Mandarin Muffins
Mandarin Muffins are moist, flavorful muffins bursting with orange segments and walnuts, perfect for breakfast or snack, offering a wholesome combo of citrus and nutty goodness.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup light brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1 can (11 oz.) mandarin orange segments, drained and cut in thirds ⓘ
- 1 can (4 oz.) chopped walnuts or pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 18 regular muffin cups.
- Beat butter and light brown sugar until pale yellow and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until well combined.
- Sift all-purpose flour with baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in whole wheat flour.
- Add vanilla extract to orange juice and mix well.
- Alternate folding the flour mixture and orange juice into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
- Gently fold in drained mandarin orange segments and chopped nuts.
- Spoon batter into muffin cups.
- Bake until lightly brown, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider using almond flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour. Ensure you don’t over-mix the batter after adding the mandarin oranges and nuts to keep the muffins tender. These muffins are a great addition to brunch menus, alongside light dishes like Chopped Spinach Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these mandarin muffins warm for breakfast or as a snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider adding a dollop of yogurt or a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal. For a delightful dessert, try serving them with Maple Fluff Dessert for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, microwave a muffin for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mandarin Muffins contains roughly 442 calories, with 3g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 700mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh mandarin oranges! Just ensure they are peeled, segmented, and cut into smaller pieces. This will provide a fresher taste and a slightly different texture in your muffins.
What can I substitute for whole wheat flour?
If you don't have whole wheat flour, you can use all-purpose flour instead. However, for added nutrition, consider using a gluten-free flour blend or oat flour, which will still yield delicious muffins with a slightly different flavor.
How can I make these muffins vegan?
To make these mandarin muffins vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Make sure the orange juice is freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).