Vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins With Orange Streusel

Steps

1. 1

   Position a rack in the upper part of the oven and preheat the oven to 425°F (220 °C) (220°C (425 °F)). Line a standard-sized muffin tin with 10 cupcake liners.

2. 2

   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. 3

   In a large measuring cup or separate bowl, mix together the almond milk, orange juice, sunflower oil, 1 tablespoon orange zest, and vanilla extract.

4. 4

   Add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix only until the dry flour is incorporated and the batter is still lumpy; stop as soon as no dry flour remains to avoid over-mixing.

5. 5

   Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the cranberries into the batter, taking care not to over-mix.

6. 6

   Divide the batter equally among the cupcake liners, filling each almost to the top (about 80 g of batter per muffin).

7. 7

   For the optional streusel, place the streusel sugar and 1 teaspoon orange zest in a small bowl. Gently press the zest into the sugar to distribute its oils.

8. 8

   Add the streusel flour to the bowl and mix well.

9. 9

   Add the melted vegan butter and stir just until clumpy. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the streusel paste-like.

10. 10

    Sprinkle the orange streusel over the muffins and press it in lightly.

11. 11

    Place the muffin pan at the center of the upper oven rack and bake at 425°F (220 °C) (220°C (425 °F)) for 5 minutes.

    Start 5-minute timer
12. 12

    Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F (180 °C) (180°C (350 °F)) and bake for 15 minutes longer.

    Start 15-minute timer
13. 13

    Check a muffin by inserting a toothpick into its center. It should come out clean, without crumbs or batter. If needed, bake for another 2–3 minutes or until done. Frozen cranberries may require an extra minute or two.

    Start 3-minute timer
14. 14

    Set the muffin pan on a wire rack and let the muffins cool for 5–10 minutes. Remove them from the pan and place them directly on the rack to cool completely.

    Start 10-minute timer