Zesty Orange Muffins Filled with Luscious Cream Cheese: A Citrus Delight

Zesty Orange Muffins Filled with Luscious Cream Cheese: A Citrus Delight

Embrace the vibrant flavors of orange in these tangy orange muffins, each filled with a rich cream cheese center that melts with every bite. These muffins combine the tangy sweetness of fresh oranges with a touch of warm spice, creating a perfect balance of both refreshing and comforting.

Why you'll love it: These muffins are a delicious treat, with the bright tang of orange enhanced by the creamy, sweet filling. The texture is soft and chewy, ideal for breakfast, brunch or as a midday snack. Each muffin is bursting with flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Perfect occasion: These muffins are perfect for any gathering where a dessert or light, fresh snack is desired. They are particularly suitable for spring and summer brunches, afternoon tea or as a cheerful addition to a picnic basket. They are also a delight for Mother's Day or Easter celebrations.

Decorating Tips: For a festive touch, sprinkle the top with a little raw sugar before baking for a crisp, glistening finish. A thin slice of orange placed on top before cooking can also add a beautiful and appetizing look.

Ingredients for the muffins:

• 3/4 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/3 cup neutral oil (like avocado oil)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons of yeast
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup sour cream or natural yogurt

Ingredients for Orange Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon of orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon orange extract
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with muffin liners.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, nutmeg, ginger, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Put aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with both sugars until creamy. Add sour cream, milk, orange juice, vanilla extract, orange extract and oil, mixing until well combined.
4. Stir in the orange zest, then gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Prepare the filling by beating the cream cheese, sugar, orange zest, orange extract, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
6. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the muffin batter. Add about a tablespoon of cream cheese filling to the center, then top with the remaining dough.
7. Bake for 18 to 21 minutes, or until muffins are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the muffins cool slightly in the pan before removing them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Enjoy these vibrant Zesty Orange Muffins, a deliciously unique treat that combines the freshness of citrus with the creamy sweetness of a delicious filling!