Introduction
Indulging in the delicious flavors of banana and cranberry muffins is a delightful experience. These muffins are moist, flavorful, and topped with a crunchy streusel that adds an extra layer of sweetness. The hint of orange extract brightens the flavors, making these muffins perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Let’s get started on creating this delightful treat!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Muffins:
– 1½ cups flour plus 2 tablespoons
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 3 large ripe bananas
– ¾ cup white sugar
– 1 large egg, slightly beaten
– ⅓ cup butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon orange extract
– 1 cup cranberries
Streusel Topping:
– ⅔ cup flour
– 4 tablespoons brown sugar
– ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon orange zest
– 4 tablespoons melted butter
Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
– 1 tablespoon salted butter
– 2 teaspoons orange extract
– 2-4 tablespoons milk
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
These banana cranberry muffins are not only simple to prepare but also offer a burst of flavor in every bite. With the addition of orange zest and glaze, they will surely become a favorite for anyone who tries them! Enjoy baking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour (excluding the extra 2 tablespoons), baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, egg, orange extract, and melted butter. Mix until combined.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
Step 5: Coat the Cranberries
In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with the reserved 2 tablespoons of flour to coat them. Gently fold the coated cranberries into the batter.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin
Spoon ¼ cup of the batter into each well of a greased muffin tin.
Step 7: Prepare Streusel Topping
For the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and orange zest in a bowl. Add the melted butter and mix gently with clean hands until the mixture becomes crumbly. Avoid overmixing.
Step 8: Add Streusel Topping
Evenly distribute the streusel topping over each muffin.
Step 9: Bake Muffins
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the muffins are slightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool Muffins
Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack and allow them to cool for an additional 10 minutes.
Step 11: Prepare Glaze
For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, salted butter, and orange extract in a bowl. Gradually add milk, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. The glaze should be on the thicker side.
Step 12: Drizzle Glaze
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled muffins.
Notes
Note 1: Ripe Bananas
Using very ripe bananas will enhance the flavor and sweetness of the muffins.
Note 2: Cranberries
Fresh or frozen cranberries can be used. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
Note 3: Adjusting Glaze Consistency
If the glaze is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
Note 4: Storage
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Cook techniques
Mashing Bananas
Ensure the bananas are ripe for optimal sweetness and a smooth texture. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash them until mostly smooth, leaving some small lumps for added texture.
Folding Ingredients
Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.
Coating Cranberries
Toss cranberries with reserved flour before adding them to the batter. This helps to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Making Streusel Topping
Combine the dry ingredients for the streusel in a bowl, then mix in melted butter with your fingers. This creates a crumbly texture. Avoid overmixing to maintain the streusel’s crispiness.
Testing Muffin Doneness
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the muffins are done. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking.
Glazing
Whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity gradually to reach the desired thickness for easy drizzling over the muffins.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of fruit instead of cranberries?
Yes, you can substitute cranberries with blueberries, chopped apples, or other fruits based on your preference.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can replace butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil, applesauce, or a dairy-free butter alternative for a different flavor profile.
How do I store the muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze the muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
How do I achieve a crunchy streusel topping?
Ensure the butter is fully melted and mix the streusel just until crumbly, without overmixing. Bake until golden brown for a crunchy texture.
Conclusion
These delicious banana cranberry muffins with a delightful streusel topping and a sweet orange glaze are perfect for any time of day. The combination of ripe bananas and tart cranberries, complemented by the warm notes of cinnamon and orange, creates a delightful treat that will surely satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a snack throughout the week!
Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
Substitute cranberries with chocolate chips for a rich and indulgent twist on the classic banana muffin.
Nutty Banana Muffins
Add a mix of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Blueberry Banana Muffins
Replace cranberries with fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity variation that pairs wonderfully with banana.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Incorporate diced apples and increase the cinnamon for a comforting autumn-inspired muffin.
Caramel Drizzle Muffins
Top the muffins with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet and decadent finish.
Lemon Zest Muffins
Add lemon zest and juice instead of orange for a fresh and zesty flavor profile.
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
Mix in a swirl of peanut butter throughout the batter for a rich, nutty treat.
Coconut Macadamia Muffins
Combine shredded coconut and macadamia nuts for a tropical flavor that brightens up the muffins.
