The Mystery Review Crew Presents: Murder with Wine, The Curious Case of the Orange Streusel Muffins with Burnt Sugar Icing, brought to you by Anita Dickason.
Initial Report:
Case Title: Orange Streusel Muffins with Burnt Sugar Icing
Filed By: The Mystery Review Crew
Location: Red Door Inn, Granbury, TX
Incident Time: Early Morning, Before the First Sip of Coffee
Book in Evidence: Murder With Wine by Anita Dickason
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Exhibit A: What Makes these Orange Streusel Muffins A Mystery
Citrus Clues & Crumbly Alibis
These muffins pack a zesty punch and a buttery streusel that’ll make you question every other breakfast choice you’ve made. Fresh orange zest + cozy crunch = dangerously good.
Mystery in Every Muffin
Orange zest, tangy yogurt, and a crumbly streusel topping are the prime suspects. But wait—there’s more: an optional burnt sugar glaze and a secret citrus drizzle that’ll keep taste buds guessing.
Not Just a Sweet Treat—It’s Evidence
Perfect for book clubs, brunch interrogations, or those “just one more chapter” mornings. These muffins are fresh-baked proof that sometimes the simplest mysteries are the most delicious.
🔍 Core Ingredients & Sneaky Substitutions For Orange Streusel Muffins
Fresh Orange Juice & Zest – The juicy informants bring brightness and orange flavor zing. No fresh? Blood oranges add a bitter twist, or orange blossom water sneaks in a floral alibi. Use the orange rind first before juicing.
Flour – The sturdy backbone of this case. All-purpose flour’s the usual suspect, but whole wheat or gluten-free blends can step in for a different kind of story.
Butter – The buttery accomplice binding the batter and streusel topping. Cold butter’s a no-go for streusel—chill it first to keep your crumb crunchy.
Sugars – Granulated sugar sweetens the batter; brown sugar deepens the streusel’s mystery. Coconut sugar’s a wildcard with caramel undertones.
Yogurt or Sour Cream – The secret agent adds moisture and tang. Swap with dairy-free options for a covert twist.
Eggs (or Egg Replacer) – The binder with a clean record. Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer is a likely suspect, but Flax or chia seeds are also undercover as vegan alternatives.
Cardamom & Salt – Spices that play their parts quietly but make all the difference in flavor intrigue.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These give rise to new suspects and a higher probability of catching the detectives’ smiles when they come out of the oven; the muffins, that is, not the suspects.
Lab Notes: Pro Tips from the Forensic Foodie Division
- Zest before juicing. Always.
- Chill your streusel. Hold its shape under pressure.
- Room temperature ingredients = smooth interrogation.
- Do NOT overmix. Roughing up the batter compromises texture.
- Clean toothpick check = case closed.
The Full Recipe Card for Orange Streusel Muffins with Burnt Sugar Icing
Orange Streusel Muffins with Burnt Sugar Icing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with cupcake liners. Set aside.
- Make the Streusel topping: Mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cardamon, and melted butter together in a small bowl until combined. Add the flour and use a fork to gently mix until crumbs form. Don’t over-mix into a paste. Just mix until it is crumbly. Place in the refrigerator while you make the muffin batter. Cold crumbs hold shape better when baking.
- Make the muffins: Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cardamom, and salt together in a large or medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl (or a medium one!), using a whisk (or a wooden spoon!), beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes; you can use a stand mixer or an electric mixer if you have one. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed so that everything gets mixed in. Add the orange zest and stir until combined. Add the eggs, plain yogurt/sour cream, and vanilla, and whisk until the mixture is combined and mostly creamy. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Next, add the dry ingredients, orange juice, and milk, and beat until no flour pockets remain. The batter is thick (almost cake-like muffin consistency)
- Spoon the batter into prepared muffin cups, filling them three-fourths of the way to the top. Then, spoon crumb topping on each, gently pressing it down so it sticks.
- Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F; then, without opening the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Bake for an additional 16–19 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The total time these muffins take in the oven is about 21–24 minutes. (Usually closer to 21 minutes if you’re skipping the crumb topping.)
- Make the icing: Whisk the powdered sugar and orange juice together and drizzle over warm or cooled muffins.
- Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before icing. Make some coffee, grab Murder With Wine, and enjoy!
- Heat the sugar in a medium duty stainless steel pot over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick brown, amber-colored liquid as you continue to stir. Be careful not to burn it.
- Once sugar is completely melted, immediately stir in the butter until melted and combined. Be careful in this step because the caramel will bubble rapidly when the butter is added. If you notice the butter separating or if the sugar clumps up, remove from heat and vigorously whisk to combine it again.
- After the butter has melted and combined with the caramelized sugar, stir constantly as you very slowly pour in the heavy cream. Since the heavy cream is colder than the hot caramel, the mixture will rapidly bubble when added. After all the heavy cream has been added, stop stirring and allow to boil for 1 minute. It will rise in the pan as it boils.
- Remove from heat and stir in the salt. The caramel will be a thin liquid at this point. Allow to slightly cool down before using. Caramel thickens considerably as it cools.
- Cover tightly and store for up to 1 month in the refrigerator. Caramel solidifies in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove to desired consistency.
Notes
Chop walnuts or pecans into the streusel for extra crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the orange. Chocolate chips:
Mix in some mini dark or white chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite. Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities. Or a combination of almond flour and tapioca flour. Citrus Swap:
Try lemon or grapefruit zest and juice instead of orange for a different citrus twist. Spiced Crumb topping: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the streusel for a warm, fragrant hint that pairs beautifully with the orange.
Final Case Notes: The Orange Streusel Muffin case solved
These Orange Streusel Muffins with a burnt sugar glaze may seem innocent, but one bite tells another story. Bright, cozy, and with just the right amount of mystery, they’ll make you question everything, like why you didn’t bake a double batch. Be sure to visit Tori Winters to see what other mystery-filled cases she sleuths.
Murder with Wine by Anita Dickason is best enjoyed with warm muffins and Coffee. Orange Streusel Muffins Inspiration:
By Anita Dickason
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Series: Tori Winters Book 3
Deceit Runs Deep. Danger Runs Deeper!
What begins as a spine-tingling ghost tour, a night of unexpected thrills and chills for Tori Winters, quickly twists into something far more sinister.
Her free ticket from an anonymous source pulls Tori into the heart of a deadly conspiracy, entangling her in a treacherous web of murder and deceit.
While whispers of scandal ripple through Granbury, the unthinkable looms. Is Tori about to be arrested for a murder she didn’t commit?
As suspicion tightens its grip, something even more insidious lurks in the shadows, dragging her deeper into a maze of hidden motives and lethal deception.
Tori is the killer’s next target.
Troubleshooting: When Things Go South With Orange Streusel Muffins
Case Complications (Troubleshooting)
- Dense Muffins? Check your baking powder/soda expiry. Also, stop overmixing. Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for optimal rise. Also, avoid overmixing the batter as this can develop gluten and weigh down the muffins.
- Streusel Topping falls off? Press gently and chill. Chill the streusel before baking and press it gently onto each muffin to help it adhere. Avoid applying the topping too thickly to reduce falling off.
- Glaze too hard? Reheat slowly while stirring. If your burnt sugar glaze cools too much, reheat gently while stirring until it loosens back to a drizzly consistency.
- Muffins stick? Grease your muffin tin thoroughly or use liners. Allow muffins to cool slightly before removing from the pan for easier release.
- Caramel bitter? Don’t burn the sugar past amber. Watch the sugar closely as it caramelizes; remove from heat as soon as it turns a rich amber color. Letting it cook too long creates bitterness.
Long-Term Storage: Witness Protection Program (Freezing & Storing Leftovers)
Freezing: Let the muffins cool completely, then wrap each in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
Storing: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, but bring them to room temperature before eating to enjoy the best texture.
How To Reheat Orange Streusel Muffins
Oven Method Best for: Keeping the streusel crisp and the muffin moist. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place muffins on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave Method Best for: Quick warming without fuss. Place a muffin on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 20-30 seconds. Be aware that the streusel may soften slightly.
Toaster Oven Method Best for: Crisping up the topping again. Toast the muffin on a low setting for 5-7 minutes, watching to avoid burning the glaze.
Ways to Use Leftover Orange Streusel Muffins
Muffin French Toast: Slice the muffins and use them as the base for a decadent French toast. Dip quickly in egg mixture and pan-fry for a crisp, citrusy breakfast twist.
Orange Streusel Trifle: Tear or cube the muffins and layer with whipped cream and fresh berries in a glass for a pretty, easy dessert.
Breakfast Parfait: Crumble muffins over yogurt and top with granola and fresh orange segments for a bright, textured parfait.
Muffin Crumbs Topping: Crumble any leftovers and sprinkle on top of smoothies or oatmeal to add a sweet crunch.
Muffin Sandwich: Slice and fill muffins with cream cheese or nut butter for a quick, sweet snack.
Optional Flavor Boosters for Orange Streusel Muffins
Use orange blossom water
A splash of orange blossom water in the batter intensifies the citrus aroma, offering an exotic floral note that lifts the entire muffin.
Brown butter in batter.
Swap melted butter for browned butter to add a nutty, caramel depth that complements the burnt sugar glaze perfectly.
Toasted coconut topping
Add some toasted shredded coconut to the streusel for a tropical crunch that contrasts nicely with soft muffins.
Vanilla bean paste
Replace vanilla extract with vanilla bean paste for a richer, more intense vanilla flavor throughout the muffins.
Sea salt pinch on glaze
Sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the burnt sugar glaze to enhance the sweetness and create a delightful contrast.
Best Wine Pairings with Orange Streusel Muffins
Moscato d’Asti
This lightly sparkling, sweet Italian wine has citrusy notes and a refreshing effervescence that mirror the orange’s brightness without overwhelming the delicate muffin sweetness.
Riesling
A slightly off-dry Riesling pairs wonderfully with the zest and caramel tones, lending a crisp acidity that cuts through the butteriness.
Prosecco
The delicate bubbles and fruity character of Prosecco complement the texture and glaze without competing with the flavors.
Gewürztraminer
Its floral and spicy profile enhances the orange zest and burnt sugar’s complexity, creating an inviting flavor balance.
Chenin Blanc
With fruity notes and subtle minerality, Chenin Blanc matches the muffins’ sweetness and bright citrus flavors beautifully.
Umm, one question: what are these “leftover orange streusel muffins” you refer to? I don’t think those exist. Droolworthy in the book, and even more droolworthy now that fiction can be reality!
Haha. True, I know I certainly did NOT have leftovers to store. But you never know, someone could be strong enough to resist the temptation. 🙂