Easy Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Muffins
There’s something magical about the combination of orange and cranberry—sweet, tart, and utterly refreshing. These gluten free orange cranberry muffins are the perfect addition to your holiday spread, a cozy winter breakfast, or just a delightful treat with your afternoon tea. Not only are they gluten-free, but they’re also completely dairy-free, making them ideal for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that results in muffins so moist, fluffy, and flavorful, you’ll forget they’re gluten free!
These muffins are very easy to make and you can use dried or fresh cranberries depending on the flavor you prefer. I prefer the tart of fresh, but my husband and kids like the sweet flavor of dried cranberries better.
Orange and cranberry combined make the perfect holiday flavor. It is something I have always loved and enjoy very much.
Typically I only bake and cook with cranberries for the holidays and then orange is a flavor I enjoy in the winter months when it is in season.
My first orange and cranberry recipe was an Orange Cranberry Loaf drizzled in an orange icing. That had me hooked!
Why You’ll Love These Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Muffins
Bursting with Flavor: The orange zest and juice create a citrusy brightness that pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries.
Moist and Fluffy: Thanks to dairy-free vanilla yogurt and a neutral oil, these muffins are tender and soft.
Holiday-Ready: They’re the perfect festive treat for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack.
Easy to Make: With a simple ingredient list and quick steps, this recipe is approachable for both beginner and experienced bakers.
It doesn’t take much to throw these together. The most difficult part is zesting your orange, but don’t skip this step because the zest is what gives it the fabulous flavor.
Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Muffins: The Perfect Balance of Tart and Sweet
There’s something magical about the combination of orange and cranberry—sweet, tart, and utterly refreshing. These gluten free orange cranberry muffins are the perfect addition to your holiday spread, a cozy winter breakfast, or just a delightful treat with your afternoon tea. Not only are they gluten-free, but they’re also completely dairy-free, making them ideal for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that results in muffins so moist, fluffy, and flavorful, you’ll forget they’re gluten free.
Tips for Baking Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Muffins
To make your muffins turn out perfect every time, follow these tips:
Choose the Right Flour Blend
Using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend is key to achieving the ideal texture. I recommend my Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Blend.
Don’t Overmix
When working with gluten-free batter, it’s important not to overmix. Overmixing can make the muffins dense instead of fluffy. Blend the ingredients just until combined.
Fresh vs. Dried Cranberries
Both fresh and dried cranberries work in this recipe. Fresh cranberries provide a tart burst of flavor, while dried cranberries offer a slightly sweeter, chewy texture. Adjust according to your preference!
Check Your Muffins Early
Gluten-free baked goods can sometimes bake faster than their traditional counterparts. Begin checking your muffins around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Ingredients needed to make Gluten Free Cranberry Muffins:
- Eggs
- Vanilla Yogurt: I use So Delicious Vanilla Coconut Yogurt, if you’re not dairy free any vanilla yogurt is great
- Sugar
- Neutral Oil: I prefer olive oil, but any neutral oil will work. Coconut oil works greats too, just melt it first
- Vanilla Extract
- Orange Zest
- Orange Juice
- Orange Extract
- Fresh Cranberries: you can use fresh or dried
- Gluten Free All Purpose Flour: I used Better Batter Flour or My Personal All Purpose Flour Blend
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your muffin tins with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking soda) and set aside.
In your stand mixer, combine the wet ingredients (eggs, yogurt, vanilla) and mix for 30 seconds. Gradually add the sugar, oil, orange zest, juice, and extract, blending until smooth.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in the cranberries gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin tins, I usually fill them up to the top.
Bake for 20-23 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Allow to cool before serving.
FAQs for Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Muffins
Can I Freeze These Muffins?
Absolutely! Once the muffins have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature.
Do I Need to Adjust Baking Time for Mini Muffins?
If you’re making mini muffins, reduce the baking time to 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them and use the toothpick test to check for doneness.
Can I Use Orange Juice Instead of Orange Extract?
Orange extract provides a concentrated flavor that orange juice alone can’t replicate. If you don’t have extract, you can increase the orange zest slightly to enhance the citrus flavor.
What Other Add-Ins Work Well?
Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch. You can also fold in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Does this gluten free cranberry muffins recipe require xanthan gum?
Store bought All Purpose Flour blends contains xanthan gum. If you are using a pre-made all purpose flour blend then you do not need to add xanthan gum. If you are using a homemade flour blend that does not contain xanthan gum then add 3/4 tsp to this recipe.
Can I freeze these gluten free dairy free orange muffins?
Yes, you can store these in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or foil and then storing them in a freezer bag. Allow them to thaw on the countertop and serve warm by popping them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5 or so minutes.
Can these gluten free orange cranberry muffins be made vegan/without eggs?
I personally don’t bake without eggs that much, but I have a few readers who make all of my recipes with flax eggs instead and have a ton of success. Another option would be to use Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer. That is my go-to when baking without eggs.
Where do I buy Orange Extract?
Orange extract hasn’t been as easy to find lately. I use Watkins and it is available on Amazon HERE. 
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Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free all purpose flour
- dash salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup dairy free vanilla yogurt I use So Delicious coconut
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup neutral oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tsp orange extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries or 3/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a medium bowl whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside
- In your stand mixer add the eggs, yogurt and vanilla. Mix on medium speed for 30 seconds.
- With the mixer on low add the oil and sugar, mix for 1 minute. Add the orange zest, juice and extract. Blend for 1 minute.
- Turn the mixer off and pour in the dry ingredients. Blend on low for 30 seconds, increase the speed to medium low and then blend for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides halfway.
- Fold in your cranberries and then pour the batter into your muffin tins.
- Bake the muffins for 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the center of the muffin clean. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Need more holiday recipes like these gluten free orange muffins? I’ve got you covered…
- Orange Cranberry Loaf with Orange Icing- Gluten Free and Dairy Free
- The Best Gluten Free Holiday Cocktails
- Gluten Free Christmas Cookies
- Gluten Free Gingerbread Bars (vegan)
- Gluten and Dairy Free Peanut Butter Cookies
- Gingerbread Latte (Vegan & Gluten Free)
- Gluten and Dairy Free Gingerbread Men Cookies
Make sure to grab a copy of my latest cookbook, 101 Incredible Gluten Free Recipes
This recipe was posted originally in December 2021. It was updated and re-published in November 2024.
