch spread, these muffins are rich in taste yet lower in fat and cholesterol. By substituting traditional butter with Smart Balance spread and using egg whites, you can savor every bite without the guilt. Enjoy the perfect blend of nutrition and flavor in every delightful muffin!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
Whole wheat flour
3/4 cup (sifted)
Wheat germ
1/4 cup (optional replacement with additional whole wheat flour)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Smart Balance regular spread
4 tablespoons (melted)
Sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Orange juice
2/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
Eggs or egg whites
1 whole or 2 whites (beaten)
Dried sweetened cranberries
1 cup (chopped if large)
Dried apricot halves
1 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your muffin pans by spraying with cooking oil or lining them with paper liners. Note that this recipe can yield more than the standard 12 muffins, so have extra liners or pans ready.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, wheat germ (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
3
Add the melted Smart Balance spread to the dry ingredients and mix with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
4
Stir in the sugar, ensuring it is well distributed throughout the flour mixture.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice and the beaten egg (or egg whites). Whisk to combine.
6
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just blended. Be careful not to overmix; the batter will be stiff.
7
Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and apricots gently until incorporated into the batter.
8
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full to allow for rising.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
10
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove them and finish cooling on a wire rack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Orange Muffins with Apricots and Cranberries?
They are moist, flavorful muffins that combine fresh orange juice with the sweet chewiness of dried apricots and cranberries.
How do these muffins achieve a lower fat and cholesterol content?
By substituting traditional butter with Smart Balance spread and using egg whites instead of whole eggs.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking these muffins?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many muffins does this recipe yield?
This recipe can yield more than the standard 12 muffins, so it is recommended to have extra liners or pans ready.
What types of flour are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour and 3/4 cup of sifted whole wheat flour.
Is wheat germ required for this recipe?
Wheat germ is optional; you can replace the 1/4 cup of wheat germ with additional whole wheat flour.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
What amount of Smart Balance spread should be used?
Use 4 tablespoons of melted Smart Balance regular spread.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sugar.
Should the orange juice be fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2/3 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Can I use egg whites instead of a whole egg?
Yes, you can use either 1 whole egg or 2 egg whites, beaten.
How much dried fruit is included?
The recipe includes 1 cup of chopped dried apricot halves and 1 cup of dried sweetened cranberries.
How should I prepare the muffin pans?
Spray the muffin pans with cooking oil or line them with paper liners.
What is the first step in mixing the ingredients?
Combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, wheat germ, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
How do I incorporate the Smart Balance spread?
Add the melted spread to the dry ingredients and mix with a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles fine crumbs.
What should I do after adding the sugar?
Stir in the sugar to ensure it is well distributed throughout the flour mixture.
How should the wet ingredients be mixed?
In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice and the beaten egg or egg whites.
What is the texture of the muffin batter?
The batter will be stiff; be careful not to overmix it when combining wet and dry ingredients.
When should I add the dried fruit?
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and apricots after the wet and dry ingredients are just blended.
How full should I fill the muffin cups?
Fill the prepared muffin cups about 3/4 full to allow room for the muffins to rise.
How long do the muffins need to bake?
Bake for approximately 18 minutes.
How do I check if the muffins are fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they are done.
How long should I let the muffins cool in the pan?
Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.
Where should the muffins finish cooling?
After removing them from the pan, finish cooling them on a wire rack.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The primary flavors are citrus from the orange juice and sweetness from the apricots and cranberries.
Is baking soda used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda is included.
Can I serve these muffins for brunch?
Yes, they are described as a delightful addition to any brunch spread.
What preparation is needed for the apricots?
The dried apricot halves should be chopped before being added to the batter.
Are these muffins considered a healthy snack?
Yes, they are tagged as healthy snacks and are designed to be lower in fat and cholesterol.