Cake Mix Cranberry Orange Muffins

$- 1 box of vanilla cake mix - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - 1/3 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These main ingredients are key to creating the best cranberry orange muffins. The vanilla cake mix gives you a sweet base. Fresh or frozen cranberries add a tart burst. Zest and juice from the orange bring bright, citrus notes. Eggs and vegetable oil help bind the mixture and keep it moist. - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - Powdered sugar for dusting You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. Cinnamon gives warmth and spice to the muffins. After baking, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch. Feel free to mix and match these add-ins to suit your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking muffins. While the oven heats, line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with cooking spray. This step helps the muffins come out easily after baking. In a large bowl, pour in the box of vanilla cake mix. If you want an extra touch of flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mixing this in brings warmth and depth to your muffins. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well blended. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is mixed well. This blend will give your muffins moisture and sweetness. Now, slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; this keeps the muffins light. Next, fold in 1 cup of cranberries and the zest of one large orange. If you like nuts, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage. Using a spoon, fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. This allows room for the muffins to rise. Bake them in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready! After baking, take the muffins out and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want a sweet finish, dust the tops with powdered sugar once they are cool. This makes them look and taste even better! To get the best muffin texture, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix until the ingredients just come together. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing makes muffins tough. Use a rubber spatula to fold in cranberries and zest gently. This keeps the muffins soft and fluffy. If you want to change the cranberries, try blueberries or raspberries. You can also use dried cranberries for a different texture. For nuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. If you are nut-free, skip the nuts entirely. These swaps keep your muffins tasty and fresh. You can prepare the muffin batter in advance. Store it in the fridge for 2 days. Just cover the bowl with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, preheat the oven. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin and bake. This saves time on busy mornings. Pro Tips Freshness Matters: For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries when they are in season. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture. Mixing Technique: Be careful not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are perfectly fine; they help keep the muffins light and fluffy. Customize Your Muffins: Feel free to experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits in addition to the cranberries for a unique twist. Storage Tips: Once cooled, store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months for longer freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your muffins. Try adding different fruits like blueberries or raspberries. You can also mix in some dried fruit, like apricots or raisins. Want a spice kick? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. These simple swaps can make your muffins unique and fun. A glaze can add extra flavor and shine. You might try a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice. Just mix until smooth and drizzle it over the cooled muffins. For a richer taste, a cream cheese glaze works great, too. You can even experiment with chocolate or caramel drizzle for a sweet treat. If you're gluten-free, look for a gluten-free cake mix. Many brands work well and taste great. For a vegan option, use plant-based eggs. You can make these by mixing ground flaxseed with water. Swap the vegetable oil with coconut oil or applesauce for moisture. These adjustments let everyone enjoy your muffins. You can keep your muffins fresh on the counter. Store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in. They will stay fresh for about two days. If you want a longer shelf life, consider other storage methods. If you want to keep muffins longer, refrigerate them. Wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container. They can last up to a week in the fridge. This method works well if you live in a hot, humid area. Freezing is a great option for long-term storage. To freeze, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, just thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave. Enjoy your muffins fresh! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. They work well in this recipe. Here are some tips: - Do not thaw the frozen cranberries before adding them to the batter. - Using frozen cranberries keeps the batter cold and fluffy. - If you thaw them, they may turn mushy and change the muffin texture. To check if your muffins are done, use the toothpick method. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Here are more details: - If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. - Keep an eye on them around the 18-minute mark. - Muffins should be golden brown on top when done. Yes, you can make these muffins without eggs. Here are some good substitutes: - Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg. - You can also use 1/4 cup yogurt or buttermilk. - Another option is to mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes before adding it to the mix. These muffins use simple ingredients for a tasty treat. You combine vanilla cake mix, cranberries, and orange juice, then bake until golden. I shared tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfect every time. You can also customize flavors and adjust for diets. Store them easily at room temperature or freeze for later. Make these muffins your own, and enjoy each bite!$

Cake Mix Cranberry Orange Muffins

Delicious muffins made with cake mix, cranberries, and orange for a burst of flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 22

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 box vanilla cake mix
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 large zest of orange
0.5 cup fresh orange juice
0.33 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
to taste powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and cinnamon (if using).
In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Gently fold in the cranberries, orange zest, and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
If desired, once cooled, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

Optional ingredients can be adjusted based on preference.

Keyword cake mix, cranberry, muffins, orange