Muffins are versatile sweets, perfect for breakfast, a snack or a light dessert. This recipe for gluten-free lemon and apple muffins uses natural flours such as rice, sorghum and almond flours, together with lemon and fresh apple, to obtain a soft, fragrant and light cake.
An interesting aspect of this recipe is the low sugar content: with only 2 tablespoons of sugar, these muffins remain delicately sweet without weighing you down. If you prefer an even lighter or completely sugar-free treat, you can easily omit the sugar and let the natural flavor of the apple and almond take center stage.
The result is a light, aromatic cake suitable for those looking for gluten-free, lactose-free alternatives made with wholesome ingredients.
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Cooking time: 25 Minutes
- Portions: 6 pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter and Spring
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (gluten-free)
- 1 1/4 cups gluten-free rice flour
- 1/3 cup sorghum flour (gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder for cakes (gluten-free)
- 1 lemon
- 1 apple
Tools
- 1 Hand mixer
- 2 Bowls
- 1 Muffin tin
- 6 Paper liners
Steps
Wash the apple and cut it into cubes.
Toss the cubes with half of the lemon juice to prevent oxidation.Beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is pale and frothy. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to beat.
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then the almond milk.
Sift together the rice and sorghum flours and the baking powder.
Add the flours to the mixture and finish with the almond flour.
Fold in half of the apple cubes and gently mix with a spatula.Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C) on the conventional setting.
Place the paper liners in a muffin tin and fill them up to 2/3 full.
Top with the remaining apple cubes and chopped almonds.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking with a toothpick.
Let the muffins cool on a wire rack.
Tips for perfect muffins
Flours: the combination of rice, sorghum and almond flours ensures softness and structure without gluten. Almond flour adds tenderness and a slightly sweet flavor.
Lemon: adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the apple.
Apples: choose sweet, firm apples like Fuji or Golden, which hold their shape well during baking.
Baking: every oven is different; check color and doneness with a toothpick.
Variations: you can replace the almonds with pecans or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
Serving ideas
Perfect for breakfast with a cup of green tea or coffee.
Ideal as a light afternoon snack or a children’s treat.
Great served with plant-based yogurt or almond butter for a richer treat.
Creative variations
Sugar-free version: use a sweeter apple and 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
Tropical muffins: replace the apple with fresh pineapple chunks.
Chocolate chip muffins: add about 1.8 oz (50 g) of gluten-free dark chocolate to the batter. 
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use cow’s milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, but the muffins will no longer be completely lactose-free. Plant-based milk keeps the recipe lighter and easier to digest.
Can I replace sugar with a natural sweetener?
Yes, stevia or erythritol work, but adjust amounts according to desired sweetness.
How should I store the muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, wrapped individually in cling film, they keep for up to 2 months.
Can I add spices?
Cinnamon or ground ginger pair perfectly with lemon and apple.
These gluten-free lemon and apple muffins are a light, fragrant and soft cake, perfect for breakfast, a snack or a guilt-free treat. With only 2 tablespoons of sugar, or even completely sugar-free if you prefer, they retain a delicate and natural flavor thanks to the sweetness of the apple and the softness of almond flour.
Try them fresh from the oven, perhaps accompanied by a herbal tea or a glass of plant-based milk, and you’ll see how easy it is to make a healthy, gluten-free and surprisingly soft treat.
