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. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack for your kids or a sweet addition to your own coffee break, these muffins fit the bill perfectly. They are not only gluten-free and vegan but also incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for busy days or spontaneous gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These muffins come together quickly, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Deliciously Healthy: Packed with apples and spices, they offer a wholesome option that satisfies your sweet tooth.
• Versatile Snack: Perfect for school lunches, after-school snacks, or a cozy breakfast—these muffins suit any time of day.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet flavor and fun mini size make them appealing to children and adults alike.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits to personalize the recipe to your taste!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini muffin pan: This tool ensures even baking and creates perfectly sized muffins for snacking.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients helps achieve a better texture in your muffins.

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Ingredients

To create these delicious Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins, you will need the following 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 your mini muffin pan with a little coconut oil if it’s not non-stick. This prevents sticking and makes for easy removal.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, unsweetened dairy-free milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well mixed and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, salt, organic sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir well until no dry bits remain in the batter.

Step 6: Add Diced Apples

Fold the diced apples gently into the batter. Be careful not to overmix; just enough to distribute them evenly.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared mini muffin cups. Fill each cup about two-thirds full for optimal rising.

Step 8: Bake Muffins

Bake in your preheated oven for about 9–11 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick into one of the larger muffins; it should come out clean when they are done.

Step 9: Cool Muffins

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

Step 10: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

After cooling completely, dip each muffin’s top into melted coconut oil first. Shake off excess before dipping into a mixture of organic sugar and ground cinnamon until well coated.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins fresh or store them in an airtight container for later! These treats will surely become a favorite in your household!

How to Serve Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

These delightful mini gluten free vegan apple muffins are a versatile snack that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your muffin experience.

For Breakfast

• Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet morning treat.
• Pair with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas, for a balanced breakfast.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
• Spread a thin layer of nut butter, like almond or peanut butter, for added protein and flavor.

At Parties or Gatherings

• Arrange them on a platter alongside other snacks for a festive touch.
• Offer mini muffins as part of a dessert table, paired with dairy-free whipped cream for guests to enjoy.

For Kids’ Lunchboxes

• Pack in lunchboxes as a healthy, portable snack option.
• Include small containers with dipping sauces like fruit puree or coconut yogurt to make them more fun.

How to Perfect Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

To achieve the best results with your mini gluten free vegan apple muffins, consider these helpful tips.

• Measure accurately – Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for gluten free flour blends.
• Don’t overmix – Gently fold the ingredients together to keep the muffins light and airy.
• Choose ripe apples – Opt for sweet, ripe apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and moisture.
• Check for doneness – Use a toothpick to test if muffins are done; it should come out clean from the center.
• Cool properly – Allow muffins to cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a rack, preventing sogginess.
• Store correctly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

Pair your mini gluten free vegan apple muffins with these delicious side dishes for an even more enjoyable meal experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color. Toss together berries, melon, and citrus for variety.
2. Dairy-Free Yogurt Parfait – Layer coconut yogurt with granola and sliced fruits for a nutritious and satisfying side.
3. Veggie Sticks with Hummus – Crunchy carrot and celery sticks served with hummus provide a savory contrast to the sweet muffins.
4. Smoothie Bowl – Blend your favorite fruits with dairy-free milk and top with nuts and seeds; it’s refreshing and complements the muffins well.
5. Chia Seed Pudding – This creamy dessert can be made ahead of time and offers a satisfying texture alongside the muffins.
6. Nut Trail Mix – A handful of mixed nuts and dried fruits can add protein and energy, making it perfect alongside your muffin snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common pitfalls will help you make the best mini gluten free vegan apple muffins.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients can affect the texture of your muffins. Ensure your coconut oil and dairy-free milk are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense muffins. Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag compacts it, leading to dry muffins. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Skipping the cooling step: Cooling muffins in the pan for too long can cause sogginess. Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a rack.
• Using unripe apples: Unripe apples can be too hard and lack flavor. Choose ripe, sweet apples for tastier muffins.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store mini gluten free vegan apple muffins in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mini Gluten Free Vegan Apple Muffins

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped 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 your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place muffins on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds, checking moisture levels.
• Stovetop: Place a muffin in a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making mini gluten free vegan apple muffins.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! You can substitute diced pears, berries, or even bananas for a different flavor profile while keeping the recipe vegan and gluten-free.

How many mini gluten free vegan apple muffins does this recipe make?

This recipe yields 24 mini muffins, perfect for sharing or enjoying as snacks throughout the week.

Can I make these mini gluten free vegan apple muffins nut-free?

Absolutely! Just ensure that you choose a gluten-free flour blend that does not contain nuts or is processed in a nut-free facility.

What is the best way to store mini gluten free vegan apple muffins?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or wrap individual muffins and freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These mini gluten free vegan apple muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. They are perfect as snacks or lunchbox treats. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips. Try this recipe today and enjoy delightful flavors!