Name: Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup Greek yogurt; 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice; ¼ cup canola oil; 1 Tablespoon freshly grated orange zest; 1 ½ cups cranberries (fresh or frozen, reserve ¼ cup for topping); 1–2 tablespoons flour (to toss the cranberries); 2/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon cinnamon (or more to taste); ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 75 reviews

If you’re looking for a bright, cozy treat to brighten your kitchen and your day, this Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe is an absolute winner. Bursting with tart cranberries balanced by zesty orange and finished with a crunchy, sweet streusel topping, these muffins are the kind of baked good that makes your whole house smell like happiness. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, these muffins offer that perfect mix of moist crumb and crumbly topping that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds eight clear glass bowls and two white measuring cups arranged neatly; starting from the top left, a white measuring cup is filled with white powdery sugar, next to it is a round bowl with a raw egg showing a bright yellow yolk and clear egg white, to the right is a bowl full of shiny red cranberries. Below, from left to right, a large bowl contains white flour with small white baking powder pieces, beside it a bowl of white granulated sugar, above this a white measuring cup holds pale yellow liquid, to the right a small bowl with orange zest atop a white powder, and finally a bowl with a golden-yellow liquid, all on the white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together simply but combine to create a true flavor masterpiece. Each one plays a crucial role — from the tangy brightness of fresh orange zest to the pleasantly tart cranberries, and the buttery crumb topping that adds irresistible texture and sweetness.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base structure for tender but sturdy muffins.
Baking powder: Essential for a light, fluffy rise every time.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Large egg: Adds richness and helps hold the muffin together.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and the crumb topping beautifully.
Greek yogurt: Boosts moisture and adds a subtle tang for depth.
Freshly squeezed orange juice: Infuses vibrant citrus brightness that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
Canola oil: Keeps the muffins tender without overpowering flavors.
Freshly grated orange zest: Amplifies the orange notes with fresh, aromatic oils.
Cranberries (fresh or frozen): Provide tart pops of flavor and stunning bursts of color.
Flour for tossing cranberries: Ensures they distribute evenly without sinking.
All-purpose flour for streusel: Key for the flaky, crumbly topping texture.
Granulated sugar for streusel: Sweetens and crunches up the crumb topping.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and subtle spice to the streusel.
Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crumb topping and lends buttery richness.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Ready Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a standard muffin pan with paper liners to make cleanup easy and to give your muffins a neat shape. This simple prep sets you up for success in the baking process.

Step 2: Whip Up the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Then add melted butter and stir with a fork until it becomes crumbly. Pop this into the fridge for a chill session while you prepare the muffin batter—this step ensures a perfect crumbly texture once baked.

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your batter, ensuring every muffin rises beautifully.

Step 4: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, orange zest, and granulated sugar until they meld into a smooth, bright mixture. Next, whisk in the creamy Greek yogurt, fresh orange juice, and canola oil until the batter looks pale and inviting. This mixture brings moisture, zing, and richness to your muffins.

Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Carefully fold the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and whisk gently. You want just enough mixing to bring it all together—overmixing can toughen muffins, so keep it light and quick for a tender crumb.

Step 6: Coat and Fold in the Cranberries

Take your cranberries and toss them in a little flour—a tablespoon or two is perfect. This coating prevents the berries from sinking to the bottom and ensures they’re evenly scattered. Gently fold them into the batter, handling them with care to keep the berries intact and the batter fluffy.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Streusel

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Generously cover the top of each muffin with your chilled streusel topping. For an eye-catching finish, press a few cranberry halves on top of each streusel-covered muffin—they’ll bake into little jewel-like accents.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden and the aroma downright irresistible.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe

Six unbaked muffins sit in a dark gray muffin tin, each in a white paper liner. Each muffin has a mixture of crumbly, pale yellow dough filling most of the liner, topped with several whole, round red cranberries scattered evenly on the surface. Small crumbs of the yellow dough are scattered around the muffins on the muffin tin. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving elevates the rustic charm of these muffins. For a fresh touch, consider topping with a small swirl of whipped cream or a smear of softened butter to contrast with the crunchy streusel.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or your favorite tea for a perfect morning duo. For a more filling brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin to brighten your table. For a festive touch, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand at gatherings, making it easy for guests to indulge and admire their beautiful tops.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps preserve their moist crumb and keeps that streusel topping pleasantly crisp.

Freezing

To enjoy these delights later, freeze leftover muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag. Frozen muffins will maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack anytime you crave a little citrusy sweetness.

Reheating

Warm your muffins in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives their fresh-baked texture and melts any chilled butter or toppings beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great here; just toss them in flour while still frozen to prevent sinking and clumping. No need to thaw before adding them to the batter.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can swap in sour cream or buttermilk for a similar tang and moisture level, keeping your muffins tender and flavorful.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by using a dairy-free yogurt alternative and a suitable butter substitute for the streusel, you can easily create a dairy-free version of this recipe without sacrificing taste or texture.

How do I prevent the streusel topping from melting into the muffins?

Chilling your streusel topping before adding it to the muffin batter helps keep those crumbs intact during baking. Also, try not to overfill muffin cups so the streusel stays on top rather than sinking.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

For sure! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to both the streusel topping and the muffin batter. Just fold them in gently before baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about baking and sharing these Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe. With their vibrant flavors, tender crumb, and irresistible crunchy topping, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Don’t wait to whip up a batch—your taste buds and your loved ones will thank you.