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This orange poppy seed muffin recipe is made using oranges to flavor the muffins. The combination gives the muffins a strong aroma and an incredible flavor. The poppy seeds give these muffins a nice texture and a crunchy feel. The taste of these muffins will awaken your taste buds because of its citrusy goodness and a unique flavor profile. If you want to elevate your orange poppy muffins to the next level of deliciousness, you can add a twist. Our twist for today for this recipe will be a chocolate chips hidden in the middle of the muffins. Of course try out our other delicious and healthy muffin recipes such as; Delicious and nutritious Banana Oatmeal muffins, Delicious and nutritious blueberry muffins, Delicious gluten-free banana rice muffins.

Orange poppy seeds muffins with a twist — Orange poppy seeds muffins

What are poppy seeds?

Poppy Seed is a tiny dried seed harvested from a poppy plant. It is used as food, in food coloring and for producing seed oil. The seed is grayish blue to dark blue in colour and has a faint nutlike aroma and a mild, nutty taste. It is popularly used in breads and other baked goods.

Why use poppy seeds?

Poppy seeds enhance the texture and taste of muffins, providing a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. They are also beneficial for health, packed with fiber, antioxidants, calcium, iron, and manganese. These seeds contain polyphenols, which are antioxidants that may lower the risk of heart disease. The fiber supports healthy digestion and heart health. Poppy seeds are rich in iron, aiding in blood purification and increasing hemoglobin levels. They also contribute to bone strength by providing calcium and promoting collagen production through manganese, which protects bones and enhances overall bone health.

How do you use poppy seeds in baking?

Poppy seeds are first soaked in hot water or milk for around 30 minutes before baking. The purpose of soaking is to make them easier to absorb and digest. Poppy seeds have a tough outer shell that might hinder proper digestion. Alternatively, you can use a grinder to crush them into powdered form to make them easier to digest.

How do you make orange poppy seeds muffins with a twist?

To make these yummy orange poppy muffins with a twist, you’ll need to collect the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar/maple syrup
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
zest of 2 oranges
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup plain yogurt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons poppy seeds soaked for 30 minutes

For the twist:

1/2 cup chocolate chips

How to make orange poppy seeds muffins

Step one: preparations

Soak the poppy seeds in warm water for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (180°C) and grease a muffin tin or ramekins or line with paper liners.
Zest the oranges and prepare the fresh orange juice.

Step two: mixing

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar/maple syrup, orange juice, melted butter, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together to mix well.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add the poppy seeds and gently fold them into the batter.

Step three: Adding the twist

Pour a small amount of batter into each muffin cup or ramekin. Then, put a small amount (about 1 tablespoon) of chocolate chips in the middle of each cup. Finally, cover the chocolate chips with the rest of the batter, making sure each muffin cup or ramekin has an equal amount. Don’t fill it all the way to the top. Leave some space to allow the muffins to rise (about 1/3 of the cup).

Step four: Baking

Put the filled muffin cups/ramekins into a preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Remove from oven and allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the muffins have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar or frost them using your favorite frosting for a final touch. This step is absolutely optional.

These orange poppy seed muffins with a twist offer a burst of citrus flavor and a delightful surprise of melted chocolate in the center. They make for a delightful breakfast or snack. Enjoy!