Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins: A Guilt-Free Delight

Name: Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins: A Guilt-Free Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup coconut flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; Zest of 1 orange; Juice of 1 orange

By:

Christina R. Jones

May 31, 2025

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins (Paleo - Grain Free)

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Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried my Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins yet, you are seriously missing out! These little gems are not only bursting with flavor, but they’re also guilt-free and totally paleo and grain-free, which means you can enjoy them without a second thought. Imagine biting into a fluffy muffin packed with the tartness of fresh cranberries, the bright zest of oranges, and the delightful crunch of pecans. It’s like a party in your mouth! The sweetness from the honey ties everything together, creating a perfect balance that makes these muffins an irresistible breakfast treat or snack any time of day.

What I love most about these muffins is how quick and easy they are to whip up. Seriously, you can have a batch ready in just about 40 minutes! They’re perfect for meal prep or when you want something deliciously homemade without the fuss. Plus, they make your kitchen smell heavenly while they bake! So, if you’re in the mood for something that’s not just healthy but also incredibly tasty, grab your ingredients and let’s get baking these Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins together!

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins (Paleo - Grain Free) - detail 1

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Zest of 1 orange
Juice of 1 orange

How to Prepare Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins (Paleo – Grain Free)

Alright, let’s get those ovens preheated and dive into making these delightful muffins! I promise you, the process is just as enjoyable as the end result. Follow along step-by-step, and soon you’ll have a batch of warm, fragrant muffins fresh from your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your muffins are ready to go in. This is super important for that perfect rise.
Mix the dry ingredients: Grab a mixing bowl and combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good stir with a whisk to break up any clumps. This mix is the foundation of your muffins, so make sure it’s blended well.
Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly until it’s smooth. The orange zest and juice add such a lovely brightness!
Combine wet and dry: Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir everything together gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This helps keep your muffins light and fluffy.
Fold in the goodies: Carefully fold in the fresh cranberries and chopped pecans. This is where the fun happens! Make sure the cranberries and pecans are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Prepare your muffin tin: Line a muffin tin with liners or grease it well to prevent sticking. I like to use muffin liners for easy cleanup and a nice presentation.
Fill the muffin cups: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter. This allows room for them to rise beautifully without spilling over.
Bake it up: Pop the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine during this time!
Cool and serve: Once they’re out of the oven, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, they’re best enjoyed warm!

And there you have it! You’re just a few steps away from enjoying these scrumptious Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a tasty snack throughout the day. Enjoy every bite and take pride in your homemade creation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: In just about 40 minutes, you can whip up a dozen of these delightful muffins, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like almond and coconut flour, these muffins are paleo and grain-free, so you can indulge without the guilt.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and crunchy pecans creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone.
Meal Prep Friendly: These muffins store beautifully, making them a fantastic option for meal prepping. Just grab one on the go for a nutritious snack!
Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by swapping in different nuts or adding in your favorite dried fruits for a unique twist each time.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way:

Measure Your Flours Accurately: Using a kitchen scale can be a game-changer. Too much almond or coconut flour can lead to dry muffins, while too little may make them too wet. So, if you can, weigh your ingredients for the best results!
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and coconut oil are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly, creating a better texture in your muffins.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, and we want them light and fluffy!
Check for Freshness: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise. An expired baking soda can leave your muffins flat and sad.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Try adding a handful of shredded coconut or swapping the pecans for walnuts. The flavor combinations are endless!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to making the most delicious muffins that everyone will rave about!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying my Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins, you can feel good about what you’re eating! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per muffin:

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 150mg

These values are estimates, and they can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. Nonetheless, you’ll find these muffins to be a nutritious option that fits perfectly into a balanced diet!

FAQ Section

Got questions? No worries! Here are some common queries I get about my Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins, along with answers to help you out:

Can I substitute the almond flour? Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy, you can use sunflower seed flour instead. Just be aware that this might change the color a bit, but it’ll still taste delicious!
What if I don’t have fresh cranberries? No problem! Feel free to use dried cranberries if you can’t find fresh ones. Just remember to adjust the sweetness a little since dried cranberries can be sweeter.
How should I store the muffins? Keep your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for about a week or freeze them for up to three months!
Can I add other fruits or nuts? Definitely! This recipe is super versatile. You could try adding blueberries, chopped apples, or even swapping the pecans for walnuts. Get creative!
What’s the best way to reheat them? If you want to enjoy them warm again, just pop a muffin in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’re best served warm, trust me!

Hopefully, these answers clear up any concerns you might have. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to prevent them from drying out!

If you prefer to keep them for an extended time, freezing is a fantastic option. Just wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply take it out and let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. You’ll be back to enjoying that delightful, fresh-baked flavor in no time!