Quick and Easy Gluten Free Orange Marmalade Muffins

I am very excited about this new gluten-free muffin recipe. If you follow me on Facebook, you know I accidentally forgot to add the butter. (Yes, my daughter texted me when she saw it LOL.) What shocked me was how incredibly fluffy and delicious they turned out without the butter. I know I say it often, but gluten-free baking is like a chemistry project!

These muffins have the perfect moist crumb without butter or oil, sweet orange flavor with chunks of tangy orange peel. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the recipe! This scrumptious recipe can be made as muffins or a gluten-free orange marmalade cake!

If you love to bake muffins, I have a lot of great gluten-free muffin recipes. I have also tested multiple flour blends in a great gluten-free muffin recipe test! All four blends worked well, but there were some differences!

Allergen Information:

These muffins are gluten-free, butter and oil-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free.

Ingredient Notes:

• Gluten Free Flour Blend – I tested this recipe with King Arthur Measure for Measure. Other blends should work, but you may need to tweak moisture levels depending on the blend’s starch-to-grain ratio. Read my article for more information about why flour blends vary.
• Xanthan Gum – If the blend you are using doesn’t contain a binder, you will want to add ¾ a teaspoon of xanthan or guar gum.
• Sugar – Cane sugar works best, but you could use light brown sugar if you prefer.
• Baking Soda – Check the expiration date to ensure your baking soda is still good.
• Salt
• Orange Marmalade – I recommend using a brand with a lot of big orange peel chunks. It adds to the flavor of these marmalade muffins so much.
• Eggs – Size large, let them warm to room temperature.
• Non-Dairy Milk – I used non-dairy milk, Oatly oat milk specifically. You can see which oat milk brands are gluten-free; just note only two are certified gluten-free. Other plant-based milk or regular milk will also work.
• Vanilla Extract – I recommend using pure vanilla extract.
• Orange Zest – This is optional, but it adds great flavor!

Substitutions:

• If you would like these to have some additional richness, add ¼ cup unsalted butter. For dairy-free, either plant-based butter or oil for marmalade muffins with oil, substitute a light oil like canola oil for the butter.
• Feel free to add chopped pecans or walnuts if you want a little more texture.

Tips For Sucess:

• Marmalade with lots of orange slice sections; the chunkier, the better! The orange rind adds flavor and texture!
• Do not use a stand mixer. When making gluten-free muffins, you want to mix the batter until it is just barely mixed. This makes fluffier muffins.
• If you like a higher muffin top, bake these muffins at 425º F for the first 5 minutes, then turn the oven down to 350º F without opening the oven door.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425º F and ensure the rack is in the middle of the oven. Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Mix the dry ingredients with a whisk.

Step 2: In a separate large bowl, add the marmalade, eggs, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk. Whisk to blend the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients until they are just barely mixed. The secret to fluffy muffins is not to overmix the muffin batter. I also do not recommend using a stand mixer.

Step 5: Line a muffin tin with parchment paper muffin liners. These are the best at preventing the muffins from sticking to the muffin papers. You can also prepare your muffin pan using this gluten-free baking spray. Note: Pam Baking Spray is not gluten-free! If you want a big muffin top, fill each section ⅘ full. If you don’t want a big top, fill ¾ full of batter.

Step 6: Optional: I loved making marmalade swirls on top of each muffin. It adds extra flavor and a nice orange filling inside the muffin. To do this, spoon about a teaspoon of marmalade onto the top of each muffin. Use a spoon to swirl it around the top of the muffins.

Step 7: Bake the muffins for 22-25 minutes until they are slightly golden on top. If you use the toothpick method to see if the muffins are finished baking, insert the toothpick away from the marmalade swirl.

Step 8: Move the cupcakes carefully to cool on a wire rack. Let them cool to room temperature. They are the perfect treat for afternoon tea! You may also want to try these fluffy Gluten-Free Apple Muffins or these Gluten-Free Sourdough Muffins!

Frequently Asked Questions: