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Freeflourish
Gluten-Free Blood Orange and Almond Flour Cupcakes with Orange Glaze
By Freeflourish Test KitchenReviewed by Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished May 8, 2026 · Updated Jul 7, 2026
Mediterranean-inspired
35 mins
glutenfreedairyfreeoptionsvegetarianbakingdessertseasonalholidayclassiceasykidfriendly
Moist almond flour cupcakes bursting with fresh blood orange zest and juice, topped with a tangy orange glaze. A colorful, gluten-free, dairy-free, and kid-friendly dessert perfect for holidays and seasonal celebrations.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Servings
12
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients
Servings
12
- 2 cups almond flour, finely ground
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup fresh blood orange juice (about 2 blood oranges)
- 2 teaspoons blood orange zest
- 1/4 cup light olive oil or melted refined coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any dairy-free milk)
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh blood orange juice
- 1 teaspoon blood orange zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
-
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then add blood orange juice, zest, olive oil, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Whisk until smooth.
-
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes tender.
-
Divide batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
-
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and tops are lightly golden.
-
Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
-
To prepare the orange glaze, whisk powdered sugar and blood orange juice in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust thickness with more juice or powdered sugar as needed.
-
Once cupcakes are fully cooled, drizzle or spread glaze over each cupcake.
-
Optional: sprinkle extra blood orange zest on top for color and flavor.
-
Allow glaze to set for 15 minutes before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.
Tips
Allergen Overlap Note
Check every packaged ingredient for certified gluten-free status, especially spices, broths, sauces, seed products, and baking staples. Use clean prep surfaces and dedicated utensils when preparing Gluten-Free Blood Orange and Almond Flour Cupcakes with Orange Glaze for someone with celiac disease.
Texture Expectations
Gluten-Free Blood Orange and Almond Flour Cupcakes with Orange Glaze should keep the intended pieces texture when cooked and plated carefully.
Dining With Non-GF Family Note
Prepare and serve on a dedicated gluten-free surface first, then keep any shared side dishes separate with dedicated serving utensils.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Gluten-Free Blood Orange and Almond Flour Cupcakes with Orange Glaze ahead?
- Yes. Prepare components early, then store and reheat according to the storage guidance so the texture stays close to fresh.
- How do I keep this recipe gluten-free?
- Use certified gluten-free packaged ingredients and avoid shared utensils, boards, pans, or toppings that touched gluten-containing foods.
- Can I adjust the main ingredients?
- Yes. Swap ingredients with similar moisture, protein, or cooking behavior to keep timing and texture close to the original.
- How do I serve it with mixed-diet family?
- Serve the gluten-free recipe first and keep any gluten-containing toppings and sides separate.
Ingredient Replacements
- main vegetable: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
- protein: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
- seasoning: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
- cooking fat: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
- garnish: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
Storage and Reheating
Cool completely before covering. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days, or freeze for later use. Reheat slowly to keep texture closer to fresh.
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