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gluten free lemon muffins

Gluten Free Lemon Muffins

These gluten free lemon muffins are soft, moist, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack, they combine fresh lemon zest and juice with a tender gluten-free crumb for a bakery-style treat that’s easy and delicious.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • - 1½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
  • - ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • - 1 tablespoon lemon zest from 2 lemons
  • - ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • - ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • - 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • - ½ teaspoon salt
  • - 2 large eggs
  • - ½ cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative
  • - ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • - 1 teaspoon lemon extract optional, for enhanced lemon flavor
  • - Optional add-ins 1 tablespoon poppy seeds or ½ cup fresh/frozen blueberries

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Paper liners or nonstick spray
  • Mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Spatula
  • - Citrus zester or microplane
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, yogurt, oil, and lemon extract (if using) until well combined.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in poppy seeds or blueberries if using.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

- Use a flour blend that contains xanthan gum or add ½ teaspoon per cup of flour.
- Rubbing lemon zest into the sugar enhances citrus flavor.
- Muffins freeze well; wrap individually and store up to 2 months.
- For extra zing, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice once cooled.
- Add chopped pistachios, chia seeds, or top with lemon glaze for variation.