Ingredients
Walnut Streusel
- ½ cup finely chopped raw walnuts (60 grams)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (34 grams)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (50 grams)
- ¼ cup quick oats (20 grams)
- ¼ cup melted butter (57 grams)
Blood Orange Muffins
- 1 tablespoon blood orange zest
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¾ cup buttermilk (187 ml)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (62 ml)
- ¼ cup blood orange juice (62 ml)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Make the walnut streusel: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped raw walnuts, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and quick oats. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well combined, forming crumbly streusel. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mix dry ingredients with blood orange zest and sugar: In a large bowl, rub the blood orange zest into the granulated sugar until fragrant and evenly mixed. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom to the sugar mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, blood orange juice, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender and light.
- Fill muffin cups and add streusel topping: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Generously sprinkle the walnut streusel evenly over the tops of each muffin.
- Bake the muffins: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden.
- Cool and serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to retain their texture.
Notes
- Use fresh blood oranges for the best flavor; the zest and juice add a vibrant citrus note that defines the muffins.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- The streusel can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American