Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but amazing)
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Wet ingredients
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ¾ cup sugar (white or brown)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
- 2 tbsp orange juice (adds freshness)
Fruits & mix-ins
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup candied fruit or tutti frutti
- ¼ cup chopped dates (optional)
- ¼ cup nuts (optional: almonds/walnuts)
## Step 1 – Prep the Fruits (secret trick)
This step changes EVERYTHING.
Put dried fruits in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes.
Why?
👉 makes them juicy
👉 prevents dry muffins
👉 adds flavor
Drain and lightly coat them with 1 tbsp flour (so they don’t sink to the bottom).
## Step 2 – Cream Butter & Sugar
In a bowl:
Beat:
- butter
- sugar
Until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
This traps air → fluffy muffins.
Don’t rush it!
## Step 3 – Add Eggs & Flavor
Mix in:
- eggs (one at a time)
- vanilla
- orange juice
Smooth and creamy texture is what you want.
## Step 4 – Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl mix:
- flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- spices
Slowly add to wet mixture.
Alternate with milk:
dry → milk → dry → milk
Mix gently.
Don’t overmix or muffins get tough.
## Step 5 – Fold in Fruits
Add:
- soaked fruits
- nuts
Fold gently with spatula.
The batter will look thick and chunky — perfect.
## Step 6 – Fill Muffin Tray
Line muffin tin with paper cups.
Fill each:
about ¾ full
Top with extra fruit for that bakery look ✨
## Step 7 – Bake
Bake at:
180°C (350°F)
20–25 minutes
Until:
✔ golden top
✔ toothpick clean
✔ kitchen smells AMAZING
Let cool 5–10 minutes.
Try not to eat them all immediately 😂
## Pro Tips for Ultra Moist Muffins
🔥 Use brown sugar
Adds caramel flavor + moisture
🥛 Buttermilk > milk
Makes softer texture
🍊 Add citrus zest
Orange or lemon = fresh bakery smell
❄ Freeze extras
They reheat perfectly
✨ Brush with honey
While warm for shiny sweet tops
## Flavor Variations
Chocolate Fruit Muffins
Add chocolate chips
Holiday Spice Version
Add cloves + ginger + extra cinnamon
Coconut Style
Add shredded coconut
Healthy Version
Use whole wheat flour + honey + olive oil
## Serving Ideas
These are AMAZING with:
- coffee ☕
- Moroccan tea 🍵
- milk 🥛
- breakfast spreads
- butter or jam
Warm them slightly… next level comfort food.
## Storage
Room temp → 3 days
Fridge → 1 week
Freezer → 2 months
Reheat 10–15 seconds in microwave and they taste fresh again.
## Final Thoughts
Honestly?
These muffins are like fruitcake’s cute younger cousin 😄
Same flavor… but softer, lighter, and way more addictive.
If you make them once… you’ll start keeping dried fruit at home just for this recipe.