Gluten Free Blue Corn Muffins: A Sweet & Tender Treat
Looking for a delightful gluten-free baked good? These easy gluten free blue corn muffins are a must-try! They boast a subtly sweet flavor, a tender crumb, and a beautifully golden crust. Best of all, they’re made without any all-purpose gluten-free flour blends. Plus, we’ve included a dairy-free option so everyone can enjoy them.
Living gluten-free means embracing new and exciting ingredients. Blue cornmeal adds a unique flavor and color to these muffins, setting them apart from the usual. If you’re new to gluten-free baking, don’t worry, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. And, if you’re looking for other simple recipes, be sure to check out our Gluten-Free Banana Nut Muffins for another delicious start to your day!
Why Blue Corn?
Blue cornmeal isn’t just about aesthetics; it also offers a slightly different nutritional profile and a distinctive taste compared to yellow cornmeal. Its slightly nutty, earthy flavor pairs perfectly with the touch of sweetness in these muffins. For another way to use cornmeal, try our Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe.
Many people find success using Gluten-free substitutes, but you want to ensure your baked goods are just as soft and tasty as wheat-filled products. These muffins are proof that gluten-free can be just as delicious (if not more so!) If you’re interested in expanding your baking repertoire, consider exploring our Gluten-Free Breakfast section for more inspiration. You will find many options there!
🎁 33 Gluten-Free Breakfasts
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Let’s Bake: Gluten Free Blue Corn Muffins – Step-by-Step
Ready to bake some delicious gluten free blue corn muffins? Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time!
Instructions
- Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of tapioca starch or flour, 1 ¼ cup of blue cornmeal, ⅓ cup of white sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum. This blend ensures the right texture for our gluten-free muffins. Create a “well” in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the “well,” add ¼ cup of oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor), 2 eggs, and 1 ¼ cup of milk (or almond milk) mixed with 1 teaspoon of vinegar to create a “buttermilk” substitute. This dairy-free option works wonderfully while keeping the muffins moist.
- Combine Wet and Dry: First, whisk the wet ingredients together in the well. Then, gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay!
- Batter Rest (Optional): For even better results, let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the blue cornmeal and tapioca flour to fully absorb the moisture, resulting in a slightly thicker batter and more tender muffins.
- Fill Muffin Tins: Fill each of the mini muffin tins about ¾ full. This ensures they rise nicely without overflowing.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking!
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the muffins cool briefly in the pan before removing them. Serve warm and enjoy these delightful gluten free blue corn muffins!
Enjoy your freshly baked gluten-free blue corn muffins! They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side with your favorite soup.
Gluten Free Blue Corn Muffins: A Delicious and Nutritious Treat
Enjoy these delightful, tender, and sweet gluten free blue corn muffins with a perfect golden crust. This recipe is crafted without any all-purpose gluten free flour, and we’ve included a dairy-free option to cater to various dietary needs!
Ingredients
- ½ cup tapioca flour or starch
- 1 ¼ cup blue corn meal
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
- ¼ cup oil or melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¼ cup milk (I used almond milk) mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar to make “buttermilk”
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 muffin, recipe yields 36) provides approximately:
- Calories: 52
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 11mg
- Sodium: 111mg
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 1g
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Gluten-Free Benefits and Insights
These blue corn muffins are naturally gluten-free, making them a fantastic option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Using blue cornmeal instead of traditional wheat flour not only adds a unique flavor and vibrant color but also provides essential nutrients and antioxidants.
Tapioca flour helps to create a light and tender texture, while xanthan gum acts as a binding agent, mimicking the role of gluten in traditional baking.
Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions
- Dairy-Free Option: This recipe uses almond milk to keep it dairy-free. For those who can tolerate dairy, melted butter enhances the flavor significantly.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. Honey or maple syrup can be used as natural sweeteners.
- Cornmeal Substitution: If blue cornmeal is unavailable, yellow cornmeal can be used as a substitute, though the color and some of the unique flavor will be lost.
- Freezing Instructions: These muffins freeze exceptionally well. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding blueberries, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To prepare this recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls – A set of various sizes is essential for preparing different components of the recipe.
Find Mixing Bowls on Amazon - Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to a successful outcome.
Find Measuring Cups and Spoons on Amazon - Baking Sheets – Needed for baking the recipe elements evenly.
Find Baking Sheets on Amazon - Whisks – Essential for whipping and combining ingredients smoothly.
Find Whisks on Amazon - Spatulas – Perfect for scraping bowls and spreading mixtures.
Find Spatulas on Amazon - Food Processors – Useful for chopping, grinding, and pureeing ingredients quickly.
Find Food Processors on Amazon - Saucepans – For heating and simmering sauces or liquids.
Find Saucepans on Amazon - Chef’s Knives – A good quality knife is essential for chopping and slicing.
Find Chef’s Knives on Amazon - Cutting Boards – Protect your countertops while you chop.
Find Cutting Boards on Amazon
