Imagine the tender crumb of a perfectly spiced muffin paired with the tart burst of cranberries and the warm aroma of cardamom. These cranberry cardamom spice muffins are a delightful treat that balance sweetness and spice, making them perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
Photos of Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins Recipe
For this recipe, you might need to stock up on a few special ingredients. Cardamom is a fragrant spice often used in baking, but it may not be a pantry staple for everyone. Similarly, fresh cranberries and orange zest add unique flavors that elevate these muffins. If you don't usually keep sour cream or walnuts on hand, be sure to grab those as well to ensure a rich, nutty texture.
Ingredients For Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins
All purpose flour: The base of the muffin, giving structure and texture.
Baking soda: Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
Baking powder: Works alongside the baking soda for leavening.
Cardamom: Adds a warm, aromatic spice note.
Ground cinnamon: Enhances the overall spice profile.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins.
Large eggs: Provides structure and stability.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and subtle tanginess.
Pure vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter.
Orange zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma.
Walnuts: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
Cranberries: Provide tartness and a burst of flavor.
Confectioner's sugar: Used for the sweet orange icing.
Orange juice: Combined with confectioner's sugar for the icing.
One reader, Carin Lunsford says:
These cranberry cardamom spice muffins are a delightful treat! The blend of spices and the tangy cranberries create a perfect balance of flavors. The orange icing adds a refreshing touch. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Techniques Required for Making Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins
How to zest an orange: Use a fine grater or a zester to remove the outer layer of the orange peel, avoiding the white pith underneath. How to cream butter and sugar: Beat the butter and sugar together at high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. How to fold ingredients: Gently mix ingredients by lifting from underneath with a spatula to avoid deflating the batter. How to make icing: Whisk together confectioners' sugar and orange juice until smooth and drizzle over the muffins.
How To Make Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins
Cardamom spice muffins are flavorful. Drizzled on top with an orange icing that ties all of the flavors together, it’s the perfect blend of tart and sweet.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¾cupsall purpose flour,spoon & leveled
- 1tspbaking soda
- 1tspbaking powder
- 1tspcardamom
- ½tspground cinnamon
- ½tspsalt
- ½cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature
- ¾cupgranulated sugar
- 2large eggs,at room temperature
- ½cupsour cream
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- ⅓cupmilk
- 1zest orange
- ½cupwalnuts,chopped
- 1½cupscranberries,fresh or frozen, do not thaw if using frozen
For the Orange Icing:
- 1cupconfectioner’s sugar
- 1juice orange,about 3 tablespoons
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with cupcake liners. Set aside.
Muffins:
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In a large bowl, toss the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt together. Set aside.
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In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy for about 1 minute.
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Add the granulated sugar and beat on high until creamed for about 2 full minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
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Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute, then turn up to high speed until the mixture is combined and creamy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
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Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and beat on low speed until just about combined. Add the milk and orange zest and continue to beat on low until combined. Fold in the walnuts and cranberries.
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Spoon the batter evenly into each cup or liner, filling each all the way to the top.
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Bake the muffins for 5 minutes at 425 degrees F then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
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Bake for an additional 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer to a wire rack and drizzle with icing.
Orange Icing:
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Whisk the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice together. Drizzle over muffins.
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Muffins stay fresh stored in the refrigerator for 1 week.
Nutrition
- Calories: 275.66kcal
- Fat: 10.92g
- Saturated Fat: 6.39g
- Trans Fat: 0.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.87g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.71g
- Carbohydrates: 41.66g
- Fiber: 1.76g
- Sugar: 25.61g
- Protein: 3.73g
- Cholesterol: 57.00mg
- Sodium: 253.36mg
- Calcium: 68.14mg
- Potassium: 111.01mg
- Iron: 1.16mg
- Vitamin A: 100.84µg
- Vitamin C: 13.57mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins
To ensure your cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the muffins, toss them in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Muffins
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the baking process.
Use a food processor: Quickly chop walnuts and cranberries using a food processor to save time.
Room temperature dairy: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for easier mixing.
One-bowl method: Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another, then mix together to reduce cleanup time.
Preheat oven early: Preheat your oven while preparing the batter to avoid waiting.
Use an ice cream scoop: Use an ice cream scoop to evenly distribute batter into the muffin pan quickly.
Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the muffins denser.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use three times the amount of baking powder as a substitute for baking soda to maintain leavening.
baking powder - Substitute with cream of tartar and baking soda: Mix 1/4 tsp baking soda with 1/2 tsp cream of tartar for each tsp of baking powder needed.
cardamom - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger provides a warm, spicy flavor similar to cardamom.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a similar warm, sweet spice profile.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, with a slight coconut flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though it will slightly alter the texture.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water per egg for a vegan alternative.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.
zest orange - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest provides a similar citrusy aroma and flavor.
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries provide a similar tartness and chewy texture.
confectioner's sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar blended into a powder: Blending granulated sugar creates a similar fine texture for icing.
juice orange - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins
Use elegant muffin liners: Choose high-quality, decorative muffin liners to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation. Opt for metallic or intricately patterned liners that complement the cranberries and orange zest.
Top with candied cranberries: Prepare candied cranberries by simmering them in a simple syrup until they are glossy and slightly translucent. Place a few on top of each muffin for a visually appealing and flavorful garnish.
Drizzle with orange icing artfully: Instead of a simple drizzle, use a piping bag to create intricate patterns with the orange icing. This adds a professional touch and ensures even distribution of sweetness.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a small sprig of fresh mint or rosemary on top of each muffin. The green color contrasts beautifully with the red cranberries and adds a fresh aroma.
Serve on a stylish platter: Arrange the muffins on a sleek, modern serving platter. Consider using a white or black platter to make the colors of the muffins pop. Add a few scattered walnuts and orange zest around the platter for added visual interest.
Accompany with a side of whipped cream: Serve a small dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side of each muffin. This adds a creamy texture that complements the spiced flavors of the muffins.
Highlight the ingredients: Place small bowls of key ingredients like cardamom, cinnamon, and cranberries around the serving area. This not only educates diners about the flavors but also adds a rustic, ingredient-focused aesthetic.
Use edible flowers: Garnish the platter with a few edible flowers like pansies or violets. These delicate blooms add a touch of elegance and a pop of color that enhances the overall presentation.
Create a layered display: Use cake stands or tiered trays to create a multi-level display. This adds height and dimension to the presentation, making it more visually appealing and easier for guests to access the muffins.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar: Just before serving, lightly dust the muffins with a fine layer of powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and a snowy, festive look that is perfect for the holiday season.
Essential Tools for Making Muffins
Oven: Used for baking the muffins at the required temperatures.
Muffin pan: Holds the muffin batter in individual portions for baking.
Nonstick spray: Prevents the muffins from sticking to the pan.
Cupcake liners: Alternative to nonstick spray, makes for easy removal and serving.
Large mixing bowl: Used for combining dry ingredients.
Handheld mixer: Helps in beating the butter and sugar together until creamy.
Stand mixer: An alternative to the handheld mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment for mixing.
Paddle attachment: Used with the stand mixer to beat and mix ingredients.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Measuring cups: For accurately measuring dry and wet ingredients.
Measuring spoons: For measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like baking soda and cardamom.
Wire rack: Allows the muffins to cool evenly after baking.
Whisk: Used for making the orange icing by mixing confectioners’ sugar and orange juice.
Zester: For zesting the orange to add flavor to the muffin batter.
Toothpick: Used to check if the muffins are baked through by inserting it into the center.
Spoon: For spooning the batter into the muffin pan.
Knife: For chopping the walnuts if they are not pre-chopped.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the walnuts.
Storing and Freezing Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins
- Allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them to prevent moisture from accumulating and making them soggy.
- Store the cooled cranberry cardamom spice muffins in an airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the muffins fresh for longer.
- Place the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The muffins will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, place the muffins in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 1 week when refrigerated.
- To freeze the muffins, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, ensuring a tight seal. Then, place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze the muffins for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, remove the desired number of muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds for a warm, freshly baked taste.
- If you plan to freeze the muffins with the orange icing, it's best to freeze them without the icing and add it after thawing for the best texture and appearance.
How To Reheat Leftover Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins
To reheat leftover cranberry cardamom spice muffins, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that the muffins warm up evenly without burning or drying out.
Place the muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. If you want to add a little extra moisture, you can brush the tops of the muffins with a small amount of melted butter or milk.
Cover the muffins loosely with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the tops from browning too quickly and will also trap some of the steam, keeping the muffins moist.
Bake the covered muffins in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. The exact time will depend on the size of your muffins and how cold they were to begin with.
Alternatively, if you're in a hurry, you can reheat individual muffins in the microwave. Place a muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If it's not warm enough, continue heating in 10-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
For a crispy top, you can finish the muffins under the broiler for a minute or two after reheating them in the oven or microwave. Just be sure to watch them closely so they don't burn.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your cranberry cardamom spice muffins. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins in the basket, leaving some space between each one. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Random Fact about Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins
A unique aspect of these cranberry cardamom spice muffins is the combination of cardamom and cinnamon, which adds a warm, aromatic flavor. The orange zest and cranberries provide a refreshing contrast, making these muffins perfect for the holiday season.
Is Making Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins at Home Cost-Effective?
The cranberry cardamom spice muffins recipe is moderately cost-effective. With ingredients like cranberries, sour cream, and walnuts, the cost can add up, but these muffins offer a delightful and unique flavor profile. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-$15. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Are Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins Healthy or Unhealthy?
The cranberry cardamom spice muffins recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of butter and sugar, which are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
- All-purpose flour is used, which is a refined carbohydrate that lacks fiber and essential nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- The recipe includes sour cream, which is high in saturated fat and calories.
- The orange icing adds an additional layer of sugar to the already sweet muffins.
However, the recipe does include some healthier ingredients, such as cranberries, which are rich in antioxidants and fiber, and walnuts, which provide healthy fats and protein.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/4 to 1/2 cup, as the cranberries and orange zest will provide natural sweetness.
- Swap out half of the butter for a healthier alternative, such as Greek yogurt or mashed avocado, to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Use a reduced-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt in place of regular sour cream.
- Omit the orange icing to cut down on added sugar, or use a smaller amount of icing and opt for a sugar-free confectioner's sugar alternative.
Editor's Opinion on These Delightful Spiced Muffins
This recipe for cranberry cardamom spice muffins is a delightful blend of tart cranberries and warm spices, balanced by the richness of sour cream and the brightness of orange zest. The method of starting at a high oven temperature ensures a beautifully domed top, while the combination of cardamom and cinnamon adds a sophisticated depth of flavor. The orange icing provides a sweet, citrusy finish that complements the muffins perfectly. Overall, it's a well-structured recipe that promises moist, flavorful muffins with a pleasing texture and a festive flair.
Enhance Your Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Cranberry Cardamom Spice Muffins Recipe:
This recipe for cranberry cardamom spice muffins is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. The combination of cardamom and cinnamon provides a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the tartness of cranberries. The addition of orange zest and walnuts adds a delightful texture and citrusy note. The orange icing drizzled on top gives a sweet, tangy finish. With detailed instructions and carefully selected ingredients, this recipe ensures a delicious outcome every time. Trust this recipe for a unique and flavorful treat that will impress your family and friends.
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