Short description

These Chocolate Orange Muffins are an indulgent delight featuring a rich cocoa base and a gooey chocolate orange ganache center. Moist, decadent, and infused with orange extract, they offer the perfect balance of zesty citrus and deep chocolate flavor—ideal for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a luxurious treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent and moist with a rich cocoa base
Filled with a luscious chocolate orange ganache—a surprise in every bite
Infused with pure orange extract for a fragrant citrus twist
Makes a visually impressive dessert with minimal effort
Great for make-ahead baking—muffins and ganache can be prepared in advance
Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or tea-time treats
Combines the classic flavors of chocolate and orange, loved by many
Soft, rich texture thanks to sour cream or Greek yogurt
Uses both milk and dark chocolate for complex flavor
Customizable with toppings like Terry’s chocolate orange segments

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the muffins:

180g plain (all-purpose) flour
1½ teaspoons bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
¼ teaspoon salt
50g cocoa powder
300g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure orange extract
125ml vegetable or sunflower oil
150g sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
150ml warm water

For the ganache filling:

100g milk chocolate (30–40% cocoa solids), finely chopped
100g dark chocolate (60% cocoa solids), finely chopped
½ teaspoon pure orange extract
15g (1 tablespoon) soft unsalted butter
250ml double (heavy) cream

Optional topping:

Terry’s chocolate orange segments

directions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas mark 4. Line a 12-cup muffin tray with paper liners.
Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Stir to combine.
Mix wet ingredients. In another bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, orange extract, oil, sour cream (or yogurt), and warm water until smooth.
Combine mixtures. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined (do not overmix). The batter will be runny.
Fill and bake. Pour the batter into the muffin liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until springy and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the ganache:
7. Place chopped milk and dark chocolate, orange extract, and butter in a heatproof bowl.
8. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to boil. Immediately pour it over the chocolate.
9. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
10. Allow ganache to cool to room temperature, then chill for about 1 hour or until it reaches a soft buttercream consistency.
11. Optional: Whip the chilled ganache with a mixer for 1 minute to lighten the texture (do not overwhip). Alternatively, stir by hand.

Assemble:
12. Once muffins are fully cooled, use an apple corer or sharp knife to remove the center of each muffin.
13. Fill each core with ganache using a spoon or piping bag. Add a little ganache on top for decoration.
14. Finish with a chocolate orange segment on each muffin, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes 12 muffins
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 22 minutes
Additional time: 1 hour (for ganache cooling)
Total time: 1 hour 42 minutes

Variations

Add orange zest to the batter for a natural citrus aroma
Use dark chocolate only for a more intense flavor
Swap ganache for orange curd for a fruity alternative
Make mini muffins and pipe ganache on top instead of filling
Add chopped chocolate or chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness
Top with candied orange peel for a gourmet finish
Add a splash of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) to the ganache for a grown-up twist

storage/reheating

Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Muffins can be frozen (preferably without ganache) for up to 2 months. Thaw and fill before serving.
Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or gently microwave for a few seconds to soften the ganache center.

FAQs

Can I make the ganache ahead of time?

Yes, ganache can be made a day ahead. Store in the fridge and bring to room temperature before whipping or using.

Do I have to whip the ganache?

Whipping lightens the texture, but it’s optional. You can simply stir it once chilled and still achieve a smooth filling.

Can I skip the orange extract?

You can, but it’s what gives the muffins their distinctive chocolate-orange flavor. Substituting with orange zest is a natural alternative.

What kind of chocolate should I use?

Use good-quality chocolate with cocoa content between 30–60% for best results. Avoid chocolate chips as they don’t melt as smoothly.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt is a suitable substitute and provides similar moisture and texture.

Can I frost these instead of filling them?

Yes, you can spread or pipe the ganache on top like frosting if you prefer not to fill the center.

What’s the best way to remove the muffin core?

An apple corer works well. If you don’t have one, use a small knife or spoon to scoop out the center.

Are these cupcakes or muffins?

They’re technically muffins due to their texture and baking method but rich and sweet enough to be considered cupcakes by some.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.

Do these need to be refrigerated?

If filled with ganache, it’s best to refrigerate them, especially in warmer weather. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Chocolate Orange Muffins are a bakery-style treat bursting with flavor and elegance. From their rich cocoa base to the creamy, citrus-infused ganache center, they deliver indulgence in every bite. Whether served at a special gathering or as an everyday luxury, these muffins are sure to delight chocolate lovers and citrus fans alike.