Name: Orange Almond Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 19 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups gluten free baking flour or all purpose flour; 3/4 cup almond flour (blanched); 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled); 3/4 cup plain (2%) Greek yogurt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1/4 cup fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest; 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice; Pinch of salt; 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted)

If you are looking for a bright, zesty treat that perfectly balances nutty richness with citrus freshness, this Orange Almond Muffins Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These muffins have a tender crumb thanks to a blend of almond and gluten-free or all-purpose flour, while fresh orange zest and juice bring a lively flavor that wakes up your morning. Finished with a light glaze and crunchy toasted sliced almonds, every bite offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these muffins are simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with thin, sliced almond pieces mixed with a few brown almond skins. The almond slices are uneven in size and spread across the bowl evenly, showing a rough texture with some toasted edges. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are all straightforward yet essential, each playing a special role in creating the moist, tender texture and vibrant flavor of the muffins. From the nutty richness of almond flour to the fresh burst of orange zest, you’ll find that simple ingredients can make a fantastic difference in your baking.

1 1/2 cups gluten free baking flour or all purpose flour: Acts as the main structure builder for fluffy muffins.
3/4 cup almond flour (blanched): Adds moistness and a subtle nuttiness to complement the orange.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the muffins to rise perfectly and get those light, airy crumbs.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for extra lift and softness.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds richness and contributes to tender muffin texture.
3/4 cup plain (2% Greek) yogurt: Keeps muffins moist with a touch of tanginess.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins without overpowering the delicate orange notes.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
1 tablespoon orange zest: Provides fresh, bright citrus aroma and flavor.
1/4 cup fresh orange juice: Deepens the orange flavor and adds natural moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with a warm hint of sweetness.
1 cup powdered sugar: For the light orange glaze finishing touch.
1 teaspoon fresh orange zest: Mixed into the glaze for extra citrusy punch.
2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Adjusts glaze consistency perfectly.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness in the glaze.
1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted): Topping for crisp texture and nutty flavor contrast.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Orange Almond Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Pan and Oven

Start by lining a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Then, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. A properly preheated oven helps the muffins rise beautifully and develop a golden exterior.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, gluten free or all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt so every muffin gets consistent lift and flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, egg, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the melted butter while whisking to fully incorporate it into the mixture. This wet blend is what will infuse the batter with moisture, sweetness, and bright citrus notes.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and gently stir until all the flour is just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender rather than dense or chewy. It’s okay if there are a few small streaks of flour, but no large clumps.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups and Bake

Evenly divide the batter among the lined muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Pop them in your heated oven and bake for about 17 to 19 minutes until the tops are golden, puffed, and a toothpick stuck into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan while you prepare the glaze and toppings.

Step 6: Toast Almonds and Make Orange Glaze

Toast the sliced almonds in a dry sauté pan over medium heat, stirring constantly until lightly browned and fragrant—this usually takes 4 to 7 minutes depending on your stove. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! Then whip up the orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, orange zest, and orange juice. Adjust the juice to get a glaze that’s thick but drizzles easily.

Step 7: Glaze and Top Muffins

Once the muffins have cooled, drizzle a few stripes of the orange glaze over each muffin. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle on the toasted almond slices to add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that beautifully complements the citrus.

How to Serve Orange Almond Muffins Recipe

A close-up view of six white cupcake liners filled with pale yellow, soft batter that has a slightly rough texture with small bits of yellow zest sprinkled on top. The liners are set evenly in a dark gray metal muffin tray placed on a white marbled surface. The batter inside each liner looks fluffy and slightly mounded, ready to be baked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, garnish the muffins with a thin spiral of orange peel or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These simple garnishes enhance the bright, fresh character of the orange almond combination, making your muffins look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

These Orange Almond Muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or fresh-brewed coffee for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. You can also serve them alongside a bowl of mixed fresh fruits for a complete and colorful brunch spread that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the muffins on a pretty tiered serving tray for brunch guests or arrange them in a basket lined with a colorful napkin for a charming picnic treat. Drizzle a little extra orange glaze on the side for dipping, and consider serving with a small bowl of honey almond butter for a luxurious spread option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Orange Almond Muffins keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them moist without getting soggy. If you need to keep them longer, refrigeration is fine but may dry them out slightly.

Freezing

Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen muffins last up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours before eating.

Reheating

To refresh your Orange Almond Muffins, warm them in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 20–30 seconds if you’re short on time. This brings back the tender crumb and slightly melts the glaze for a perfect bite.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten free?

Absolutely! The Orange Almond Muffins Recipe works great with either gluten free baking flour or all-purpose flour. Just be sure to not overmix the batter when using all-purpose to keep the muffins tender.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, sour cream or plain yogurt makes a good substitute and will provide similar moisture and tanginess to the muffins.

How long do the muffins stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the muffins stay fresh for about 2 days before they begin to lose moisture and flavor.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the muffins right after mixing because the leavening agents start working immediately. If needed, you can refrigerate the batter for a few hours but expect a slightly reduced rise.

Is the glaze necessary?

The orange glaze adds a wonderful citrusy sweetness and a glossy finish, but if you prefer, you can skip it and just top with toasted almonds for a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about the combination of fresh citrus and crunchy almonds that makes the Orange Almond Muffins Recipe a standout treat for any time of day. They are simple to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. You really can’t go wrong by making a batch today — I can’t wait for you to experience just how wonderful these muffins are!