Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

Filled with diced apples and warm fall spices, these mini gluten free vegan apple muffins are a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for kids’ school snacks or as a cozy snack at home, they bring the flavors of autumn right to your table. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these muffins will surely become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these muffins come together in just 25 minutes.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients, these mini gluten free vegan apple muffins are a nutritious choice for your family.
• Perfectly Flavored: The combination of spices and fresh apples creates a deliciously warm and comforting taste.
• Versatile Snack: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these muffins fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Kid-Friendly: With their small size and sweet flavor, children will love these muffins as an easy grab-and-go snack.

Tools and Preparation

To make these mini gluten free vegan apple muffins, you’ll need some essential tools for efficient baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini muffin pan: This is crucial for creating perfectly sized muffins that cook evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Having a variety of sizes helps keep your ingredients organized while mixing wet and dry components separately.
• Whisk: A whisk ensures that all dry ingredients are well combined, which is key for fluffy muffins.

Ingredients

Filled with diced apples and warm fall spices, these easy-to-make mini gluten free vegan apple muffins are great for your kids’ school snacks or for snacking on at home!

Ingredients:
– 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 that the muffins bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Pan

Grease the mini muffin pan (24 cups) if necessary. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the muffins once baked.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, non-dairy milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, baking powder, salt, organic cane sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom until well mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix well until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in Diced Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples into the batter using a spatula. Ensure even distribution without breaking up the apple pieces.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the 24 muffin cups. Fill each cup about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.

Step 8: Bake Muffins

Bake in preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of one muffin; it should come out clean when done.

Step 9: Cool Muffins

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

Step 10: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While cooling, mix additional melted coconut oil in one bowl. In another bowl combine organic cane sugar with ground cinnamon.

Step 11: Coat Muffins

After fully cooled, dip each muffin top into melted coconut oil first. Then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture ensuring full coverage before placing back on cooling rack.

Step 12: Repeat Until Done

Continue this process until all muffins have been coated with cinnamon sugar mixture. Enjoy your delicious mini gluten free vegan apple muffins!

How to Serve Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

Mini gluten free vegan apple muffins are deliciously versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins can be paired with different items to enhance their flavor and appeal.

For Breakfast

• With Non-Dairy Yogurt: Serve the muffins alongside a bowl of dairy-free yogurt topped with fresh fruits for a wholesome start to your day.
• With Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on top of the muffins for a protein-packed breakfast option.

As an Afternoon Snack

• With Fresh Fruit: Pair the muffins with slices of your favorite fruit. Apples, bananas, or berries complement the muffin’s flavors nicely.
• With Smoothies: Enjoy these muffins with a refreshing smoothie. A green smoothie can be a great balance to the sweetness of the muffins.

For Dessert

• Ala Mode: Top warm muffins with non-dairy ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• With Maple Syrup: Drizzle maple syrup over the muffins for an extra touch of sweetness during dessert time.

How to Perfect Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

Perfecting mini gluten free vegan apple muffins requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Here’s how you can make them even better:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rising. Fresh apples add flavor and moisture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level the gluten free flour blend rather than packing it in. This avoids dense muffins.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
• Cool Before Coating: Allow the muffins to cool slightly before dipping them in oil and sugar. This helps prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

These mini gluten free vegan apple muffins pair wonderfully with several side dishes that complement their sweet and spiced flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Chia Seed Pudding: Chia pudding adds a creamy texture and is packed with nutrients. Simply mix chia seeds with non-dairy milk and let it sit overnight.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits enhances the muffin experience while providing some freshness and crunch.
3. Granola Parfait: Layer granola, dairy-free yogurt, and sliced fruits in a glass for a delightful parfait that balances well with the muffins.
4. Coconut Whipped Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve these muffins with whipped coconut cream for added richness.
5. Nutty Trail Mix: A handful of trail mix on the side provides crunch and healthy fats that pair nicely with sweet treats.
6. Herbal Tea: Enjoy these muffins with a cup of herbal tea like chamomile or ginger for a soothing afternoon snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Using the wrong flour blend: Not all gluten-free flours behave the same. Choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for better structure.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense muffins. Stir just until combined for a lighter texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing muffins to cool in the pan helps them set properly. Don’t rush this part!
• Not measuring apples correctly: Too many or too few apples can affect sweetness and moisture. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Not checking for doneness: Each oven is different; test muffins with a toothpick to ensure they are fully baked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• These muffins will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

• Place muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one muffin for about 15-20 seconds for quick warmth.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins that many readers ask.

Can I use other fruits in these muffins?

You can definitely experiment with other fruits like pears or berries! Just ensure they’re diced similarly to keep the texture consistent.

How do I make these muffins sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter muffins, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar or using a sweeter apple variety.

Are Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These muffins are kid-friendly and make a great snack option that’s both healthy and delicious.

How can I customize my Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins?

Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture!

Can I use oat flour instead of gluten free flour blend?

Yes, oat flour can work, but it may change the texture slightly. Ensure it’s certified gluten-free if needed.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins are not only simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile. They make a delightful snack for kids and adults alike. Feel free to customize them with your favorite fruits or spices to suit your taste!