Summer is the perfect time for making citrus-flavored muffins, like these Orange-Almond Muffins! They have a great orange flavor, and sliced almonds give them a light, nutty taste. They’re good without any toppings, but if you’re making these muffins for a brunch or tea, you may want to fancy them up a bit with the Simple Orange Glaze and a few other toppings!
I served these muffins on a pretty flowery serving tray, which coordinates with a sweet little tea set from Mary & Martha. I told you a little about this company in my Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole post last month and how Mary & Martha offers beautiful inspirational products for the home. The tea set is called Daughter of the King Tea Set and includes a little devotional booklet, Tea Time Devotions. It’s such a perfect gift for daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and any other special little girls in your life. The message on the Daughter of the King Tray (which is hidden underneath the muffins in my photo) is so affirming and encouraging: You are God’s creation~amazing, WONDERFUL, beautiful~HE MADE ONLY ONE YOU~unique, ORIGINAL, special~HE DELIGHTS IN YOU~and loves you, daughter,~CHILD OF THE KING. When you’re not using this serving tray for tea time, it also makes a pretty item to display in a child’s room or play room.
Whether you make these muffins for tea time or a summery breakfast or brunch, I think you’ll agree that these are a special treat! This recipe is adapted from a recipe included on a DaySpring greeting card that was published years ago. I made a few changes to make the orange citrus flavor more prominent and created the simple orange glaze to add extra flavor.
Orange-Almond Muffins
ORANGE-ALMOND MUFFINS by NancyC
Makes 19 to 20 muffins
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange extract
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1 Tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- Simple orange glaze (see recipe below)
- Optional toppings—any of the following: mandarin orange segments, sprinkles, shredded coconut, coarse decorating sugar, sliced almonds
SIMPLE ORANGE GLAZE
- 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
Preheat oven to 350˚F; line two 12-cup muffin pans with 19 to 20 paper liners; set aside.
In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar, then add in the egg, blending everything well.
In a medium-size bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add this mixture to the butter/sugar mixture, stirring together, then add in the sour cream (batter will be thick!).
Drain mandarin oranges and cut into small chunks; in small bowl, mix the mandarin orange chunks with the orange extract, orange juice, and orange zest, then stir into batter. Fold in the sliced almonds and mix until evenly distributed in batter.
Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups (about 2/3 to 3/4 full) and bake at 350˚F for 17 to 19 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or almost clean. Let cool a few minutes in pan, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Glaze muffin tops with the Simple Orange Glaze (just mix the powdered sugar and orange juice together) and additional toppings, if desired.
Recipe from NancyC | nancy-c.com
Do you enjoy taking time for tea? It’s such a special time spent with the little girls in your life or your friends. Having a tea is a great way to get to know your neighbors, too! Do you have any favorite tea time recipes you like to make?
Sharing at Mix it Up Monday, Silver Pennies Sundays, Weekend Potluck, Inspire Me Monday, Happiness is Homemade, Meal Plan Monday, Fiesta Friday, Thursday Favorite Things, Full Plate Thursday, Wonderful Wednesday, Hearth & Soul.
NancyC 
This recipe sounds delicious. I like the combination of flavors.
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Thanks so much! 🙂
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Wow! They look so yummy!
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Looks heavenly. Great summer treats. Love your blog btw 🙂
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Thanks so much! 🙂
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Now this is what I call ‘bright appetite’! 🙂
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Colorful and yummy
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This sounds delightful. I love orange and almond. I’m printing this out right now and Pinning, too. 🙂
#inspirememondaylinkup
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Thanks, Jennifer! So glad you like the recipe! 🙂
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These muffins will be delicious and what a lovely presentation! Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
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Thanks and hope you are having a great week! 🙂
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I love everything, Nancy. It’s been a while since the last time I’ve eaten orange muffins. I love the plate/tea set, too. 🙂
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