Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins

Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat that can brighten up any occasion. These muffins combine the refreshing zest of oranges with a creamy filling and a crunchy crumble topping, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Their unique blend of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these muffins up in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh orange juice and zest offers a vibrant citrus flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Delight: Perfect for brunches, picnics, or as a sweet snack anytime during the day.
• Creamy Texture: The cream cheese glaze adds a rich and creamy layer, enhancing the overall muffin experience.
• Crumble Topping Crunch: The crumble topping gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft muffin base.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure success in your baking endeavor.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: This holds the muffins in shape while they bake, ensuring even cooking.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for easy separation of dry and wet ingredients.
• Spatula: Essential for gently folding ingredients without overmixing, leading to tender muffins.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup orange preserves

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Orange Drizzle:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

How to Make Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl:
1. Combine the flour and sugar for the crumble.
2. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Batter

In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another medium bowl:
2. Whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
4. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined; be careful not to overmix—some lumps are okay.

Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups

Fill each muffin cup about halfway with batter.
– Place about 1 teaspoon of orange preserves into each center.
– Top with remaining batter until cups are two-thirds full.

Step 5: Add Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the prepared crumble evenly over each muffin’s top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center (avoiding preserves) comes out clean. The tops should turn golden brown.

Step 7: Cool

Let muffins cool in their tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Glaze

In a small bowl:
1. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until creamy.
3. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 9: Make Orange Drizzle

In another very small bowl:
– Whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth; it should be pourable.

Step 10: Glaze Muffins

Once cooled completely, spread or pipe cream cheese glaze generously on top of each muffin.
Drizzle with orange glaze before serving.

Enjoy your perfectly moist Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins!

How to Serve Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins

These delightful Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them at breakfast or serving them at a brunch gathering, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Add a side of sliced strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi for a refreshing contrast to the rich muffins.

Serve with Coffee or Tea

• A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the sweetness of the muffins beautifully, making for a cozy treat.

Enjoy with Yogurt

• Serve the muffins alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey for a tasty and nutritious breakfast option.

Top with Extra Orange Zest

• Sprinkle additional fresh orange zest over each muffin before serving to enhance the citrus flavor and presentation.

Create a Muffin Platter

• Arrange the muffins on a decorative platter with other baked goods to impress guests at gatherings or celebrations.

How to Perfect Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins

Achieving the perfect Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your muffins turn out moist and delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh oranges and high-quality cream cheese to maximize flavor.
• Don’t overmix: Gently folding the batter prevents dense muffins. A few lumps are okay!
• Measure accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts; this is crucial for baking.
• Cool completely before glazing: Letting muffins cool ensures that your cream cheese glaze sets properly without melting away.
• Experiment with flavors: Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra twist on this classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins

These muffins pair wonderfully with various side dishes that can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options you might consider serving alongside.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the muffins.
2. Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of cheeses like brie or gouda for creamy, savory notes that complement the sweetness.
3. Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in a glass for a beautiful presentation and crunchy texture.
4. Avocado Toast: The creamy richness of avocado toast provides a savory contrast to the sweet muffins.
5. Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with seeds and nuts for added nutrition.
6. Savory Egg Dishes: Scrambled eggs or an egg casserole can add protein to balance out your meal perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Boldly Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined for a lighter texture.

• Boldly Skipping the Zest: Forgetting orange zest means missing out on intense flavor. Always include fresh zest to enhance the muffin’s citrus profile.

• Boldly Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting into warm muffins can ruin their texture. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

• Boldly Measuring Ingredients Incorrectly: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can alter the final product. Use proper measuring tools for accuracy.

• Boldly Rushing the Baking Process: Opening the oven door often lets heat escape, affecting baking time. Keep it closed until you’re close to the end of baking for even results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your muffins in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap muffins in foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins:

How do I make Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins more flavorful?

Adding more orange zest or using flavored extracts can enhance the taste. You might try adding spices like cinnamon for extra depth.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, substituting whole wheat flour is possible but may require slight adjustments in liquid ingredients due to its different absorption qualities.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese as a substitute in your cream cheese glaze.

How should I store leftover muffins?

Store leftover muffins properly by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerating them for longer freshness.

Can I use other fruit preserves?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves such as raspberry or peach for a delightful twist on these muffins.

Final Thoughts

These Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. They make a fantastic breakfast treat or snack any time of day! Feel free to customize with your favorite fruits or add nuts and spices for additional flavor and texture. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its delightful orange-infused goodness!

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Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 12 muffins 1x

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Description

Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful blend of moist, citrus-infused muffins filled with sweet orange preserves and topped with a crunchy crumble. The creamy cream cheese glaze adds a rich layer that complements the vibrant orange flavor, making these muffins an irresistible treat for breakfast or any time of day. Easy to prepare, they are perfect for brunch gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying with your morning coffee. With their unique combination of flavors and textures, these muffins will surely brighten up your culinary repertoire.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup orange preserves
• For the Crumble Topping: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
• For the Cream Cheese Glaze: 2 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Orange Drizzle: 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a small bowl, mix together flour and sugar for the crumble; cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, oil, zest, and juice; combine with dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. Fill muffin cups halfway with batter, add a teaspoon of orange preserves in the center, then top with remaining batter.
5. Sprinkle crumble on top and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let cool before applying cream cheese glaze made by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin (75g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg