Introduction
Delve into the delightful world of muffins with this exquisite recipe that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas and tart cranberries, topped with a delectable streusel and finished with a luscious orange glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, these muffins are sure to impress family and friends alike. Get ready to enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Muffins:
– 1½ cups all-purpose 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
For the Streusel Topping:
– ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
– 4 tablespoons brown sugar
– ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon orange zest
– 4 tablespoons melted butter
For the Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
– 1 tablespoon salted butter
– 2 teaspoons orange extract
– 2 to 4 tablespoons milk
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 to 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 muffins
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Prepare Banana Mixture
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add the white sugar, vanilla extract, slightly beaten egg, orange extract, and melted butter. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Prepare Cranberries
In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour to coat them. Gently fold the coated cranberries into the batter.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin
Spoon ¼ cup of batter into each well of a greased muffin tin.
Step 7: Make Streusel Topping
In a bowl, combine ⅔ cup of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and orange zest. 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 in the muffin tin.
Step 9: Bake Muffins
Bake for 25 to 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
In a bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, salted butter, and orange extract. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired glaze consistency is reached. The glaze should be slightly thick.
Step 12: Drizzle Glaze
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled muffins.
Notes
Note 1: Banana Ripeness
Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness in 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: Storage
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Note 4: Glaze Consistency
Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your preferred thickness. More milk will thin the glaze, while less will thicken it.
Cook techniques
Mashing Bananas
Use a fork or potato masher to thoroughly mash ripe bananas until smooth with minimal lumps. This will help achieve a moist texture in your muffins.
Folding
When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, use a gentle folding motion with a spatula to avoid overmixing. This keeps the muffins light and fluffy.
Coating Cranberries
Tossing cranberries in a small amount of flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Making Streusel Topping
Combine ingredients gently and use your fingers to mix until crumbly. This creates a texture that will bake up crisp and adds a delightful crunch to the muffins.
Testing Muffins for Doneness
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the muffins are done baking.
Glazing Technique
Whisk the glaze ingredients together until smooth, adjusting the milk to achieve the desired consistency. Drizzle over the muffins using a spoon for an even coverage.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
What can I substitute for butter?
You can substitute melted coconut oil or vegetable oil in equal amounts if you prefer a dairy-free option.
How can I make these muffins healthier?
Consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reducing the sugar by a quarter. You can also add optional nuts or seeds for added nutrition.
Can I store these muffins?
Yes, store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Is it possible to make these muffins vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
Conclusion
The combination of ripe bananas and tart cranberries in these muffins creates a delightful balance of flavors, enhanced by the warm notes of cinnamon and orange. The streusel topping adds a satisfying crunch, while the glaze brings a touch of sweetness that perfectly finishes off each bite. These muffins are not only delicious but also a great way to use up leftover bananas, making them a fulfilling treat for any occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Banana Walnut Muffins
Replace cranberries with chopped walnuts for a nutty twist. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Cranberry Orange Loaf
Use the same ingredient proportions to make a loaf instead of muffins. Adjust baking time to 50-60 minutes.
Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
Incorporate chocolate chips into the batter for a rich chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with banana.
Spiced Apple Muffins
Substitute banana with grated apple and add a teaspoon of ginger for a spicier profile to the muffins.
Lemon Glazed Blueberry Muffins
Switch out cranberries for fresh blueberries and use lemon juice and zest for a refreshing glaze.
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
Add peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a creamy texture and savory depth to the muffins.
