Orange Poppy Seed Muffins

These Orange Poppy Seed Muffins are a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy, with a light, moist texture and a delightful crunch from the poppy seeds. Made with gluten-free flour, these muffins are a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions. Infused with orange juice, orange zest, and a touch of honey, they offer a refreshing, natural sweetness. The optional orange glaze adds a creamy, tangy finish that complements the muffins perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free muffin recipe, a breakfast treat, or a flavorful addition to your brunch, these muffins will satisfy your cravings. Perfect for meal prep, these healthy muffins can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later.

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 2 ½ cups gluten-free 1:1 flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons orange-infused olive oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ⅓ cup honey
• ½ cup almond milk (room temperature)
• ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (about ¼ of an orange)
• 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 1 orange)

For the Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar (sifted)
• 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the Buttermilk:
   • In a small bowl, combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Set aside for a few minutes to create a dairy-free buttermilk.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
   • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sugar, olive oils, honey, eggs, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix on medium-low speed until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on medium-low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
6. Add the Poppy Seeds:
   • Gently fold the poppy seeds into the batter using a rubber spatula.
7. Fill the Muffin Tin:
   • Using a large cookie scoop, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
8. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake to prevent the tops from hardening.
9. Cool the Muffins:
   • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Glaze:
    • Sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps, then mix with 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice or heavy cream, if desired.
11. Glaze the Muffins:
    • Once the muffins are fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Orange Poppy Seed Muffins are a delightful combination of fresh citrus flavor, a hint of sweetness, and a satisfying crunch from the poppy seeds. The soft, moist muffin base pairs perfectly with the bright and refreshing glaze. Whether you’re gluten-free or not, this easy-to-make recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving a sweet treat.

Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, almond milk, and honey are at room temperature for the best muffin texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense muffins.
• Glaze Adjustments: If you prefer a thicker glaze, add less orange juice. For a thinner glaze, add more orange juice or a bit of heavy cream.
• Store Properly: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Variations and Substitutions

• Flour Substitutes: If you’re not gluten-free, you can use regular all-purpose flour in place of the gluten-free flour.
• Milk Alternatives: If you don’t have almond milk, you can substitute with any non-dairy milk like oat, coconut, or soy milk.
• Sweeteners: You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.
• Add-ins: Try adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins without the glaze?
Yes, the muffins are delicious on their own without the glaze, though the glaze adds a sweet and tangy touch.

Can I use a different oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or another mild oil if you don’t have olive oil on hand. The orange-infused olive oil provides a unique flavor, but regular olive oil will work as well.

How can I make these muffins more fluffy?
For fluffier muffins, make sure not to overmix the batter and avoid pressing the batter down into the muffin tin.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Tea or Coffee: These muffins make a perfect companion to a hot cup of tea or coffee for a morning or afternoon snack.
• Serve at Brunch: Add them to your brunch spread along with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad.
• Dessert Option: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.