African-Inspired Gluten-Free Festive Muffins – Citrus, Chocolate, Ginger & Penja Pepper

A Perfect Pairing of African Flavors

A cup of tea deserves a companion — something sweet yet vibrant, indulgent but balanced. For moments like these, we’re thrilled to share a muffin recipe that draws from rich African culinary traditions. Crafted by Chef Nathalie Brigaud Ngoum (IG : @envoleesgourmandes), these Chocolate-Citrus Muffins with Ginger and Penja Pepper celebrate bold African flavors, making them the perfect match for our African Grands Crus teas.

Why This African-Inspired Muffin Recipe?
This recipe stands out not just for its irresistible taste, but for how it highlights iconic African ingredients. The warmth of ginger, the aromatic depth of Penja pepper, and the rich combination of cassava and corn flours create a dessert that pays homage to Africa’s diverse culinary heritage. As a bonus, it’s naturally gluten-free, thanks to the traditional use of cassava flour and corn flour – key staples in African cooking. This makes it an inclusive and wholesome dessert that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients: What You Need for Gluten-Free Muffins

• 75 g cassava flour (Fufu) (gluten-free)

• 75 g corn flour (gluten-free)

• 5 large eggs 
• 75 g sugar 

• 10g fresh ginger (finely grated) 

• Penja pepper from Cameroun (grounded)

• 2 tsp baking powder

• Chocolate chips

• 2 mandarins

• 2 limes 

• 50g salted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease the muffin molds lightly with butter.

2. Wash the citrus fruits and grate the zest. Reserve some zest for garnishing.

3. In a bowl, whisk the whole eggs with the sugar until the mixture is pale and frothy.

4. Add the flours and baking powder to the egg mixture and whisk vigorously.

5. Melt the butter, let it cool slightly, and incorporate it into the batter.

6. Squeeze the juice of half a mandarin and half a lime, adding it to the batter along with the reserved citrus zest.

7. Fill each muffin mold to ¼ full, placing a pinch of Penja pepper into each mold and add a little grated ginger.

9. Spoon in more batter to fill the molds to ¾ full.

10. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 160°C (320°F), depending on your oven.

Tea Pairings: Perfect Teas to Complement Your Muffins

These gluten-free muffins pair beautifully with our selection of African Grands Crus teas. Try them with Payaya Oolong - Kilimanjaro, known for its smooth, fruity notes that complement the rich chocolate and spice of the muffins, or Bvumbwe Treasure - Thyolo, our elegant black tea from Malawi.

Pairing tea with dessert enhances the flavors of both, creating a luxurious tea time experience.

A Celebration of African Flavors

At Home of Thamani, we are passionate about sharing the richness of African ingredients and culinary traditions. This African-Inspired muffin recipe is an invitation to explore the bold, intricate flavors of the continent while indulging in a comforting dessert that brings warmth to your tea moments.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these gluten-free chocolate-citrus muffins promise to make every bite — and every sip — unforgettable. Perfect for healthy baking enthusiasts, tea lovers, and those searching for easy dessert recipes with African flavors.

Ready to bake? Try this recipe and pair your muffins with our African teas. Shop now!

Want to discover more Gluten-free baking recipe, Gluten-Free African desserts, African tea pairings? Buy Chef Nathalie Brigaud Ngoum's poetic and gourmet collection "Mon Imprecis de Cuisine"