• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Winter
  • All Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe

Naturallie Plant-Based logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Winter
  • All Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Amazon
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Winter
    • All Recipes
    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Amazon
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Satisfying Vegan Snacks

    By: Allie Petersen · Dated: November 7, 2023·Last Modified: November 8, 2023 ·This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. ·

    Vegan Cranberry Orange Spiced Bourbon Muffins

    Share this recipe!

    • Facebook
    • Email
    • Yummly
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These fluffy vegan cranberry orange muffins are filled with warm spices, a little hint of rich bourbon, bright citrus, and burst of tartness from the cranberries. These are a great holiday muffin that is a great breakfast, brunch, or snack!

    Jump to:
    • What you'll love about this recipe:
    • Ingredients
    • 📝Step-by-Step Instructions
    • ❓Recipe FAQs
    • Pro Tips
    • ⇨ Other Cozy Desserts ⇦
    • Vegan Cranberry Orange Spiced Bourbon Muffins
    • Comments

    What you'll love about this recipe:


    • Easy - This recipe has easy steps and simple ingredients to create the perfect vegan cranberry orange muffin!
    • Flavorful - The combination of the tart cranberries, orange flavor, warm spices, and touch of bourbon create a flavorful muffin that is the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack (I love with a cup of tea).
    • Great for the holidays - This is a good muffin to serve for a holiday breakfast/brunch!
    • Vegan, dairy-free

    Tis the holiday season to enjoy all things cranberry! These vegan cranberry orange muffins are great for the time of year when it's cranberry season (~September-November) and you will find lots of fresh cranberries at your local grocery store.

    If you love these muffins, check out my fluffy Vegan Coffee Cake Muffins (also great for a brunch).

    Ingredients

    Ingredient notes:

    • Fresh cranberries: I highly recommend fresh if possible for this recipe. You could also use frozen, but make sure to defrost before use. You can find fresh cranberries at your local grocery store, especially during the fall months.
    • Oranges: You will need two large oranges for this recipe. Use the zest of one full orange and the juice from both the oranges.
    • Plant-based milk: I like to use soy milk or almond milk for this recipe.
    • Vegan butter or oil: You can either use melted vegan butter or a neutral oil for this recipe (such as canola).
    • All purpose flour: This is the best type of flour for this recipe. For a gluten-free option, you can try a gluten-free flour like King Arthur 1:1 Gluten-free Flour.

    See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.

    📝Step-by-Step Instructions

    Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

    If you're using fresh cranberries, chop them roughly. You can also use a food processor. If you're using frozen cranberries, make sure to thaw them and chop if necessary.

    Zest one large orange.

    Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

    Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, bourbon, non-dairy milk, plant-based yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

    Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

    Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.

    Step 6: Spoon the muffin batter into the cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Optional: Add a few chopped cranberries on the top of each muffin to make your muffin look more festive!

    Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The top should be a light golden brown.

    Step 7: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.Enjoy warm with a little butter or peanut butter!

    ❓Recipe FAQs

    Can I substitute with dried cranberries?

    Yes you can. Use 1.5 cups dried to substitute for the fresh.

    How do I prevent the muffins from being too dense or dry?

    To avoid dense or dry muffins, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix until just combined. Additionally, make sure not to overbake the muffins; they are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

    Can I add nuts to these muffins?

    Yes! Feel free to add chopped pecans or walnuts to this recipe.

    Is the bourbon necessary?

    No- this is totally optional. Just use water in place of bourbon.

    How do I store these muffins?

    Store vegan cranberry orange muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or extend their freshness by refrigerating in a sealed container for a longer duration. For longer-term storage, freeze completely cooled muffins in airtight containers, ensuring they remain delicious for up to three months.


    Pro Tips


    • For best results and flavor, enjoy these muffins warm with a little butter- yum!
    • If you want a healthier muffin, substitute with applesauce for melted vegan butter.
    • The addition of a small amount of bourbon really takes these muffins to the next level. Ensure the bourbon is vegan-friendly (some brands may use animal products in the filtration process).
    • These muffins are freezer friendly. Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months and let thaw before enjoying (or warming in the microwave)

    ⇨ Other Cozy Desserts ⇦

    • overhead shot of vegan red velvet cookies
      Vegan Red Velvet Cookies
    • a chocolate espresso muffin amongst 4 other muffins
      Decadent Double Chocolate Espresso Muffins
    • Fluffy Vegan Coffee Cake Muffins
    • Easy 3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Muffins

    ♡ Did you love this recipe? ♡

    Leave a ⭐️rating and ✏️comment below (I love to read them!) Tag us on Instagram with a photo or video of your dish 📸 @naturallieplantbased.

    Subscribe for more delicious recipes!

    Vegan Cranberry Orange Spiced Bourbon Muffins

    Allie Petersen
    You will love these Vegan Cranberry Orange Spiced Bourbon Muffins that are the perfect blend of tangy cranberries, zesty orange, and the cozy warmth of autumn spices, all coming together with a touch of rich bourbon.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 muffins
    Calories 204 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large bowl
    • Muffin TIn

    Ingredients
      

    Dry Ingredients

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ¼ tsp cardamom
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Wet Ingredients

    • 1 orange zest from one large orange
    • ¾ cup orange juice ~2 large oranges
    • ¼ cup melted vegan butter*
    • ¼ cup bourbon or water
    • 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk such as soy or almond (can be sweetened)
    • ¼ cup plain plant-based yogurt* such as soy or almond
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1.5 cups fresh cranberries chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
    • If you're using fresh cranberries, chop them roughly. You can also use a food processor. If you're using frozen cranberries, make sure to thaw them and chop if necessary.
      Zest one orange.
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom.
    • In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, melted vegan butter, bourbon, non-dairy milk, plant-based yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
    • Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.
    • Spoon the muffin batter into the cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Optional: top with a few chopped cranberries to make your muffin look more festive!
      Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The top should be a light golden brown.
    • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
      Enjoy warm with a little butter or peanut butter!

    Notes

    ⭐️You can substitute melted vegan butter with another type of neutral oil such as canola oil. For a healthier version, use applesauce instead. 
    ⭐️The yogurt adds a fluffiness to this muffin. You can find lots of plant-based yogurts at the grocery store now. Use one that is plain and unsweetened. 
    Can you serve these to kids? Yes the alcohol cooks out while baking. The bourbon taste is subtle and not overpowering, so they won't taste it.
    Other tips: 
    • Store vegan cranberry orange muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or extend their freshness by refrigerating in a sealed container for a longer duration. For longer-term storage, freeze completely cooled muffins in airtight containers for up to three months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 198mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 63IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Comment below & tag @naturallieplantbased on Instagram!
    « Korean Tofu Noodle Bowl
    Rustic Tomato Ravioli Soup (Vegan) »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Monica says

      November 14, 2023 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      I made these over the weekend.
      My sons fiancé is vegan and being a meat eating household I have been learning new ways to cook and new recipes so she can enjoy meals with us. My favourite kind are ones where we can all eat the same thing so she doesn't feel singled out.
      These muffins definitely fell into that category!!! EVERYONE loved them! I made them for a family morning tea after church and there wasn't a single muffin left!!
      Thank you for the tip about checking the bourbon, I would have never thought that bourbon might not be vegan! My current bottle didn't say whether it had used animal products for filtration so I bought a new bottle to be sure (I am certain it will get drunk over the holidays so not a big issue!)

      Thank you for a great recipe that worked exactly as you said it would, I'll definitely be making these again.

      Reply

    Leave a comment (I love to hear from you!) Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Allie! I'm so glad you're here! I'm a plant-based recipe creator, food photographer, and popcorn lover. Here you will find quick healthy vegan recipes that are perfect for the busy individual!

    More about me →

    Fall Recipes

    • pumpkin hummus in a bowl with a hand dipping pita into it.
      Creamy Pumpkin Hummus
    • Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup
    • a glass cup with apple pie overnight oats with a spoon in it and an apple on the side.
      Apple Pie Overnight Oats
    • 30+ Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes (Mains, Sides, Dessert, and More!)

    Trending Recipes

    • Miso Dumpling Soup (15 Minutes)
    • This is a photo of the curry with a piece of naan, rice, and a lime.
      The Best Vegan Red Lentil Sweet Potato Curry
    • Pesto Orzo Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
    • This is a photo of cinnamon roll overnight oats with a spoon and cinnamon sticks.
      The Best Creamy Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
    • Thai Peanut Tofu Wrap
    • bowl of sticky tofu with chopsticks, rice, and broccoli.
      Mouthwatering Sticky Tofu

    The Best Buddha Bowl Recipe Ebook!

    10 exclusive buddha bowl recipes (never before seen) with valuable cooking tips!

    All for $20 ($80 value!)

    GET THE EBOOK NOW!

    Footer

    About

    Privacy Policy

    Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    Contact

    Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Brunch Pro on the Brunch Pro Theme