Bakery-style Calamansi Muffins with a tangy citrus glaze are super moist, tender, and bursting with calamansi flavor! They're perfect for breakfast and brunch or as an on-the-go snack.
I've been on a quest for the perfect calamansi muffin recipe since forever, and I am thrilled to say I finally found it!
I tried and tested a handful of recipes in my search but was mostly disappointed with the results. They were either too dry and crumbly or too dense and heavy. What they all shared in common, though, wasย that they were missing that punch of citrus flavor I was looking for.
Dismayed by my unsuccessful attempts, I was just about to give up the hunt when I chanced upon a lemon crumb muffin recipe on Pinterest. The photo looked so amazing, and the thought of the tart glaze dribbling down my chin had me so excited I wasted no time gathering all the ingredients!
What if I thought I made the recipe into calamansi crumb muffins by replacing the lemon juice with calamansi? And folks, it worked like a charm!ย The muffins delivered all the taste and texture I was looking for and more.
They are soft and moist inside, while the crumb topping provides a light crunch on the outside. They are fabulous as is, but the generous drizzling of the citrus glaze brings them over the top.
The recipe can be easily doubled, which I suggest you do. You'd want a huge batch of these calamansi muffins on hand all the time.
They're great for breakfast or brunch, as well as an on-the-go snack. Adults and kids alike won't be able to get enough!
Ingredient notes
- I don't have access to calamondin all the time, so I like to stock up on calamansi puree to use on drinks, marinades, and baked goods.ย Fresh is better, of course, but this bottled juice concentrate makes a great alternative when the fruit is not available.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream if unavailable.
Quick tip
Do not overmix the batter as this can toughen and create tunnels and holes in the muffins. Use a spoon or spatula to incorporate the flour and stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened.ย The final batter should be thick, lumpy, and floury.
How to store
- Calamansi muffins keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and are perfectly freezable for up to 1 month.
- If storing the muffins in the freezer, skip the glaze and drizzle when ready to serve. Store them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic film.
More baked treats
Ingredients
For the Crumb Topping
- ยพ cup flour
- ยฝ cup sugar
- โ teaspoon salt
- ยผ cup butter, melted
For the Muffins
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ยฝ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon calamansi zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh calamansi juice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups flour
For the Calamansi Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh calamansi juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a large 12-hole muffin pan with paper cups.
Crumb Topping
- In a bowl, combine crumb topping ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, and butter. Stir together with a fork and set aside.
Calamansi Muffins
- In a bowl, beat eggs using an electric mixer for about 1-2 minutes until thick and frothy.
- Add sugar and oil and continue to beat for about 1 to 2 minutes or until creamy.
- Add calamansi zest, juice, baking soda, and salt. Beat for about 1 minute.
- Add sour cream and beat until combined.
- Add flour and using a spoon, stir just until combined. The batter will still be slightly lumpy.
- Using a scoop, fill muffin cups up to ยพ full. Sprinkle the crumb topping mixture on top.
- Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of muffin comes out clean. Let cool for about 3 to 5 minutes and then transfer to a rack to completely cool.
Calamansi Glaze
- In a bowl, combine ingredients for calamansi glaze: powdered sugar and calamansi juice. Stir well until smooth.
- Drizzle over muffins.
Notes
Video
Nutrition Information
โThis website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.โ
Jairo says
I try it on a Lemon, but I will try this style using Calamansi. Thank you for this new idea I try this recipe of yours.
Fatitay says
Thank you for this recipe...got me interested thus tried it instantly and it was really good.I just bought Calamansi this morning and search for a baked recipe using it.I just adjusted the recipe as I have no sour cream on hand and intead use my remaining chream cheese and added all purpose cream to serve the 1 cup requirement and added a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for added aroma. I am gonna bring my muffins tomorrow for my officemates in HR which I havenโt seen for 3 months due to the ECQ.
Monica says
Hi Lalaine!
Will it work if i steam the cupcakes? I'm worried the crumb topping might not turn out great.
Lalaine Manalo says
I've never tried steaming this. The streusel topping needs to be baked to brown and crisp.
Lala says
Very good recipe! Tried this today. I made a second batch but tweaked it a little bit since I find the taste of calamansi a little understated from the original recipe. I added an extra tablespoon of calamansi juice and it was perfect! Thank you so much!
Angela says
Aside from yogurt, what else can be used to substitute sour cream? Will nestle cream do?
Bea Mendoza says
Hi!
What kind of sugar do you use for the muffin and crumb topping? Is it brown or white?
Thank you!
Brenda Galza says
Hi Lalaine,
i chanced upon your website while surfing looking for kutsinta recipe which I have yet to try. i saw your calamansi muffins recipe and my question is, could I substitute lemons? I live in California and lemons are almost year round here.
Thank you, brenda
Lalaine Manalo says
Yes, you can use lemons. I actually based this calamansi muffin recipe on a lemon crumb muffin recipe I saw on Pinterest ๐
brenda galza says
Thank you lalaine.I made your puto recepi and came out so good! I am going to try your other recipes.
Brenda
Jessi says
Tried this recipe out today. Loved it! Thanks so much for sharing ๐
Lalaine Manalo says
Thanks for the 5-stars! I am glad you enjoyed them ๐
Chiqui Pabalan says
If I don't have sour cream, what can I use for substitute?
Leah Gohu says
Tried this out, this is my 3rd bake and still a hit. Muffins stay moist on the cpunter for up to two days, and they never made it to the fridge. Thank you for thr wonderful recipe
ANNE says
Hi Lalaine!
This recipe looks interesting. Thanks!
Can I substitute Sour Cream with BUTTERMILK?
Thanks again!
Delia C. Hernandez says
Thanks for this recipe. Am excited to try it. Can I substitute sour cream with an ordinary nestle cream?
Lelet says
Can I use butter in place of the mild tasting oil?
Catherine says
I made this for my son's birthday and it was great! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome recipes!โค๏ธ
Lalaine Manalo says
Thanks for the 5-stars! I am glad they were a hit!
Pat says
Instead of muffins, can I put all the batter into a cake tin instead to make one big cake? ๐
Lalaine Manalo says
I haven't personally tried it but I'm sure it would work. Just adjust the bake time ๐
Aloysius Ochiamu says
This tangy taste makes this an awesome meal for breakfast before hitting the road for work.
Thanks for the update Lalaine.
Lalaine Manalo says
You're welcome! Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Sher Alvarez says
This recipe is perfect!
Lalaine Manalo says
Thank you! I am glad you liked the recipe ๐
Jeanne says
Hi what if i don't have zest available, can i use calamansi extract?
Edelyn Romero says
Goodpm po. Ung butter sa crumb topping po e unsalted, tama po ba? Thank you ๐
Lalaine Manalo says
That's correct, Edelyn!
Edelyn Romero says
Thank you so much po. I will try it today ๐
Lalaine Manalo says
Alright, Edelyn. Let us know how it goes ๐
Mia says
Hi. Can I use valencia oranges too?
Lalaine Manalo says
Yes, orange juice should be ok ๐