Very Best Gluten-Free Fig Muffin

This is a Gluten-Free Fig Muffin recipe for six muffins. Each muffin has a dollop of rich fig jam in the middle which adds natural sweetness and gives the moist muffin a tasty fruit flavor. The various spices have a Mediterranean flair and are a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and vanilla. This is an easy, bakery-style gluten-free muffin recipe.

WHAT IS A GLUTEN-FREE FIG MUFFIN

The muffin batter is a mix of gluten-free flour, and almond flour to keep the crumb tender, while the yogurt and olive oil add a subtle richness keeping the gluten-free muffin moist and rich tasting. To keep the natural flavor of figs, I added only a drizzle of honey so as not to overpower the fig flavor.

THE SPICES

To give this extraordinary muffin the Mediterranean flair, I added cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom spices with a hint of vanilla. The warm spices complement the figs exceptionally well and set the flavor of this muffin apart from most.

If you enjoy the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine here are some gluten-free recipes to get you inspired

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad Recipe

Gluten-Free Mediterranean Olive Bread

Gluten-Free Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Instant Pot Mediterranean Lentil & Collard Soup

Mediterranean Keto Pizza Recipe – Gluten Free

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF FIGS

Figs are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, primarily in Greece and Turkey. As per webmd figs are an excellent source of dietary fiber and contain various vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, and vitamin B6. And are packed with antioxidants.

KEY INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Gluten-Free Flour Blend – use your favorite gluten-free blend, but it must have xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon

Almond Flour – the almond flour gives the muffin a tender crumb. To use a substitute, use the same weight of 42 grams of certified gluten-free oat flour or sorghum flour

Honey – you can also use pure maple syrup or agave

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – you can use avocado oil or melted coconut oil

Plain Full-Fat Greek Yogurt – you can replace yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt option or dairy-free milk with a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice

Egg – you can use an egg replacement, however the muffin will be a little denser

Cinnamon 

Nutmeg

Cardamom – ground ginger

Fig jam – this muffin is about figs, but if you prefer using another fruit, you can use any jam or marmalade. Do not use jellies

*Recipe details are in the recipe card below

DIRECTIONS AND TIPS

Whisk the dry ingredients to make sure they are well-blended

Vigorously whisk the wet ingredients (olive oil, honey, sour cream, egg, and vanilla until smooth), I used a hand whisk

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix just until you no longer see dry patches. DO NOT OVERMIX, or the muffin will become dense

Using a cookie scoop or a large spoon, drop batter halfway up the muffin cavity, then add a tablespoon of fig jam, then top evenly with the remaining batter and bake

This recipe is for 6 muffins, double the ingredients if you prefer 12 muffins

ADD-INS

Although this muffin is tasty as is, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts of choice for extra crunch and flavor.

SERVING

As with all gluten-free baked goods, the fig muffins are the best the day they are baked. However, after the second day, you can reheat them for about 15 seconds in the microwave and they will taste just as if they were just baked. You can add a smear of butter and a drizzle of honey to each muffin for extra indulgence!

STORAGE

Once the muffins fully cool, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, place the muffins in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I recommend heating them in the microwave for about 15 seconds before serving for that bakery-style muffin texture.

TAKEAWAY

This gluten-free fig muffin has Mediterranean flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. The figs add fruitiness to the muffin we are familiar with in Greece or Turkish cuisine. The muffin recipe is easy to put together and you can substitute some of the ingredients to suit your diet or taste preference. Enjoy!