Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

Filled with diced apples and warm fall spices, these Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly school snack or a delicious option for afternoon tea, these muffins deliver on flavor and health. Their soft texture and sweet apple flavor make them irresistibly tasty, while being gluten-free and vegan ensures that everyone can enjoy them without worry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These muffins come together quickly in just 25 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute snack.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with applesauce and fresh apples, they provide natural sweetness without refined sugars.
• Versatile Snack: Enjoy them at breakfast, as an afternoon treat, or even as a dessert.
• Kid-Friendly: These mini muffins are fun-sized and perfect for little hands.
• Perfectly Spiced: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom gives these muffins that warm fall flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To get started on your delightful mini gluten free vegan apple muffins, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini muffin pan (24-cup)
• Mixing bowls (small and large)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini muffin pan: This tool is essential for creating perfectly sized muffins that are easy to handle and serve.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps keep wet and dry ingredients organized for better mixing.
• Whisk: A whisk ensures that all ingredients are blended evenly, resulting in a fluffy muffin texture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious mini gluten free vegan apple muffins:

• ¼ cup (60ml) melted coconut oil
• ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened dairy-free milk
• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon (78g) unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (210g) gluten free flour blend (see important note about flour below)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon (63g) organic cane sugar or granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¾ cup (85g) diced apples ((1 small apple, see note about apples below))
• 2 ½ tablespoons melted coconut oil
• ¼ cup (50g) organic cane sugar or fine granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F (177° C). This ensures your muffins bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Pan

Grease your mini muffin pan if it’s not non-stick. This prevents the muffins from sticking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, dairy-free milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom. Ensure there are no lumps.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Diced Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples into the batter. This adds delicious chunks of fruit in every bite.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups. Fill each about two-thirds full for best results.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 9–11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Muffins

Once baked, remove from oven and cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 10: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

In another bowl, mix together melted coconut oil with sugar and cinnamon. Once cooled, dip each muffin top into the oil first, then coat with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Repeat this step until all muffins are coated! Enjoy your Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins!

How to Serve Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

Mini gluten free vegan apple muffins are delightful snacks that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a school lunch or a cozy afternoon treat, these muffins are versatile and easy to serve.

Breakfast on the Go

• Pair with a smoothie for a quick breakfast. The muffins add fiber while the smoothie provides hydration and vitamins.
• Enjoy with a cup of dairy-free yogurt. This combination is great for protein and probiotics.

Afternoon Snack

• Serve with nut butter, like almond or peanut butter, for added protein and healthy fats.
• Accompany with fresh fruit slices for a refreshing side that complements the muffin’s sweetness.

Dessert Option

• Drizzle with maple syrup or agave nectar for an extra sweet touch after dinner.
• Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.

How to Perfect Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

To ensure your mini gluten free vegan apple muffins come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh apples: Choose crisp, juicy apples for the best flavor. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith varieties work wonderfully.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level it off. This prevents dense muffins caused by packing too much flour.
• Don’t overmix: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
• Check doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done baking. Avoid opening the oven door too early.
• Cool properly: Let muffins cool in the pan before transferring them to a rack. This helps maintain their shape and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

Mini gluten free vegan apple muffins pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Try serving them alongside these delicious options.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the muffin’s sweetness.
2. Chia Seed Pudding: Prepare with almond milk and top with berries for a nutritious complement.
3. Nut Butter Dip: Serve almond or cashew butter on the side for dipping, adding creaminess and protein.
4. Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layer coconut yogurt with granola and fruits for added texture and flavor.
5. Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or peppermint tea pairs nicely, enhancing relaxation during snack time.
6. Granola Bars: Homemade or store-bought bars provide an additional crunchy element that’s great on-the-go.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using the wrong flour blend: Not all gluten-free flours work the same way. Use a good quality gluten free flour blend for best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your muffins dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for fluffier muffins.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing muffins to cool properly helps them firm up. Skipping this can lead to mushy muffins.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can affect texture and flavor. Always measure carefully!
• Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on baking time can lead to undercooked or overcooked muffins. Use a toothpick to check if they’re done.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before placing in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Heat muffins for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time for about 15-20 seconds on high.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins:

Can I substitute apples with other fruits?

Yes! You can use pears or berries as great alternatives in this muffin recipe.

How do I make Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins sweeter?

You can add an extra tablespoon of sugar or use maple syrup for more sweetness.

Are these muffins nut-free?

Yes, this recipe is nut-free as long as you use coconut oil and the right flour blend without nuts.

What if I want to add nuts or seeds?

Feel free to add walnuts or chia seeds, but ensure they are gluten-free and suitable for vegan diets.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile! They’re perfect for snacks, breakfast, or dessert. You can customize them by adding nuts, different spices, or even chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!