Name: Recipe Summary
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min

In our home, desserts are the real main course when it comes to Easter dinner. Sure, we love the classic ham and potatoes, but when dessert hits the table, it’s game on—and we always make room for seconds (or thirds). If you're planning your holiday menu, make sure your dessert spread is just as thoughtful as the main event, filled with both traditional favorites and creative new bakes to surprise your guests.

This Italian Colomba Muffins recipe is the perfect example of a non-traditional Easter dessert that still honors the flavors of the season. Inspired by the classic Italian Colomba di Pasqua cake, these muffins are light, fruity, and full of citrusy springtime flavor—everything you want in an Easter treat.

Created by the talented Franchesca of @breakthrukitchen , this easy muffin recipe is a fun and modern way to bring Italian tradition to your table. She baked these using her Larder & Vine Ceramic Muffin Tins , which ensure even baking, easy release, and a gorgeous golden finish every time. Our Ceramic Bakeware Set is designed to perform beautifully and look just as good on your countertop—making it a must-have for all your spring baking.

Whether you're hosting brunch, setting up a dessert buffet, or simply looking for new Easter baking ideas, these Italian Colomba Muffins are a must-try. They're simple enough to whip up ahead of time, but special enough to stand out on your holiday table.

Keep reading for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions , and don’t forget to explore more of Franchesca’s seasonal recipes on her blog or follow her on Instagram to stay inspired in the kitchen all spring long.

Why use our Larder & Vine Ceramic Muffin Tins?

When you decide to bake with our ceramic muffin tins, they come equipped with a total of 8 pieces of ceramic bakeware that not only match, but they easily stack into one piece for easy, compact storage:

2 baking sheets

2 muffin tins

1 round cake pan

1 square cake pan

1 loaf pan

1 deep roasting pan

Healthy baking is number 1 on our priority list here at Larder & Vine so you can have peace of mind when baking your delicious recipes knowing this Bakeware Set is free of all heavy metals, PFAS, PFOA, & PTFE.

Recipe Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease your muffin tins and set them aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, egg, egg yolk, milk, yogurt, orange zest, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—do not overmix. If using, fold in the candied orange pieces for added flavor and texture.

5. Fill and Bake the Muffins

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin tins, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the muffins are lightly golden.

6. Make the Glaze

While the muffins bake, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the egg white, almond flour, powdered sugar, and water until smooth and glossy.

7. Cool the Muffins

Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

8. Glaze the Muffins

Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the tops of the muffins with the glaze mixture.

9. Bake Again

Return the glazed muffins to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the glaze is set and the muffins are golden brown.

10. Add a Sweet Finish

Sprinkle additional powdered sugar over the glazed muffins for an extra sweet and decorative touch.

11. Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool completely on the wire rack before serving. Enjoy your beautifully glazed citrus muffins!

Italian Colomba Muffins