These homemade gluten-free orange marmalade muffins are a yummy fusion of citrusy sweetness and fluffy muffin goodness. These muffins boast a tangy burst of orange flavor and a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack. These muffins are also dairy-free and oil-free!
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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, and a 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!
It is easy to search my recipe index for recipes excluding lots of allergens. (Note: every recipe on my blog is soy-free except any recipes with tofu.)
Ingredient Notes:
For the full list of ingredients and amounts, please go to the recipe card below.
- 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.
- Binder – If the blend you are using doesn’t contain a binder, add 3/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum or guar gum.
- Baking Soda – Check the expiration date to ensure your baking soda is still good.
- Orange Marmalade – I recommend a brand with lots of big orange peel chunks. They add so much to the flavor of these marmalade muffins.
- Non-Dairy Milk – I used non-dairy milk, specifically Oatly oat milk. You can see which oat milk brands are gluten-free; just note that only two are certified gluten-free. Other plant-based milk or regular milk will also work.
Substitutions:
- If you would like more richness, add 1/4 cup unsalted butter. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter or oil for marmalade muffins; if using 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 Success:
- Marmalade with lots of orange slice sections; the chunkier, the better! The orange rind adds flavor and texture!
- 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-By-Step Photos and Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425º F and make sure the rack is in the middle. Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar to a large
👀 Sandi Says: Do not use a stand mixer. When making gluten-free muffins, mix the batter just until combined. This makes fluffier muffins.
Step 2: In a separate large bowl, add the marmalade, eggs, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk. Whisk to blend the wet ingredients.
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Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. The secret to fluffy muffins is not to overmix the muffin batter. I also do not recommend using a stand mixer.
📢 Sandi says: Every gluten-free flour blend has a different starch-to-grain ratio. The brand of gluten-free flour you use will affect the batter’s moisture. If your cake batter is too runny, add more flour, and if it is too thick, add more liquids.
Read Why Gluten-Free Flour Blends Vary to learn more about this.
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 4/5 full. If you don’t want a big top, fill 3/4 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.
🔑 Sandi says: You can also use this batter to make a loaf cake or bundt cake!
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: Carefully move the cupcakes 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!
More Gluten Free Muffin Recipes:
- Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins
- Easy Gluten Free Oatmeal Muffins
- Fluffy Gluten Free Cruffins
- Gluten Free Chocolate Banana Muffins
Love This Recipe?
If you made and enjoyed this recipe, I would be incredibly grateful if you could leave a comment below. Please include which flour blend you used. This helps others know that this recipe is delicious. Thank you!
Fluffy Gluten-Free Orange Marmalade Muffins Without Oil or Butter
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups gluten free flour blend * See notes
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups dairy-free or regular milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup orange marmalade * See notes
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons orange zest optional
- ¼ cup orange marmalade
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425º F and check to make sure the oven rack is in the middle of the oven. Add 2 ½ cups gluten free flour blend, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¾ cup sugar to a large mixing bowl. Mix the dry ingredients with a whisk.
- Add the 1 cup orange marmalade, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons orange zest, and 1 ½ cups dairy-free or regular milk in a separate large bowl. Whisk to blend the wet ingredients together.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients until they are just barely mixed.
- TIP: The secret to fluffy muffins is not to overmix the muffin batter. I also do not recommend using a stand mixer.
- 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. If you want a big muffin top, fill each section 4/5 full. If you don't want a big top, fill 3/4 full of batter.
- I loved adding 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.
- 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.
- Move the cupcakes carefully to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy when they are fully cooled to room temperature.
Nutrition
Notes
- 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.
- If your blend doesn’t contain a binder, add 3/4 tsp of xanthan gum.
- Marmalade with lots of orange slice sections; the chunkier, the better! The orange rind adds flavor and texture!
- Store the muffins in an airtight container. Gluten-free muffins don’t last as long, so if you do not finish the muffins within two days, I recommend freezing them. I place cooled muffins into a freezer-safe zipper bag and squeeze out the extra air. They will keep fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the muffins in the microwave oven for 35 seconds, or let them sit out on the counter until thawed.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
I truly hope you enjoy this recipe. I have been testing and creating gluten-free recipes for over 15 years. Creating gluten-free recipes that do not taste gluten-free is my goal for every recipe. Sometimes I only have to test a new recipe a couple of times, and others it takes multiple times. I do this so you get reliable, delicious results every time!
Delicious! I used King Arthur gluten free bread flour, and made my own orange marmalade. So yummy!
Homemade orange marmalade sounds amazing, Erica. I am so glad you used it in my recipe!
In your recipe you say 1 teaspoon of baking soda – #1 in your instructions has 1 teaspoon of baking powder??
Also in #1 you mention sugar two times but there is only 3/4 of a cup of sugar in the ingredients.
You are right. Baking soda, not powder and sugar is only added once. I appreciate your pointing this out and I have corrected these.