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Orange Cranberry Protein Muffins - Bright, Zesty, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3/4 cups (220 g) white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (45 g) vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder (or plant-based protein; see notes)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) light olive oil or neutral oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups (150 g) cranberries (fresh or frozen, halved; or 3/4 cup dried cranberries)
  • Optional: 1–2 tablespoons coarse sugar for topping

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, protein powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk in the orange zest to release the oils.
  3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk orange juice, Greek yogurt, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Bring it together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir gently with a spatula just until a few streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in cranberries: Add cranberries and fold until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick.
  6. Fill the tin: Divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if you like a crunchy lid.
  7. Bake: Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. If using frozen cranberries, add 1–2 minutes.
  8. Cool: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. This helps set the texture.