Orange Blossom Muffins

❤️ Why We Love This Recipe

• Zesty Citrus Flavor: The combination of orange marmalade and orange juice infuses each bite with a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Easy and Convenient: When life gets busy, we all can use a shortcut without compromising on taste. Using biscuit mix streamlines the baking process, making these muffins a breeze to whip up. 
• Crunchy Pecan Texture: The crunch from chopped pecans adds texture to these muffins. It’s the perfect contrast to the tender crumb of the muffins themselves.

🛒 Ingredient Notes

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• Biscuit Mix – My preferred brand of biscuit mix is Bisquick. It’s a versatile baking staple containing flour, leavening agents, and a touch of fat that is a convenient base for various baked goods. There are other very good brands on the market, so just use your favorite.
• Orange Marmalade – Orange marmalade adds a tangy, citrusy kick to the muffins. Its distinct flavor enhances the overall taste and complements the orange juice. Look for a high-quality marmalade with visible zest for an authentic flavor burst.
• Chopped Pecans – Pecans bring a satisfying crunch to the muffins. Chopping them allows for even distribution throughout the batter. If preferred, you can swap pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different twist. Or omit them altogether if anyone in your home has an allergy.
• Canola Oil – Canola oil is a neutral-flavored oil that’s commonly used in baking. It adds moisture to the muffins without overpowering the citrus and nut flavors. Other mild oils like vegetable oil work as substitutes. Avoid strongly flavored oils like olive oil, as they might alter the muffins’ taste.
• Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg – These spices add warmth and depth to the muffins. Use ground spices for even distribution. 
• Orange Juice – The orange juice contributes both liquid and citrus essence to the muffins. 
• Sugar – Along with the marmalade, granulated sugar sweetens the muffins. It’s used in both the batter and the topping. 
• All-Purpose Flour – Just a touch of flour is used to make the topping for the muffins.

🥄 How to Make Orange Blossom Muffins

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper baking cups. Set it aside for now.
2. In a large bowl, combine the biscuit mix and sugar. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, juice, and oil. Add the wet ingredients to the well in the dry mixture. Stir together just until moistened–don’t overmix. Add the marmalade and pecans and stir them in well.
4. Spoon the batter into the prepared baking tin, filling each cup 2/3 full.
5. In a small bowl, combine the remaining sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over the muffin batter.
6. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 18 minutes or a tester inserted near the center comes out clean.

🍚 How to Store

Properly storing the finished Orange Blossom Muffins will help maintain their freshness and flavor longer. 

• Short-Term Storage: Before storing the muffins, make sure they’re completely cooled. Transfer the cooled muffins to an airtight container. If you’re stacking the muffins, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking. If you plan to use the muffins within 1-2 days, you can store them at room temperature. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe resealable bag. Proper wrapping prevents freezer burn and maintains the muffins’ quality. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your stored muffins, if they were frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator. To restore their just-baked freshness, reheat the muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. You can also microwave individual muffins for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.

⚠️ Recipe Tips and Substitutions

• Customize with Add-Ins: While the recipe is fantastic as-is, you might want to try some additional add-ins. Consider folding in a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor variety.
• Healthier Alternatives: If you’re aiming for a healthier option, try substituting some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make the muffins gluten-free, substitute a gluten-free biscuit mix and verify that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon and nutmeg are delightful, feel free to get creative with other spices. Consider cardamom, ginger, or even a pinch of cloves for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
• Fresh Citrus Zest: Enhance the orange flavor by adding a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the batter. Zest carries potent citrus oils that can elevate the muffins’ overall taste.
• Topping Variations: The sugar-flour-spice topping can be adapted to your preference. Try adding a touch of orange zest, swapping cinnamon for ginger, or incorporating a pinch of allspice.

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