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Orange crumble cream cheese muffins on a baking tray, showcasing their texture and topping.

Orange Crumble Cream Cheese Muffins

Tender, citrus-scented muffins with a rich cream cheese swirl and an optional crunchy crumble topping, perfect for a delightful treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Course: Bakery, Breakfast
Cuisine: Bakery-style
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour Use spoon-and-level method; swap half whole wheat for nuttier flavor
  • 1/2 cup Sugar Granulated sugar gives structure; brown sugar adds molasses depth
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder Ensure freshness for reliable rise
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda Balances acidity from orange juice for loft and browning
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavor
Wet Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Cream cheese, softened Full-fat yields best texture; Neufchâtel lowers calories with minor firmness change
  • 1/2 cup Butter, melted Unsalted preferred; salted can be used reducing added salt slightly
  • 2 large Eggs Room temperature eggs incorporate more evenly into batter
  • 1/2 cup Orange juice Freshly squeezed recommended; bottled works in a pinch
  • 1 tablespoon Orange zest Zest the orange before juicing for full flavor extraction
Optional Topping
  • 1/2 cup Crumble topping Store-bought or homemade with flour, butter, and sugar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Mixing the Wet Components
  1. Beat the cream cheese and melted butter together until smooth and homogenous.
  2. Add the eggs, orange juice, and orange zest to the cream cheese mixture and mix until combined.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing.
  2. Fill each muffin cup about two thirds full with batter for proper dome and crumb structure.
  3. Sprinkle the optional crumble topping evenly over each muffin if using for added crunch.
  4. Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring to a rack and serving warm.

Notes

Use accurate flour measurement, ensure cream cheese is softened, and avoid overmixing for best results. Store properly to maintain freshness.