Mini Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Muffins: 5 Reasons to Indulge

Name: Mini Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Muffins: 5 Reasons to Indulge
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup gluten-free flour; 1/2 cup almond milk; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 apple, peeled and diced

By:

Christina R. Jones

May 31, 2025

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There’s something truly magical about mini muffins, isn’t there? They’re like little bites of happiness that brighten up any morning! I mean, who can resist the charm of popping one of these Mini Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Muffins into their mouth with a warm cup of coffee? I remember the first time I made these for my family. The smell of sweet apples and cinnamon filled the air, and my kids were bouncing around the kitchen, eagerly waiting for their breakfast treat. As soon as they were out of the oven, we couldn’t resist the temptation and dug right in! The muffins were soft, moist, and packed with flavor. I loved watching my little ones’ eyes light up with joy as they took their first bites. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like sharing a simple, wholesome breakfast that brings smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a lazy weekend morning, these muffins are perfect for any occasion. So let’s dive in and whip up a batch of these delightful treats together!

Mini Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Muffins - detail 1

Ingredients List

To make these delightful Mini Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup gluten-free flour
1/2 cup almond milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 apple, peeled and diced

Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you start baking for a smooth and enjoyable experience!

How to Prepare Mini Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Muffins

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully. While the oven warms up, you can gather your ingredients and get ready to mix them together. Trust me, the aroma of these muffins baking will fill your kitchen with joy!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. I like to whisk them together to make sure everything is well blended. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, which is key for fluffy muffins. Plus, the smell of cinnamon will make you even more excited to bake!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, grab another bowl and mix together the almond milk, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. It’s best to let the coconut oil cool slightly before adding it to avoid cooking the almond milk. Just whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. You’ll love how the sweet maple syrup gives this mixture a lovely flavor!

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Next, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour your wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix everything until just combined. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps – that’s totally okay! Overmixing can make your muffins tough, and we definitely want them to stay light and fluffy. Just a few folds should do the trick!

Add Diced Apple

Now comes the fun part: fold in the diced apple! I love using a spatula for this because it helps gently incorporate the apple without breaking it down too much. The bits of apple will provide a lovely burst of flavor and moisture in every bite. Make sure the apple is evenly distributed throughout the batter!

Fill Muffin Tin

Time to fill your mini muffin tin! I like to use a small cookie scoop for this – it gives me perfect portions and keeps things tidy. Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full, leaving a little room for the muffins to rise. If you want to get fancy, you can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or oats on top for added texture!

Bake Muffins

Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once they’re done, let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. And there you have it—delicious mini muffins ready to enjoy!

Nutritional Information

These Mini Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Muffins are not just a tasty treat; they also come with some pretty great nutritional benefits! Here’s the estimated nutritional information per muffin:

Calories: 80
Fat: 4g
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 100mg
Fiber: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So if you’re making any swaps or adjustments, be sure to factor that into your calculations! Enjoy these muffins as a guilt-free breakfast or snack, knowing they’re not just delicious but also a healthier choice.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Mini Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Muffins turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum, as it helps mimic the structure that gluten provides. If you don’t have it, you can add 1/4 teaspoon to your dry ingredients.

Next, don’t skip the resting time after mixing the batter. Let it sit for about 10 minutes; this allows the flour to absorb the liquid, resulting in a moister muffin! Also, be careful not to overmix when combining the wet and dry ingredients – a few lumps are okay!

Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a couple of minutes before the 15-minute mark. Enjoy these delightful muffins warm, and don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins like nuts or raisins for extra flavor!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Nope! This recipe is specifically designed for gluten-free flour, which gives the muffins their unique texture. If you use regular flour, the results won’t be the same. Stick to gluten-free flour for those perfectly fluffy Mini Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Muffins!

Q2. How can I make these muffins sweeter?
If you want a sweeter kick, feel free to add a tablespoon or two more of maple syrup. You could also mix in a bit of brown sugar or even some chopped dates for a natural sweetness boost. Just remember to adjust your wet ingredients slightly to maintain the right batter consistency!

Q3. Can I make these muffins without apples?
Absolutely! While the apples add moisture and flavor, you can swap them out for other fruits like mashed bananas or even shredded carrots. Just make sure to keep the same amount so you maintain the right moisture level!

Q4. How long do these muffins last?
Your Mini Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Muffins can be stored in an airtight container for about 3-4 days at room temperature. They also freeze well, so you can pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months for a quick snack later!

Q5. Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding nuts or raisins is a fantastic way to elevate the flavor and texture of your muffins. Just make sure to chop the nuts a little to avoid any big chunks, and fold them in gently along with the diced apple!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious Mini Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Muffins fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, I highly recommend freezing them! Just place the muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one (or two!), simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

If you prefer your muffins warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will bring back that delightful warmth and make them taste freshly baked again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These muffins come together in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute breakfast or snack.
Flavorful: The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon creates a delightful flavor that everyone will love!
Healthy: With wholesome ingredients and no added refined sugars, you can enjoy these guilt-free.
Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or raisins for an extra twist!
Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike, these mini muffins are sure to bring smiles to the breakfast table!