Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Old Fashioned Orange Date Muffins Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 59 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Old Fashioned Orange Date Muffins are a delightful blend of sweet dates and fresh orange flavors, enhanced with warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack, these muffins combine all-purpose and whole wheat flours for texture, with optional nuts for added crunch. Moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare, they bring a nostalgic twist to classic muffin recipes.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (optional, for added texture)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the muffin cups to prepare them for baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour (if using), sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
  3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Gradually add the melted butter, buttermilk, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all the wet components.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix the batter to avoid dense muffins.
  5. Add Dates and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped pitted dates and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
  7. Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean when they’re ready.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar for a similar tanginess.
  • For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest contribute significantly to the muffin’s bright flavor.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack, Baked Goods
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American