Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins (Gluten Free)

What Makes This Oatmeal Muffin Recipe So Good

• These tasty muffins are healthy as well as delicious, because oats are super nutritious. They're very high in fibre, vitamins and minerals, and higher in protein than most other grains.
• This muffin recipe has no added sugar. Instead, it's sweetened naturally with dates and maple syrup.
• You can have these delicious muffins ready to bake in just ten minutes, and they take only 20 minutes to bake, so they are a quick and easy way to have a delicious, healthy breakfast or snack.
• Your house will smell amazing while these are baking.
• These apple cranberry oatmeal muffins are gluten free and dairy free, so everyone can enjoy them.
• Healthy cranberry oatmeal muffins freeze beautifully, so they work great for breakfast meal prep.

Here's What You Need To Make The Recipe

• Cranberries: I'm using fresh cranberries here, but you can substitute dried cranberries. Tip: during cranberry season, buy whole cranberries and freeze them. They're usually available in grocery stores over the holiday season.
• Dates: I made this recipe with medjool dates, but any variety of dates will work. You can buy dates already pitted, or you can pit them yourself
• Apple: Any variety of apple can be used. The outcome will be different depending on the tartness or sweetness of the apple variety. I used an ambrosia apple which, which adds sweetness to this sugar-free recipe.
• Walnuts: I like to toast the walnuts (read further for how to toast). You can skip this step, however, toasting the walnuts really enhances their flavour and texture. Which, in turn, enhances the flavour and texture of your baking.

• Oats: Use quick oats or rolled oats. Neither instant oats or steel cut oats will work with this recipe. Oats are naturally gluten free, however they are often processed in facilities that also process wheat. For this reason, if gluten is a concern, be sure to buy oats that are labelled as certified gluten free.
• Flour: I am using a one to one ratio gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum. If gluten is not an issue for you, you can use all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or a combo in the same measure.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Baking Powder, Salt

• Milk: I used almond milk, but any milk, either dairy or non-dairy will work equally well. 
• Oil: This recipe uses olive oil, which adds a fruitiness to the already fruit-filled muffins. You can also use vegetable oil.
• Egg: Use a large egg. The egg, and all the other ingredients, should ideally be a room temperature for the best possible results. If you want to bring ingredients to room temperature quickly, here's how: How to Bring Butter, Eggs & Dairy to Room Temperature Quickly 
• Maple Syrup: If you can, use the real thing. "Pancake" syrup is simply corn syrup with artificial flavour and colour added and is not a substitute for pure maple syrup.

How To Toast Walnuts

For the best flavour and crunch, toast the walnuts. It's very easy and doesn't take long at all.  You can toast the nuts in a skillet on the stovetop or you can use the oven. For a small amount of nuts, I use the stovetop.

To toast nuts on the stove, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the nuts to the pan in a single layer. Nuts are naturally high in fat, so there is no need to use any oil. Stir or shake the pan to keep them from burning, and heat until the nuts become fragrant and toasted, about 5 minutes.

To toast nuts in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°. Place the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 6-7 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.

For both toasting methods, keep a close eye on them. Nuts can burn very easily. Transfer the toasted nuts immediately to a plate so that they don't continue to cook.

How To Make These Tasty Muffins (Step By Step)

Muffins are almost always made by the same method, called appropriately, The Muffin Method. These cranberry oatmeal muffins are no exception.

1. Whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the milk, maple syrup, egg, olive oil and vanilla in a separate bowl.

3. Add the wet ingredients, along with any add-ins, to the dry ingredients.
4. Combine all ingredients with a few quick strokes.

Tips For Perfect Muffins

• If gluten is not a problem for you, use a 1:1 ratio all purpose flour.
• Your gluten-free flour blend should contain xanthan gum. If it doesn't you can add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum per cup of flour.
• If you are baking at a high altitude, stir a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar into the milk and let it stand for 2-5 minutes.
• Always use the Muffin Method outlined above, mixing the wet ingredients separately from the dry ingredients.
• Don't over mix. (This can't be overemphasized)
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients right before baking. (Don't make the muffin batter ahead of time).
• Line the muffin pan with paper liners. Lining the pan eliminates the need for greasing, ensures that the baked muffins will not stick, makes cleanup easier, and extends the life of your pans. 
• For evenly sized muffins, use an ice cream scoop to fill the muffin pans.
• Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.
• Store muffins, once cooled in an air tight container in a single layer (or use paper towel to separate the layers. Your delicious muffins will keep for 2-3 days at room temperature, or 5-7 days in the fridge.
• Use leftover cranberries to make my Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce!

Ingredient Variations For Oatmeal Muffins

As long as you have your basic oatmeal muffin base, you can change the add ins to whatever you like. Instead of:

• Dates: Raisins or Diced Prunes
• Cranberries: Dried cherries, strawberries, or apricots
• Walnuts: Pecans, cashews, or slivered almonds
• Apple: Pear or a grated carrot

More Fall Baking Ideas

Fall Baking is perfect for using seasonal ingredients. If you love it, too, here are more delicious fall baking recipes for you to try!

• Apple Ricotta Cake (Gluten-Free Cake)
• Apple Walnut Spice Cake
• Pumpkin Pecan Muffins (Gluten-Free)
• Pumpkin Spice Loaf
• Cranberry Walnut Bread