Oatmeal muffins with cranberries and pecans

Ingredients

Muffins

130 grams (1 cup) flour
70 grams (2.5 ounces) long boiled oatmeal (flakes)
Zest from 1 orange
120 milliliters (0.5 cup) milk
1 large egg
80 grams (0.4 cup) brown sugar
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
90 grams (0.4 cup) thick yogurt or sour cream
30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) vegetable oil
Pinch of cinnamon
100 grams (0.75 cup) cranberries
100 grams (0.75 cup) pecans

Equipment

Muffin Tin
Make sure to grease it well or use muffin liners to prevent sticking.
Mixing Bowls
You’ll need at least two separate bowls - one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Perfect for combining the wet and dry ingredients without overmixing.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accuracy is key in baking, so ensure you measure your ingredients properly.
Zester
A zester will make quick work of getting that orange zest ready.

Instructions

Step 1

1. Preheat your oven to 347°F (175°C). Line your muffin baking molds with special paper liners. Using paper liners makes cleanup easier and prevents the muffins from sticking to the molds.

Step 2

2. In two separate bowls, mix all the dry ingredients (flour, oatmeal, orange zest, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon) and all the liquid ingredients (milk, egg, yogurt or sour cream, and vegetable oil). Ensure the liquid ingredients are well combined before adding them to the dry ingredients.

Step 3

3. Combine the two mixtures gently. It’s okay if the batter has small lumps; do not overmix. Overmixing can result in tough muffins, so mix until just combined.

Step 4

4. Stir in the chopped nuts and cranberries. Make sure the nuts and cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5

5. Fill the muffin molds with the batter, filling each mold about 3/4 of the way full. This allows the muffins to rise properly without overflowing.

Step 6

6. Bake the muffins for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

Servings

Straight from the oven, these muffins are little bundles of joy. Perfect for a wholesome breakfast paired with a steaming cup of coffee, or as a delightful brunch item alongside some fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream. Elevate your afternoon tea by serving these muffins with a touch of honey or your favorite jam. For those needing an evening pick-me-up, these muffins are excellent when paired with a smooth, rich hot chocolate. Hosting a cozy winter gathering? Turn them into an Instagram-worthy dessert by slicing them open and adding a generous spoonful of thick yoghurt or sour cream. There’s no wrong way to enjoy these muffins, so let your creativity shine!

Variations

Looking to enjoy this tasty treat while sticking to a gluten-free or vegan diet? We've got you covered. Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free, and you're all set for a celiac-safe delight. Vegan: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), use a plant-based milk like almond or soy, and choose a vegan-friendly yogurt or sour cream. Lastly, ensure that the sugar you use is vegan (some non-vegan sugars are processed with bone char).

Faq

How do I prevent my muffins from sticking to the tin?
Always grease your muffin tin well or use muffin liners. Silicon muffin molds can also be a great non-stick option.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before mixing into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
How do I achieve a perfectly rounded muffin top?
Fill your muffin tins about 3/4 full and avoid opening the oven door during baking. The initial high heat helps create a nice rise.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in dried cherries, blueberries, chopped walnuts, or even chocolate chips to put your own spin on these muffins.
What’s the best way to store these muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator or freeze them and reheat as needed.
How can I make my muffins fluffier?
Ensure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to denser muffins due to gluten development in the flour.