Orange-Pecan Muffins

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This versatile all-purpose muffin base gets a boost from the flavors and textures of the fragrant Uganda Orange Zest chocolate, pecans, and dried cherries.

To intensify the orange experience, grate the fresh zest of half an orange into the batter before adding the flour.

Pro Tip:

To obtain a uniform ‘peaked’ muffin top, thoroughly mix for an extra minute or two after all of the ingredients are incorporated. The batter will keep 3-4 days refrigerated in a well-sealed container. The almond streusel will keep for 1-2 weeks.

Yield:

Approximately 12 muffins

Preparation Time:

Active prep time 15 minutes, plus 40 minutes baking and cooling time

Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon (2g) fine sea salt

  • 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder

  • 2 cups (235g) all-purpose flour

  • 2 whole eggs

  • 4 tablespoons (65g) vegetable oil

  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted

  • ½ cup plus 5 tablespoons (180g) granulated sugar

  • ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon (140g) whole milk

  • ½ teaspoon (2g) Beyond Good Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract

  • 2 ounces (55g) pecans, lightly toasted and chopped

  • 2 ounces (55g) dried sour cherries, chopped

  • 1 75g bar Beyond Good Uganda Orange Zest, 73% Cocoa, chopped

  • Almond Streusel (recipe below)

  • 12 standard 2 ½ -inch baking cups

Method: 

1. Sift together the salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour. Reserve.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the egg until frothy. Slowly incorporate the oil and butter, followed by the sugar.

3. In two additions, add the dry ingredients alternating with the milk and vanilla extract.

4. Stir in the pecans, cherries, and chopped chocolate.

5. Preheat an oven to 350°F. Divide the batter among a baking cup-lined muffin tin (approximately 2 ounces each). Top each with an ample amount of the almond streusel. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the tin halfway through the process, until the tops are lightly browned. Allow to cool.

Almond Streusel

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon (15g) light brown sugar

  • 5 tablespoons (30g) almond flour

  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, chilled, cubed

 Method:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and rub the mixture between your fingers until loosely incorporated. Reserve chilled.

Jackie Tran