A cup of coffee is definitely not the best part of waking up. At least not for me. These muffins, though? These muffins are worth waking up for. I am cranberry-obsessed. I seriously cannot get enough of this tangy fruit. I need to make a mental note to stock up on the fresh berries while they’re available so I can hoard them in my freezer and use them throughout the year (and not just during the holidays). If you’re searching for some easy brunch ideas for your holiday gatherings, give these muffins a try!

Vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins
makes 12 muffins

2 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 4 large oranges)
1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (from about 4 large oranges)
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a muffin tin or line with liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and orange zest. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in orange juice, canola oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix by hand for 5 seconds or until wet and dry ingredients just start to come together. Add in cranberries and walnuts and continue to mix until ingredients are just moistened, being careful not to overmix.
3. Fill muffin tins 3/4 full. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, or until muffins are lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

 

recipe slightly adapted from Post Punk Kitchen