Chocolate Orange Streusel Muffins
Indulging in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and bright orange zest is one of life’s simple pleasures. These Chocolate Orange Streusel Muffins are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. They boast a light and fluffy texture, complemented by a sweet and crumbly streusel topping that takes them to the next level. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that will fill your kitchen with enticing aromas and leave your taste buds dancing.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes these Chocolate Orange Streusel Muffins stand out? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. The zesty orange adds a refreshing brightness that beautifully contrasts with the deep, rich chocolate. The streusel topping, made with cocoa and brown sugar, adds a delightful crunch, making each bite irresistible. Plus, they are simple to make and perfect for sharing, making them a fantastic addition to any gathering.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 cup/63g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup/52g packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons/11g cocoa powder, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup/56g cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup/100g granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup/52g packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (from 1 medium orange or 3 small mandarins or clementines)
- 1 1/4 cup/156g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup/45g almond flour
- 2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 6 tablespoons/84g unsalted butter, melted and cooled to lukewarm
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup/120g whole milk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup/70g sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
- 1 cup/120g coarsely chopped dark chocolate chunks or chips
Before You Start: Equipment
- Muffin tin – for baking your muffins
- Parchment liners – for easy removal and cleanup
- Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients
- Whisk – to blend dry and wet ingredients
- Spatula – for folding in the chocolate
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy in baking
- Cooling rack – to let the muffins cool properly
Chocolate Orange Streusel Muffins, Made Easy
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Add 1/4 cup of cold butter cut into cubes. Using your fingers or a fork, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of almond flour, 2 teaspoons of double-acting baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of whole milk, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of optional orange extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 5: Add in the Chocolate
Fold in 1 cup of coarsely chopped dark chocolate chunks or chips and the finely grated orange zest. This will ensure that the chocolate and zest are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the muffin tin with parchment liners and fill each cup about three-quarters full with the batter. Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping generously over each muffin.
Step 7: Bake the Muffins
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly domed.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Orange Streusel Muffins warm or at room temperature!
Seasonal Adaptations
- For a fall twist, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- In winter, consider mixing in some chopped cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
- In the summer, replace the orange zest with lemon zest for a lighter, citrusy flavor.
- For a nutty flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Little Things that Matter
- Be sure to use fresh orange zest for the best flavor.
- When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- Let your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
- Don’t skip the streusel topping; it adds a wonderful texture and flavor contrast!
Best Ways to Store
To keep your Chocolate Orange Streusel Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Handy Q&A
Can I use different types of flour?
Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt works as an excellent substitute and will give similar moisture to the muffins.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and yogurt alternatives. Ensure the chocolate is dairy-free as well.
How can I enhance the chocolate flavor?
You can add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor without making the muffins taste like coffee.
Ready, Set, Cook
With this recipe for Chocolate Orange Streusel Muffins, you’re all set to create a delicious treat that combines the rich essence of chocolate with the bright, zesty notes of orange. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet snack throughout the day, these muffins are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!
Chocolate Orange Streusel Muffins
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Add 1/4 cup of cold butter cut into cubes. Using your fingers or a fork, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of almond flour, 2 teaspoons of double-acting baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of whole milk, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of optional orange extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Fold in 1 cup of coarsely chopped dark chocolate chunks or chips and the finely grated orange zest.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the muffin tin with parchment liners and fill each cup about three-quarters full with the batter. Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping generously over each muffin.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly domed.
- Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Orange Streusel Muffins warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor.
- Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- Let ingredients come to room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Don’t skip the streusel topping; it adds wonderful texture!
