Paleo Cranberry Orange Muffins
cranberry orange is such a classic and beloved flavor combination for a reason. I pair these two up in a soft & fluffy muffin made with paleo, gluten-free, refined sugar-free and grain-free ingredients. the result is a moist muffin with subtle sweetness and the perfect hint of tartness. these paleo cranberry orange muffins will be your favorite cozy treat this Valentine’s Day.
inspiration:
I tested a lot of variations of paleo muffins when I was working as a personal chef. not all paleo muffins are created equally as some may be reminiscent tasting of cardboard or as tough as a hockey puck. this recipe integrates three grain free flours: almond, coconut and tapioca to add texture and tenderness. to add moisture, I utilize eggs, almond milk and apple cider vinegar. the muffins are soft and melt-in-your mouth tender with lovely sweet orange and both fresh and dried cranberries. I also top it with an extra special orange glaze atop for extra sweetness.
paleo cranberry orange muffin ingredients:
- cranberries: the star of the show! I use both fresh and dried cranberries in the batter for the perfect combo of tart and sweet.
- fresh orange: freshly-squeezed orange juice and plenty of orange zest are in the batter and the glaze.
- tenderizers: eggs, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil and almond milk help keep the muffins moist and tender.
- flavorings: almond extract, vanilla extract and maple syrup add delicious flavor to the muffins.
- vanilla: pure vanilla extract adds a cozy bakery treat flavor.
- monkfruit powdered sugar: you can also use organic powdered sugar to form the glaze.
how to serve:
see below for some fun serving ideas to showcase these delicious paleo muffins.
- protein packed snack: top warmed and sliced muffin topped with cashew butter and hemp seeds.
- weekend breakfast: serve muffins alongside scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage with sliced avocado.
- baby shower brunch: serve muffins alongside my gf harvest quiche, a salad with my favorite winter salad ingredients and my mom’s apple lemon tuna salad with slider rolls.
- tea time: serve muffins with my classic ploughman’s lunch, tea sandwiches with my curried chicken salad with apricots and my “candy bar” date bark.
Paleo Cranberry Orange Muffins
Ingredients
Dry ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2/3 cup tapioca flour
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon mineral salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Wet ingredients:
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1/3 cup almond milk
- 2 Tablespoons orange zest
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- 1.5 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Orange Glaze:
- ⅓ cup monkfruit powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- Pinch of mineral salt
Instructions
- Bring eggs to room temperature if you haven't already. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners and grease liners with coconut oil spray.
- Begin by whisking together all wet ingredients in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients except for cranberries. When dry mixture is incorporated and smooth, fold in fresh and dried cranberries to coat in the dry mixture.
- Add wet mixture to the dry mixture, folding with a spatula delicately until all ingredients are well combined.
- With an ice cream or large scoop, evenly distribute batter in muffin liners, about 3/4 high up each liner.
- Bake on the middle rack for 20-25 min, rotating pan 180 degrees halfway through cooking, until muffins are golden and just cooked through. Check muffins with a toothpick to make sure muffins have dry crumbs.
- While muffins are baking, make orange glaze. Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together until smooth.
- Let muffins cool at least 20 minutes before glazing and serving, (muffins need to set a bit). With a spoon, evenly drizzle glaze atop muffins and serve. Because these muffins don't contain preservatives, make sure to store in the refrigerator.
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