Orange Almond Muffins

Orange Almond Muffins are a bright and nutty twist on the classic muffin, made with fresh orange juice and zest and the rich flavor of almonds. These muffins are moist, fragrant, and lightly sweet—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh citrus flavor – Orange juice and zest provide a refreshing, natural taste.
• Nutty richness – Almond flour and extract add depth and texture.
• Moist and tender crumb – Perfectly soft thanks to yogurt and olive oil.
• Easy to make – No special tools or complex techniques needed.
• Versatile – Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• ⅓ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix sugar and orange zest, rubbing them together with your fingers to release oils and intensify flavor.
4. Add eggs, yogurt, orange juice, oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the sugar mixture. Whisk until smooth.
5. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups (about ¾ full). Top with sliced almonds and coarse sugar if using.
7. Bake for 17–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-free: Substitute plant-based yogurt and use a neutral dairy-free oil.
• Lemon-almond: Swap the orange zest and juice for lemon.
• Add-ins: Mix in chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep up to 5 days in the fridge; warm briefly before eating.
• Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or warm in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use orange extract instead of juice?

You can add ½ teaspoon of orange extract for extra flavor, but fresh juice is still recommended for moisture.

Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Yes! Reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes and check for doneness.

Are these muffins very sweet?

They’re mildly sweet. You can add more sugar or glaze them if you prefer a sweeter treat.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?

Yes, but Greek yogurt provides more structure and moisture. Regular yogurt may result in a slightly softer crumb.

Can I skip the almond extract?

Yes, though it adds a nice flavor. Replace with additional vanilla if desired.

What kind of almonds should I use for topping?

Sliced or slivered almonds work best. Toast them first for more crunch and flavor.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

Yes. Use dairy-free yogurt and replace the eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacer.

Why are my muffins dense?

Be sure not to overmix the batter and check that your baking powder is fresh.

Can I use only almond flour?

Using all almond flour will change the texture drastically and may not hold together well. A mix works best.

What’s a good glaze for these?

A simple orange glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice is perfect.

Conclusion

Orange Almond Muffins are the perfect balance of citrus and nuttiness, wrapped in a soft, bakery-style muffin. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as a light dessert, their vibrant flavor and wholesome ingredients are sure to make them a repeat favorite.

Print