Go Back
Portuguese bolo de arroz rice muffins

Portuguese Bolo de Arroz Rice Muffins

These classic Portuguese rice muffins are soft, lightly sweet, and full of warm lemon aroma. They have a golden sugared top and a tender crumb thanks to rice flour. They’re simple to bake and perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 muffins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sugar plus extra for topping
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
Optional:
  • 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
  • Pinch of saffron added to warm milk

Method
 

  1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin pan with classic paper liners or tall parchment collars.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the rice flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time. Then mix in the vanilla and lemon zest.
  5. Add the dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with the milk. Mix until smooth. Don’t overmix.
  6. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
  7. Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each muffin.
  8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the centers spring back when touched.
  9. Cool for 5–10 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Fresh lemon zest gives the muffins a bright flavor. Bottled zest won’t give you the same smell.
  • For gluten-free muffins, swap the wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend but keep the rice flour as is.
  • The sugar topping is simple but important. It forms the light crust these muffins are known for.
  • These muffins are best the day they’re baked but still taste good the next morning.