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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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