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 perfect for school snacks or cozy afternoons at home. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they cater to both gluten-free and vegan diets, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their sweet goodness. These muffins are not only delicious but also versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or a healthy snack option any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This muffin recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with applesauce and fresh apples, these muffins are lower in sugar and utilize wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about.
• Allergy-Friendly: These mini muffins are both gluten-free and vegan, catering to various dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
• Perfectly Spiced: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom gives these muffins a warming flavor that’s ideal for fall.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the sweet apple flavor, making them an excellent choice for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
• Freezable Treats: Make a big batch and freeze extras for later enjoyment—just pop them in the microwave for a quick snack!

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Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools beforehand. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating those delicious mini gluten free vegan apple muffins.

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 specialized pan ensures your muffins come out perfectly sized for snacks or lunchboxes.
• Mixing bowls: Having bowls in different sizes allows you to efficiently mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them.
• Whisk: A whisk helps to aerate the batter, resulting in light and fluffy muffins.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful 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 that your mini gluten free vegan apple muffins bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Pan

Grease a mini muffin pan that accommodates up to 24 muffins. This will prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl:
1. Combine the melted coconut oil, non-dairy milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
2. Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the gluten free flour blend, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom until well mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix!

Step 6: Fold in Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples into your batter until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups in your prepared pan.

Step 8: Bake

Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 9-11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean from the largest muffin.

Step 9: Cool Muffins

Once baked:
1. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
2. Transfer them to a cooling rack afterward.

Step 10: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While cooling:
1. In a separate bowl, mix remaining melted coconut oil with another bowl of sugar mixed with cinnamon.
2. Dip each cooled muffin top into the oil first then coat it with cinnamon sugar mixture.

Repeat this process until all muffins are coated. Enjoy your delicious mini gluten free vegan apple muffins!

How to Serve Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

These mini gluten free vegan apple muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, there are plenty of delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

For Breakfast

• Serve warm with a spread of almond butter for added protein and flavor.
• Pair with a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness of the muffins.

As a Snack

• Enjoy them plain for a quick, healthy snack on the go.
• Drizzle with maple syrup for a touch of sweetness that kids love.

As Dessert

• Top with dairy-free whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Serve alongside coconut yogurt for a creamy complement.

At Parties

• Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving at gatherings.
• Offer them with coffee or herbal tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

Getting the perfect texture and flavor in your mini gluten free vegan apple muffins is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out fantastic every time.

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, crisp apples provide the best flavor and texture in your muffins.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your gluten free flour blend to avoid dense muffins.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
• Check oven temperature: Make sure your oven is properly calibrated to ensure even baking.
• Cool before dipping: Allow muffins to cool slightly before dipping into oil and cinnamon sugar for better adherence.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

Mini gluten free vegan apple muffins pair well with several side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your meal.
2. Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter provides healthy fats and proteins.
3. Dairy-Free Yogurt: Coconut or almond yogurt adds creaminess without dairy.
4. Granola: A sprinkle of granola gives a nice crunch and extra texture.
5. Chia Seed Pudding: This light pudding is full of nutrients and pairs well with sweet treats.
6. Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie topped with fruits creates a refreshing contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins can be a breeze, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly.

• Using the wrong flour blend: Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. Make sure you use a blend that includes xanthan gum or follow the recipe’s recommendations to achieve the right texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in dense muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for light and fluffy results.
• Ignoring the cooling time: Patience is key! Letting your muffins cool properly helps them set and enhances their flavor.
• Skipping measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise quantities to avoid inconsistencies.
• Not adjusting for apple types: Different apple varieties have varying sweetness and moisture levels. Choose apples like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness based on your preference.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store muffins in an airtight container.
• They 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 muffins for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time on high for 15-20 seconds, checking for warmth.
• Stovetop: Place muffins in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 3-4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I substitute any of the ingredients?

Yes! You can swap coconut oil with another oil like vegetable oil, and use almond milk instead of dairy-free milk if desired.

How do I know when my muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean when they are cooked through.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can mix in walnuts, pecans, or vegan chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

How long do these muffins last?

Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins last up to 5 days in the fridge and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Are these muffins kid-friendly?

Definitely! They are perfect as school snacks and are packed with flavors that kids love.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different spices or mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits. Try this easy recipe today, and enjoy a warm, comforting treat that everyone will love!