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Cranberry Orange Streusel Muffins: Easy Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

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These cranberry orange streusel muffins feature a tangy burst of citrus, tart cranberries, a creamy cream cheese swirl, and a crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting, they come together quickly and deliver nostalgic comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or use half whole wheat)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tbsp)
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for cream cheese swirl)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt (for streusel)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp cold butter, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Rub butter into dry ingredients until pea-sized crumbs form. Chill streusel in fridge.
  3. In another bowl, beat together 4 oz cream cheese, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add orange zest and toss to distribute.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk 2 eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, 2/3 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup milk, and 1/3 cup orange juice until combined.
  6. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Fold in 1 1/2 cups cranberries.
  7. Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full. Drop a heaping teaspoon of cream cheese swirl into the center of each muffin. Top with a small spoonful of remaining batter, then swirl gently with a toothpick or knife.
  8. Sprinkle streusel evenly over each muffin, pressing lightly so it sticks.
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a little cream cheese on the toothpick is okay). Rotate pan halfway through baking.
  10. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 baking blend. For dairy-free, substitute coconut yogurt and vegan cream cheese. Do not overmix batter for tender muffins. Streusel topping can include chopped nuts for extra crunch. Muffins freeze well for up to 2 months. Let muffins cool before eating to avoid molten cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange muffins, streusel, cream cheese swirl, breakfast, brunch, holiday, easy muffin recipe

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/cranberry-orange-streusel-muffins-easy-cream-cheese-swirl-recipe/