Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on traditional muffins? Say hello to Quinoa Oat Orange Muffins! Bursting with the bright flavor of fresh orange and the wholesome goodness of quinoa and oats, these muffins are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy these scrumptious treats that are both gluten-free and irresistibly moist. Keep reading to discover how to whip up this delightful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, rolled oats, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), vegetable oil, and orange zest. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Prep Your Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can give it a bitter taste. This simple step will ensure your muffins have a clean, pleasant flavor.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: While honey and maple syrup are both delicious options, feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking. You could even try using agave syrup or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so be gentle!
- Customize Your Muffins: Add in your favorite mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Chopped walnuts or cranberries would complement the orange beautifully.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your muffins as they bake. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they’re ready.
- Cool Properly: Letting the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Storage Tips: To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just reheat in the oven for a quick treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
