These Orange Cardamom Muffins are an uplifting blend of sweet citrus and warm spice, perfect for brightening your breakfast or elevating an afternoon tea. Soft in the center and finished with a sugary crunch on top, they strike the right balance between comforting and refreshing. The fragrance alone is reason enough to bake them, filling your kitchen with notes of orange zest and freshly ground cardamom.
Best of all, this muffin recipe is straightforward, using basic ingredients and no electric mixer. If you’re looking for something simple yet flavorful, these muffins deliver beautifully with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These muffins are packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and satisfying to eat. The cardamom adds a unique, floral spice that pairs naturally with the brightness of fresh orange. Unlike heavy desserts, these muffins feel light and fresh, thanks to the citrusy aroma and moist crumb.
They’re quick to make with just two bowls and standard pantry staples, requiring no special tools. The olive oil keeps the texture tender, while a sprinkle of coarse sugar gives a lovely crunch on top. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a closer look at what goes into the batter and how each ingredient contributes to the flavor and structure of the muffins.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
Provides the base and structure for the muffins. Unbleached flour adds a more natural finish.
Ground Cardamom (2 teaspoons)
This fragrant spice adds depth and warmth, balancing the orange and bringing a slightly sweet, earthy flavor.
Baking Powder (2 teaspoons)
Ensures the muffins rise evenly, giving them a soft and fluffy texture.
Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon)
Works with the acidic orange juice to activate leavening and add tenderness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness and spice more pronounced.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)
Combines with orange zest to create an aromatic, citrus-infused base.
Orange Zest (2 to 3 tablespoons)
Adds brightness and pure citrus flavor that can’t be achieved with juice alone.
Light Brown Sugar (1/2 cup)
Provides moisture and a touch of molasses flavor, which complements the warmth of the cardamom.
Large Eggs (2)
Bind the batter together and help with structure and moisture.
Extra Light Olive Oil (1/2 cup)
Keeps the muffins moist and soft. Its light flavor allows the citrus and spice to shine through.
Milk (1/2 cup)
Brings everything together for a smooth batter. Use dairy-free alternatives if needed.
Fresh Orange Juice (1/3 cup)
Adds acidity and sweetness while intensifying the citrus profile.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon)
Gives the muffins a warm, mellow background flavor.
Coarse Sugar (3 tablespoons)
Sprinkled on top for a subtle crunch and extra sweetness.
How to Make Orange Cardamom Muffins
Making these muffins is as easy as it gets. You’ll mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them to form the batter. In under 40 minutes, you’ll have warm, spiced muffins ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Infuse the Sugar with Citrus
In a large bowl, add the granulated sugar and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until it becomes fragrant and resembles damp sand.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
To the citrus sugar, mix in the brown sugar, eggs, olive oil, milk, orange juice, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and consistent.
Step 5: Combine and Mix
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a rubber spatula just until the flour disappears. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling about three-quarters of the way. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes, turning the pan halfway through for even baking. The muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool
Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Helpful Tips
Use freshly grated orange zest for the best flavor. Bottled zest won’t provide the same aromatic quality.
To avoid dense muffins, mix the batter only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the crumb tough.
Sprinkling sugar on top before baking adds a satisfying crunch and gives the muffins a polished, bakery-style look.
If you’re avoiding dairy, swap the milk for a plant-based version like oat or almond milk. The texture and flavor remain excellent.
A cookie scoop helps you portion the batter evenly, resulting in uniform muffins that bake at the same rate.
Details
Flavor: Bright, citrus-forward with warm spice undertones
Texture: Moist and fluffy with a slightly crisp top
Occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, tea, or snacks
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Notes
You can easily customize these muffins. Swap orange for lemon for a zestier twist, or mix in a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture. A little cinnamon or ginger can deepen the flavor if you prefer a spicier profile.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 246 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sugar | 21 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 221 mg |
| Cholesterol | 1 mg |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Calcium | 65 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does cardamom enhance the flavor of orange muffins?
Cardamom adds a delicate, aromatic spice that lifts the orange flavor and gives the muffins an elegant, slightly exotic taste.
What type of cardamom is best for baking muffins?
Green cardamom is ideal. Its sweet, floral notes pair well with citrus and stand out without being overpowering.
Can orange cardamom muffins be made dairy-free?
Yes, absolutely. Just replace regular milk with any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy. The result remains soft and full of flavor.
Do orange cardamom muffins taste better warm or cooled?
They’re delicious either way. Warm muffins are soft and comforting, while cooled muffins offer a more developed flavor and are easier to store or serve later.
Storage Instructions
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in the oven before serving.
Print
Orange Cardamom Muffins | Cozy, Fragrant, and Perfect with Tea
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Orange Cardamom Muffins are soft, citrusy, and warmly spiced with cardamom. They come together in under 35 minutes and make the perfect treat for breakfast or tea time. Topped with coarse sugar, they’re bakery-quality with no mixer required.
Ingredients
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cardamom
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons orange zest
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup extra light olive oil
1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
1/3 cup fresh orange juice, strained
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons coarse sparkling sugar (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, rub orange zest into granulated sugar until fragrant.
4. Add brown sugar, eggs, olive oil, milk, orange juice, and vanilla to the orange sugar. Whisk until smooth.
5. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly into muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full. Sprinkle tops with sparkling sugar.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, rotating halfway through, until a toothpick comes out clean with a few crumbs.
8. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
To make it dairy-free, use almond, oat, or soy milk.
You can substitute lemon for orange for a different citrus profile.
Add chopped nuts for texture, or a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 246
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 221mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
Conclusion
Orange Cardamom Muffins are a beautiful blend of simplicity and flavor. With their citrus brightness and warm spice, they offer something just a little different from your average muffin. They’re quick to make, easy to adapt, and absolutely satisfying to eat. Whether you’re baking for guests, family, or just yourself, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little warmth and joy to your day. Give it a try and see how these muffins can become a new favorite in your kitchen.