Ricotta Orange Twist Muffins (Printable Version)

Tender muffins feature creamy ricotta and bright orange zest, perfect for a fruity and indulgent breakfast or snack.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/2 cup whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
10 - 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
11 - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Topping

13 - 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or turbinado sugar
14 - Additional orange zest

# Preparation steps:

01 - Set oven to 350°F and arrange paper liners in a 12-cup muffin tin or lightly grease the pan.
02 - Combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl using a whisk.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, eggs, whole milk, cooled melted butter, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; slight lumps are acceptable.
05 - Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
06 - Sprinkle each muffin with coarse sugar and a touch of additional orange zest if preferred.
07 - Place the tin in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Let muffins cool in the tin for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses ingredients you probably already have in the pantry and fridge
  • Ready in just over half an hour including clean up
  • Easy and forgiving for beginner bakers no tricky steps or equipment
  • Lightly sweet flavor with bursts of real orange in every bite
  • Moist crumb that stays fresh for days thanks to the ricotta
02 -
  • Packed with protein thanks to whole milk ricotta
  • Full of vitamin C from real orange juice and zest
  • Great for prepping ahead because the muffins stay soft and moist for two days
  • Easy to make nut free simply skip any add ins
03 -
  • Do not overmix the batter because that is the main cause of dense muffins. Use a gentle folding motion and stop as soon as you do not see dry flour in the bowl.
  • Always use fresh orange zest for real flavor bottled zest just does not compare. Try to let your eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing in for the best crumb. If you add chocolate chips or nuts toss them with a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter to keep them suspended rather than sinking

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