There’s nothing quite like the vibrant taste of citrus baked into a soft, fluffy muffin. These Vegan Orange Muffins With Fresh Orange Glaze are sweet, zesty, and packed with fresh orange flavor in every bite. Made with real orange juice and zest, they offer a refreshing twist to your usual baked goods. They’re also dairy-free, egg-free, and simple enough for both beginner and seasoned bakers to enjoy. Whether you’re baking for a quick breakfast or an elegant brunch, these muffins come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Crafted with real ingredients and a no-fuss approach, this recipe proves that you don’t need animal products or complicated methods to create something delicious and memorable.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These muffins stand out for their flavor, ease, and texture. They’re made using ingredients you likely already have on hand and come together in just a few steps.
They’re wonderfully moist, thanks to vegan yogurt and oil
The orange flavor is fresh and bold, not artificial
The optional crumb topping and glaze make them feel extra special
They store well and can be frozen for later, making them great for meal prep
Perfect for a quick snack or a citrus-themed dessert, these muffins will quickly become a go-to recipe in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this recipe work. Each one contributes to the flavor, structure, or moist texture of the muffins.
Soy Milk (⅓ cup / 80 ml): Helps create a tender crumb. You can substitute it with almond or oat milk.
Fresh Orange Juice (⅔ cup / 160 ml): Use freshly squeezed juice for the brightest, most natural flavor.
Orange Zest (from 3 large oranges): Adds concentrated citrus aroma and depth of flavor.
Golden Caster Sugar (¾ cup + 2 tbsp / 175 g): A fine sugar that blends easily. You can also use granulated or light brown sugar.
Vegan Greek-Style Yogurt (¾ cup / 180 g): Gives the muffins their moist texture and also helps bind the batter.
Olive Oil (⅓ cup + 4 tsp / 100 ml): Keeps the muffins soft and moist. You can also use sunflower or canola oil.
Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Adds a sweet, warm base that balances the citrus.
All-Purpose Flour (2½ cups / 300 g): The foundation of the muffin structure.
Baking Powder (3 tsp): Provides lift and a fluffy texture.
Sea Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness.
Optional Crumb Topping
Orange Zest (from ½ orange): Boosts the flavor in the topping.
Golden Caster Sugar (2 tbsp / 25 g): Lightly sweetens the crumble.
All-Purpose Flour (6 tbsp / 45 g): Adds structure to the crumb texture.
Vegan Butter (2 tbsp): Binds everything into a soft, crumbly texture.
Optional Fresh Orange Glaze
Powdered Sugar (⅔ cup / 90 g): The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
Vegan Yogurt (2 tsp): Adds creaminess and helps the glaze set.
Orange Zest (from ½ orange): Enhances the flavor.
Orange Juice (1 tsp): Loosens the glaze to your desired consistency.
How to Make Vegan Orange Muffins With Fresh Orange Glaze
You won’t need a mixer or any advanced skills to make these muffins. The steps are straightforward and easy to follow, and the results are consistently impressive.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Milk and Juice
In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the soy milk and freshly squeezed orange juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to slightly curdle and form a dairy-free buttermilk.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the golden caster sugar and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips until the sugar feels damp and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
To the sugar mixture, add vegan yogurt, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Then add the milk and orange juice mixture and whisk again to blend everything well.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir them lightly to combine.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches. Fold gently with a spatula each time, being careful not to overmix. Stop once all the flour is incorporated.
Step 6: Optional Batter Rest
Let the batter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This optional step encourages taller, more bakery-style muffin tops.
Step 7: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (fan) or 410°F (conventional). Line 10 muffin cups with paper liners, spacing them apart for better airflow and rise.
Step 8: Make Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, rub the orange zest into the sugar. Stir in the flour, then add the vegan butter and mix with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 9: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly into the muffin liners, filling each one to the top. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin.
Step 10: Bake
Bake for 5 minutes at the initial temperature. Then lower the oven to 340°F (fan) or 375°F (conventional) and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 11: Cool the Muffins
Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool fully before glazing.
Step 12: Add the Glaze
Mix the powdered sugar, vegan yogurt, orange zest, and juice in a bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar. Drizzle over the cooled muffins and allow the glaze to set.
Helpful Tips
Use fresh citrus juice and zest for the best flavor—bottled versions won’t have the same aroma or acidity
Letting the batter rest helps the muffins rise higher during baking
Don’t overmix the batter, or the muffins could turn out dense
Glaze only after the muffins are completely cooled to prevent it from melting
Store the muffins in a sealed container to maintain their soft texture
Details
Flavor: Bold, fresh orange with sweet undertones from vanilla and sugar
Texture: Light, moist, and fluffy inside with a crisp optional topping
Occasion: Perfect for brunch, dessert, snacking, or sharing with friends
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling and Resting: 30 minutes (optional)
Total Time: About 1 hour
Notes and Variations
Swap soy milk for oat or almond milk as needed
Use any neutral-tasting oil in place of olive oil
Coconut-based vegan yogurt works well if you prefer it over soy
You can omit the crumb topping or glaze for a simpler muffin
Add in nuts, berries, or poppy seeds for variation
Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a gluten-free version
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 265 kcal |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What egg substitutes work best in vegan orange muffins?
This recipe uses vegan yogurt, which helps bind the batter and keeps the texture soft. Other options include applesauce or mashed banana, though they may add a different flavor.
How do you keep vegan orange muffins moist?
Moisture comes from a combination of yogurt, oil, and proper baking time. Don’t overmix the batter, and store muffins in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Can fresh orange glaze be made without powdered sugar?
Yes. You can blend granulated sugar in a food processor until fine, or use maple syrup for a different glaze texture and flavor.
Are vegan orange muffins freezer friendly?
Absolutely. Wrap cooled muffins individually and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze after defrosting for best results.
Storage Instructions
Keep your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’d like to store them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic or foil and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for about two months. Glaze them after thawing for the best texture and appearance.
Print
Vegan Orange Muffins With Fresh Orange Glaze | Easy & Moist Citrus Muffins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Bright, zesty, and full of flavor, these Vegan Orange Muffins With Fresh Orange Glaze are soft, moist, and perfect for breakfast or snack. Made with real orange juice and zest, topped with a crumbly streusel and finished with a tangy orange glaze.
Ingredients
**For the Muffins:**
80 ml (⅓ cup) soy milk
160 ml (⅔ cup) fresh orange juice
Zest of 3 large oranges
175 g (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) golden caster sugar
180 g (¾ cup) vegan Greek-style yogurt
100 ml (⅓ cup + 4 tsp) olive oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
300 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour, sifted
3 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp sea salt
**Optional Orange Crumb Topping:**
Zest of ½ large orange
25 g (2 tbsp) golden caster sugar
45 g (6 tbsp) all-purpose flour
2 tbsp vegan butter
**Optional Fresh Orange Glaze:**
90 g (⅔ cup) powdered sugar
2 tsp vegan yogurt
Zest of ½ large orange
1 tsp orange juice
Instructions
1. Mix soy milk and orange juice. Let sit to curdle slightly.
2. In a large bowl, rub orange zest into sugar until fragrant.
3. Add yogurt, olive oil, and vanilla to orange sugar. Whisk well.
4. Add milk and orange juice mixture. Whisk again.
5. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
6. Add dry ingredients to wet in two parts. Fold gently with a spatula.
7. Let batter rest for 30 minutes (optional, for taller muffins).
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (fan) or 410°F (conventional). Line 10 muffin liners.
9. Make crumb topping by rubbing zest into sugar. Add flour and butter, mix until crumbly.
10. Fill liners to the top with batter. Add crumb topping.
11. Bake at 375°F for 5 minutes, then reduce to 340°F and bake 15 more minutes.
12. Cool muffins in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to rack to cool completely.
13. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins.
Notes
You can use oat or almond milk instead of soy milk.
Substitute olive oil with any neutral oil like sunflower or canola.
Use coconut-based vegan yogurt if desired.
Skip glaze for a less sweet version.
Use lemon zest along with orange zest for a citrus blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 160
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 1.2
- Protein: 3.5
- Cholesterol: 0
Conclusion
These Vegan Orange Muffins With Fresh Orange Glaze are a celebration of fresh ingredients and effortless baking. They’re soft, flavorful, and simple to prepare, making them a staple for anyone who enjoys citrus-based treats. Whether you’re following a plant-based lifestyle or just looking for a lighter, dairy-free alternative, this recipe delivers every time. With their beautiful presentation and rich flavor, they’re a great choice for everything from casual snacking to special gatherings. Give them a try and bring a little brightness to your baking routine.