Orange Strawberry Muffins Streusel Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a muffin recipe that perfectly balances bright, fruity flavors with a satisfyingly crunchy topping, then these Orange Strawberry Muffins Streusel are about to become your new obsession. Bursting with the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries and the zesty brightness of orange, each bite is moist and tender, complemented by a golden, crumbly streusel that adds that perfect textural contrast. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, these muffins bring warmth and cheer to every occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here is essential, working together to create a muffin that’s fluffy, flavorful, and beautifully textured. From the fresh strawberries that add natural sweetness and moisture, to the orange zest that lifts the flavor, each component plays a delightful role.

• 45g all-purpose flour (streusel): This forms the base for your crumbly topping, giving it the perfect texture.
• 45g packed light brown sugar (streusel): Adds sweetness and a subtle hint of caramel flavor to the topping.
• 28g soft salted butter (streusel): Binds the streusel crumbs together and provides richness; unsalted butter with a pinch of salt works too.
• 200g granulated sugar (batter): Sweetens the muffins evenly while helping to create a tender crumb.
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (batter): Bursting with citrus oils, this brightens and lifts the entire muffin flavor.
• 295g all-purpose flour (batter): The main structure of the muffins, lending that soft, fluffy texture.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give a tender crumb and slight lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Help bind the batter and add richness for a moist result.
• 120ml full-fat Greek yogurt: Adds tang and moisture, keeping the muffins delectably tender.
• 60ml sunflower oil: Keeps the muffins moist and adds a subtle silkiness.
• 56g unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and depth of flavor.
• 180ml milk, room temperature: Balances the batter consistency, making it just right for tender muffins.
• 5ml pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the fruit flavors beautifully.
• 300g fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped: The star ingredient that offers juicy bursts in every bite.

How to Make Orange Strawberry Muffins Streusel

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Start by mixing the flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt (only if using unsalted butter) in a bowl. Then, add the soft butter and use your fingertips to gently combine everything until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover the streusel and set it aside while you make your muffin batter so it’s ready to go on top.

Step 2: Combine Dry Batter Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, rub the granulated sugar and orange zest together. This simple step releases the fragrant oils from the zest, infusing your sugar with vibrant citrus aroma. Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then whisk everything until fully combined, making a fluffy and fragrant dry mix.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, Greek yogurt, sunflower oil, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and uniform. This mixture brings moisture and richness to the muffins, helping achieve that tender crumb you’re after.

Step 4: Bring Batter Together

Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Carefully fold the wet and dry ingredients together gently, just until no dry flour remains. Overmixing can make muffins tough, so be delicate here! Then, toss the chopped strawberries with a tablespoon of flour (this helps prevent them from sinking), and fold them into the batter with care.

Step 5: Let the Batter Rest

Cover the batter and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. This resting period hydrates the flour more fully, resulting in a softer, more tender muffin texture that’s impossible to resist.

Step 6: Bake Your Muffins

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Divide the batter evenly among the cups, filling each to the top for a generously sized muffin. Top each with extra strawberries and a generous sprinkle of the prepared streusel. Bake for 10 minutes at 400°F, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 15 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

How to Serve Orange Strawberry Muffins Streusel

Garnishes

These muffins are already a star on their own, but for added flair, try dusting them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple orange glaze made with fresh juice and icing sugar. Adding a few sliced fresh strawberries alongside really enhances their vibrant appeal on the plate.

Side Dishes

Because these Orange Strawberry Muffins Streusel are packed with fruit and streusel crunch, they pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Think a crisp green salad for a midday brunch or a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with honey for breakfast. A hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee complements their zesty sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them warm in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth for a charming breakfast spread. Or, slice a muffin in half and layer with cream cheese and thinly sliced strawberries for a delightful twist on a fruit sandwich. Hosting a brunch? Incorporate them as part of a build-your-own muffin bar with various toppings like clotted cream, jams, and nut butters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is an option, but bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Orange Strawberry Muffins Streusel will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, warm your muffins in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5-7 minutes. You can also pop them in the microwave for 20 seconds or so, but the oven method preserves the delightful streusel crunch best.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from frozen strawberries first to prevent your batter from becoming too watery. Toss them with flour as you would fresh strawberries to keep them suspended in the batter.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting full-fat Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt and using a plant-based milk and vegan butter, you can easily make these muffins dairy-free without losing flavor or texture.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add some if it doesn’t to ensure proper binding and texture.

Why should I rest the batter before baking?

Resting the batter allows the flour to fully hydrate, which improves the overall texture by making the muffins moister and more tender. It also helps the flavors meld together, especially the orange and strawberry notes.

Can I substitute the sunflower oil with another oil?

Definitely! Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or even light olive oil work well. You want an oil with a mild flavor that won’t overpower the lovely orange and strawberry aromas.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking a batch of Orange Strawberry Muffins Streusel—they bring bright, fresh flavors together with comforting, crumbly textures that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether it’s for a casual weekend breakfast or to impress guests at your next brunch, these muffins are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try them and watch how fast they disappear!