Made with fresh orange juice and coconut shreds and given a boost of protein, these orange muffins are full of bright citrus flavor that will transport you to a tropical paradise with just one bite! Gluten free, dairy free, and delicious!
Outrageous Orange Muffins
Gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, and unbelievably tasty, there’s a lot to love about these orange muffins. Not only are they soft and fluffy, but they’re also soooo easy to make. Plus, you probably already have most (if not everything) you’ll need to make them! They’re bursting with vitamin C thanks to the fresh orange juice, packed with protein, and even provide a good source of fiber. Basically, these muffins are a superfood! Okay, not really, but we definitely think you need them in your life.
What Do Orange Muffins Taste Like?
Unlike typical muffins that are overly sweet and made with refined sugar and artificial orange flavor, this recipe uses only natural ingredients. As a result, they’re super light and refreshing with a hint of orange flavor that’s just sweet enough without benign overpowering.
Unique Ingredients You’ll Need
Of course, you’ll want to gather up baking essentials like eggs, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. However, you’ll also need a few out-of-the-box items you might not consider needing when it comes to baking muffins.
Be sure to find the full ingredient list in the recipe box below, and take a look at some of the more unique (but tasty) items below!
- Gluten Free Oat Flour
- Coconut Flour
- Vanilla Plant Based Protein Powder
- Monk Fruit Sweetener
- Orange Juice
- Melted Refined Coconut Oil
- Non Dairy Milk
- Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
- Orange Slices
How to Make Orange Oat Muffins + Video
Although they’re made with not-so-typical ingredients, these oat muffins are fairly simple to make. Take a look at the steps below, and don’t forget to read the recipe card below for the full details.
- Preheat the oven to 375° Fahrenheit, and line your muffin pan.
- Stir the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
- In a second bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together.
- Working slowly, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
- Fold the shredded coconut flakes into the batter.
- Bake for 18-25 minutes, checking for doneness after 15 minutes.
- Cool for 5 minutes.
Watch It All Come Together!
Tips for Making Your Own Oat Flour
Did you know you can make your own oat flour at home? It’s super easy and budget-friendly, too! Keep reading here for the full instructions, and take a look at a couple of important tips below.
Measure the Grams. For the most accurate results, we always recommend measuring your oats and oat flour in grams rather than by cups.
Don’t Overprocess. You want your oats to turn into a fine flour-like consistency, but you don’t want them so processed that they’re a powder.
Flavor Add-Ins
If you want to add more taste and texture to these muffins, feel free to experiment by adding in extra ingredients such as a dash of cinnamon, chocolate chips, or even cranberries!
Topping Options
We love these muffins as they are. However, if you want to make them extra fancy or add a hint of sweetness, feel free to experiment with different glazes!
Make Them Extra Fruity. Once the batter has been scooped into the muffin tin, sprinkle the tops with extra shredded coconut and an orange slice. Once baked, sprinkle a bit more coconut on top, and enjoy!
Get a Little Zesty. If you love orange, try adding grating a little orange zest on top of your muffins.
Glaze Away. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, you could create your own orange glaze! Use vanilla protein powder or powdered sugar mixed together with a bit of orange juice until a thin glaze is formed. Then, dunk, drizzle, or dip your muffins!
Sweeten the Deal. For a quick option that adds both a sweet taste and a little extra texture, simply sprinkle some sparkling sugar on top. Not only does it look pretty, but it also provides a bit of a crunch.
Our Top Tips
We’ve tested and re-tested this orange muffin recipe to make sure it’s super easy to follow, but we could all use a few extra tips, right? Take a look at our favorite below to take your muffins from good to great!
For Equal-Sized Orange Oat Muffins. Use a cookie scoop to spoon the batter into the muffin tin.
For Fluffy Muffins. Use room temperature ingredients. This will help trap air into the batter as it is mixed. As your muffins bake, the air pockets will expand, creating a light, fluffy texture you’ll love!
For Fixing Soggy Muffins. Typically, when muffins become soggy after baking, it’s due to excess moisture. Be sure to store them with paper liners such as paper towels at the bottom of an airtight container. It also helps to place them on top of your muffins as well!
Common Questions
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Yes! We love to make and freeze big batches of these orange oat muffins to have on hand for a quick breakfast or easy afternoon snack. Store them in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Yes, you should be able to but it might take a little testing depending on what type of protein powder you use. Start with a 1:1 swap.
Feel free to use peanut flour or chickpea flour instead of protein powder. The texture will vary slightly based on what you use, but your muffins will still be tasty!
More Magical Muffins, Gluten Free, Of Course!
- Low FODMAP Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins are easy to make and stuffed with antioxidants!
- Low sugar, high protein, and flourless, these Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins are the perfect make-ahead nut free snack to enjoy all week.
- Perfect for allergy-friendly breakfasts, lunchbox snacks, and more, Gluten Free Apple Oatmeal Muffins are made with sugar, spice, and everything nice.
- Everything you love about carrot cake in the convenience of a muffin, Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins are sweet, moist, fluffy, and delicious!
Gluten Free Coconut Orange Muffins
- Total Time: 28-35 minutes
- Yield: 10–11 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Soft and fluffy, these Gluten Free Coconut Orange Muffins are loaded with sweet and tangy orange flavor and perfect for breakfast and snacks! Dairy free friendly!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (around 105 – 115 grams) gluten free oat flour *See notes
- ½ cup (55-60 grams) coconut flour, sifted
- 4 Tablespoons (30–40 grams) vanilla plant protein
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 Tablespoon arrowroot starch
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup monk fruit sweetener
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 egg
- 2 Tablespoons melted refined coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup non dairy milk
- ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut, divided
- Orange slices to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375° F. Line or grease a muffin pan. Set aside.
- Combine the dry ingredients; the oat and coconut flours, protein powder, baking soda, starch (tapioca or arrowroot), sweetener, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, egg, vanilla extract, oil, and milk.
- Working in batches, combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. If needed, use a hand mixer to mix the batter together until smooth. NOTE – If the batter is too dry (thick), gradually add more milk (2-4 tbsp).
- Fold in the shredded coconut. Save a few tablespoons for topping. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pan.
- Sprinkle the top of each muffin with shredded coconut, and place a thinly sliced orange on top.
- Bake for 18-25 minutes. Check for doneness after 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, and allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin pan.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze up to 4 months.
Notes
Oat flour gram measurements may slightly vary based on if you made your own oat flour or store bought.
If you don’t have plant based protein, it can be substituted with 2 Tablespoons more oat flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3.7 g
- Sodium: 155.4 mg
- Fat: 5.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 15.2 g
- Fiber: 3.9 g
- Protein: 5.1 g
- Cholesterol: 18.6 g
Keywords: oatmeal muffin recipe, gluten free, dairy free, orange oat muffins, naturally sweetened, breakfast, snack, kid friendly
Do you have questions, feedback, or tips about this recipe? Leave a comment below with any questions or feedback you’d like to share!
I am so happy that this is gluten free!! These muffins are so good, I really enjoyed it!
★★★★★
I’m so glad.
I’ve made these several times and they are delicious. They freeze really well too!
★★★★★
Glad you stocked up!
Hi Lindsay!! These look delicious & can’t wait to try them! Could I use hemp seeds to replace the protein powder? I haven’t found a protein powder I like & that doesn’t make me bloated.. 🙂
Thanks,
Karen
Hi Karen! I’m not sure hemp seed would work. But you could also try just adding 2 tbsp more oat flour and maybe 1 tbsp hemp seed.
Great texture. I made a half batch and used a whole egg and skipped the dairy free milk. Used almond flour instead of coconut flour
★★★★★
wonderful! So glad they turned out well with substitutes Catherine.
These muffins are fabulous! They make a delicious and hearty breakfast or snack!
★★★★★
came out perfect! The frozen ones are just as good, we always make an extra batch for the freezer!
★★★★★
This is absolutely amazing!! My kids loved these!
★★★★★
These are so delicious and I love how healthy they are! Super simple to whip up too!
★★★★★
I love the flavors in these muffins. And the texture is amazing!
★★★★★
Gluten free orange coconut oat muffins are tasty.
Thanks! Glad to hear that!
morning.
Just seen this recipe, Can I use chopped manderines instead of the oranges?
Sure! You don’t even need slices. You can use fresh orange juice. Teh slices are for garnishing.
Two questions:
1) What would be a good substitute for protein powder? I used to use pea protein powder – for about 8 years (same brand, mostly), but then read that many pea/veg protein powders were sourced from areas that resulted in high level toxins in the powders. (Consumer Reports recently quoted from the original source of the studies done.) I gave up the powders because I’ve been trying to detox.
2) If you know of a very reliable pea protein powder that doesn’t fit into the category above, I’d really like to know what that brand is. Thanks!
Totally understand! I use Bob’s redmill pea protein. https://amzn.to/2RQJwMm You could use peanut flour or try chickpea flour out if you don’t want the protein.
Love the blend of coconut flour and oats. I made with a flax egg since we have egg sensitivities and added chocolate chips- my kids really enjoyed these.
★★★★★
OH I am so glad! Thanks for the feedback. Glad the flax egg worked. How many did you use?
I used one Heaping tablespoon flax and rested it in the OJ in case the batter would get too moist. Thanks so much for the recipe!
★★★★★
I’ve now made these super delicious muffins three times! This time I was in a hurry, so I added the dry ingredients straight into the food processor with the combined wet ingredients, and they turned out superb. Three hungry strong rowers approved, Lindsay! I used one teaspoon of maple syrup for extra sweetening. Yum!
★★★★★
Wonderful! I am so glad. Thanks for your tips Belle!
O.M.G this recipe was great. This taste resembles a yellow cake! I did change it up a bit and toasted the coconut. As well as used a blend of flours: oat flour(3/4c), almond flour (1/4c), and quinoa flour (1/4c). Also added the zest of the orange. But I will definitely be making this again.
★★★★★
I love that you used quinoa flour. Where did you get that from? Bob’s redmill has quinoa flour but I still need to try it. 🙂
Love the flavor. I had to cook these for approximately 45 minutes. These were better the next day. Will be making these again today…with almond flavoring this time. Thank you for sharing.
★★★★
Thank you for that update. I’ll put that in notes. Glad you enjoyed!
YUM! These are so delicious! I made them for a dinner party (guest had gluten & nut allergies) and she LOVED them. The cool thing? Everyone else did too. One guest commented that they never knew gluten-free food could be so good. I used a navel orange to do the slices on top and realized they are a bit too big, so I had to cut each slice in half. Will try with a clementine next time.
★★★★★
Again, another photo I LOVE (the one with the ingredients and the oranges in the bowl). You have a great eye. I’m totally making these- sugar free? Bonus!
Oh thank you Susie! I always love hearing from you from the Blog! I owe you an email too! How about a muffin date? 😉
I’m all for getting my daily dose of vitamin C in muffin form!
I am a huge muffin fan – these look amazing! Love the orange in there!
★★★★★
So much flavor! Love the combo of the flours!
★★★★★
SO so good! Breakfast for sure!
These might be the prettiest muffins I’ve ever seen! Love that they’re naturally sweetened, too.
★★★★★
Such a fretting muffin treat!
<3 yes indeed friend
An interesting flavor combo. I’m very sensitive to citrus when cooked or baked (it is often too strong for me) but these sound so good!
★★★★★
These are really balanced! I think you’ll like them Jen!
Love muffins made with oats, and can’t wait to try this coconut orange version!! That combination sounds SO good. My favorite way to naturally sweeten is using dates!!
Love dates! Yes, that’s a good one too. Do you have a date muffins recipe?
★★★★★
Wow! To complete the scene with [email protected]: you had me at orange. Just found you through Jen @ www.burpeesforbreakfast.com for her must-try recipes list. I am so glad I came over here! This recipe looks phenomenal. I will totally be back for more. Thanks for a great new recipe to try!
Hooooray! Orange lovers unite! and i love Jenn! thanks for commenting and happy to “Meet” you.
Oh good gawsh – you are psychic! I am on a major citrus kick and I have been craving orange breads – these muffins sure would hit the spot!
I’m right there with you. I find baking muffins to be so relaxing and rewarding at the same time. Love your flavor combination here, especially the citrus element.
This recipe comes qt the perfect time! I have coconut flour, shredded coconut and I am always looking for things that are lunch box friendly!
yum, these look fab. i love muffins too. they are kinda cupcakes, sooo, winning? 😉 And I love that you always impart such wisdom with your recipes:)
love that these are naturally sweetened! Orange and coconut seem like a great match together! Oat flour is the best for muffins!
OMG yes, it’s like a tropical vacation in muffin… kinda. LOL!
These look delicious! The Boy is doing a 30 day sugar ‘detox’ starting tomorrow and I’m joining in with him. I think these muffins will be a perfect treat for him! I love recipes with no added sugar too! I usually like banana as my sweetener!
that’s awesome jen! keep me posted
These look so good! I love muffins too.
Oh, and I need to cut back on the sugar side as well. Damn our box is filled with dark chocolate daily. It’s hard! But I can do it (hopfully) 🙂
haha but you’re to sweet.. don’t cut back. jk. Love ya!
These look fantastic. Sharing.
★★★★★
Please have these waiting for me. Please and thank you!
duh! now just get over here already
Orange and coconut are combinations that I don’t think I’ve ever tried together yet in my baking. These look and sound lovely Lindsay. Truly inspirational!
★★★★★
you gotta try them Neil!
We are a big muffin family and love that they are sweetened with fruit!!
I will definitely be making these! 🙂
let me know how they turn out nat!
Ummm.. these look absolutely amazing. Like my mouth just watered looking at the pictures. Totally pinning and making ASAP!
These look delicious and perfect for spring.
yes, and it feels like spring here.. or summer! haha
I love muffins that are sweet without lots of added sugar! I also love anything orange 🙂
Confession: gluten free cooking intimidates me! I think I’ll save this recipe and give it a try sometime soon.
Karen @karenlovestorun
you can easily use regular flour, no worries! but don’t let GF baking intimidate you. I’m here to help!
I love the looks of these! I try to scale back on the sugars. I have a giant sweet tooth, so I feel like if I can control it in my home baking… then maybe the slices of cake after dinner out isn’t so very bad for me. LOL!
These look simply delicious!! I just pinned them to make, hope you don’t mind if I add a little something as this amazing idea came to mind when saw these that I think would be perfect! Of course I will make some as is too! Thank you for sharing!
ohhh let me know how it turns out! and i’m sure yours will be AMAZING!!
Do you think these would also work with all coconut flour?
you could but they might be a little dense. I would try using 1 egg and 2 egg whites whipped to give more volume.
Love me some orange and coconut!
Yum! I love a good healthy muffin to grab on the go!
I love your writing style. Favorite way to sweet things..Honey or Maple Syrup! 🙂 We have a family friend who brings me pints when I’m running low on the real syrup & it’s the one of the greatest gifts 😉
OH MY GOSH this is perfect for this week! I have so many oranges left over from helping a student fund-raise (she was selling boxes of oranges), and I’ve been searching for an easy recipe! What can I sub for coconut flour…? xoxo!!!
woohoo! you can use almond meal or any other flour or even protein flour! Heck i’ve even used protein pancake batter there. 😉
Lindsay these look delicious! I don’t believe I can give my little one protein powder but I wish I could make these for her! Wondering if I can sub it for something that little ones can have also. Either way, totally making these for myself lol
You don’t have to include it all! no prob. Or you can add in a little pb flour or almond meal if you need the batter thicker. No prob!
No kidding, I made orange almond oat muffins yesterday. You’re pics look better than mine though.
the ones you posted today? I think they are GORGEOUS! like you
No different than the ones I made today and you’re too sweet! I will more than accept that compliment coming from you!
YUM! These sound super tasty, Lindsay! So spring!!
I LOVE making muffins too. Such a great grab in the morning. 2 scrambled eggs and a muffin with pb! Looks delicious!
These look delicious!! I could probably eat muffins every day:)
I can’t wait to try these out. I am in love with all things citrus. These are a must try.
★★★★★
i need more (gf) muffins in my life.
I like a little honey to add some natural sweetness. These oranges remind me of the orange I had the other day… best orange of my life! It was organic and that DEFINITELY makes a difference! So juicy!
I use maple syrup all the time because it is so delicious. I make almond butter regularly because I can’t live without it, and I only add salt and maple syrup. It’s so good.
Ooo! Lookin good lady!! My hubby brought home a big bag of oranges from the store and now I’m on a total kick.
Oh I love the look of these! I need to make muffins with my kids soon!
LOVING the sound of the coconut orange combo, especially in muffins! If I had to pick a favourite baked good, muffins would be it. And you know I love my natural sweeteners! Honey, maple syrup, and DATES will always be my go-tos.
I love that these have zero added sugar – only some orange juice! I have been all about citrus lately so I just pinned these to try!!
Oh my, I want now – they look so mouth watering amazing!!! And again, your pic taking is so fantastic! I need to get there! 🙂
I already said this, but SAME BRAIN always. These look delicious!
Love the OJ in there as a sweetener! Super creative. Def pining these. Thanks for linking up with us for Meatless Monday!
I have been on a muffin-making kick lately, these are next on my list! They do look so sunny 🙂
Wow, these look amazing! Love the combo of orange + coconut, so tropical!!! Pinned to make for later 🙂
These look perfect to get me in the mood for spring! I love fruit sweetened anything, delicious 🙂
These sound amazing–what a great flavor combo!
Orange and coconut but no sugar added? IT’S LIKE AN ADULT BEACH BEVERAGE IN A HEALTHY MUFFIN FORM! These compl-EAT ME. Pinned!
you know it! now we just need a beach!
I’ll be over for Easter if you make these. 😉 Delicious friend!
These definitely sound delicious and right up my alley! Perfect for the “spring” that we are supposedly in. But not actually in. Who knows, right? I think that adding real fruit to baked goods in the form of banana, juice (not cocktails, mind you), and unsweetened applesauce as well as using naturally sweet flavors like vanilla is the best way to keep the sweetness there without having to add sugar.
I always forget about muffins…..not sure why, but when I go to make snacks, I always try to make bars…and they never turn out right….maybe thats a sign that it is time to switch! What a lovely bright wake up for this mondya morning 🙂 Thanks for joining us for meatless monday!
Oooh I love orange+coconut together! These look awesome. 🙂
Just goes to show you don’t have to add a ton of sugar to make treats taste delightful. Love the bright, summery nature of these orange muffins 🙂
★★★★★
I really had no no no idea until YOU that sugar messed with our recovery, too.
I avoid for a bazillion other reasons but added that one more :0)