Nothing says cozy morning quite like the scent of freshly baked apple muffins wafting through your home. These vegan apple muffins are the perfect blend of moist, tender crumb and warm apple-spiced flavor, all without any animal products.
Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking for a healthier twist on a classic treat, this recipe delivers a deliciously satisfying snack or breakfast option. Made with wholesome ingredients like fresh apples, plant-based milk, and a hint of cinnamon, these muffins are easy to whip up and sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
What makes these muffins truly special is their balance of sweetness and spice, with juicy apple chunks that add natural moisture and texture. Plus, you don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to make them.
If you love comforting baked goods that are both nutritious and indulgent, keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and ways to customize your apple muffins to fit your taste buds perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan apple muffin recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just one bowl and simple pantry staples.
The muffins come out perfectly moist and tender, thanks to the inclusion of fresh apples and apple sauce, which also act as natural sweeteners and binders.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients to make the muffins gluten-free, reduce sugar, or add your favorite nuts and spices.
They’re also a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions, as they contain no eggs, dairy, or refined sugars.
Finally, these muffins store well and freeze beautifully, making them a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Pair them with your morning coffee or pack them for lunchboxes — either way, they bring a touch of wholesome homemade goodness to your day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, or your favorite)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Muffin tin (12-cup standard size)
- Muffin liners or non-stick spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board for chopping apples
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. Make sure they are well combined for even flavor and rising.
- In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: applesauce, plant-based milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold using a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in the chopped apples and any optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This ensures perfect muffin tops without spilling over.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature. These muffins also freeze well—wrap them tightly and thaw before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For extra flavor, sprinkle the tops of the muffins with cinnamon sugar before baking for a delightful crust!”
- Use different apples: Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp apples provide sweetness and juiciness. Mix varieties for depth of flavor.
- Swap the oil: Use melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical aroma or avocado oil for a more neutral taste.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend lacks it.
- Add spices: Try adding 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or cardamom for a warm twist on the classic flavors.
- Sweetener alternatives: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace sugar, but reduce the plant milk slightly to keep batter consistency.
- Boost nutrition: Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds for fiber and omega-3s without changing the taste.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Muffin (1 of 12) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Fat | 7g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Carbohydrates | 27g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 12g |
Protein | 2g |
Sodium | 150mg |
Serving Suggestions
These apple muffins are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your snack or breakfast with a few simple accompaniments. Spread some vegan butter or nut butter on a warm muffin for added richness and protein.
Pair your muffins with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of plant-based milk for a balanced start to your day. For a more indulgent treat, serve them alongside a vegan yogurt parfait layered with granola and fresh fruit.
If you’re interested in exploring more wholesome vegan baked goods, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for more inspiration.
Conclusion
These vegan apple muffins strike the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent, making them an ideal choice for anyone seeking a delicious, plant-based treat. The combination of fresh apples, warm spices, and moist crumb creates a comforting bite that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert.
Not only are they simple to make, but they also accommodate various dietary needs and preferences with ease. Plus, their long shelf life and freezer-friendly nature mean you can enjoy them anytime without stress.
Next time you want to impress family or friends with a homemade vegan baked good, give this recipe a try — it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
For more creative vegan recipes that bring vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients to your table, don’t miss our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Apple Muffins Recipe Vegan
Description: Delicious and moist vegan apple muffins perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with fresh apples and plant-based ingredients for a healthy treat.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix ground flaxseed with water and let sit for 5 minutes to form flax egg.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- In another bowl, combine almond milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and flax egg.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples and walnuts gently.
- Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 200 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 30 g
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