Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Vegan Apple Cider Muffins topped with a cinnamon streusel and a sweet apple cider glaze. Made with vegan Greek-style yogurt and apple cider, these muffins offer a perfect balance of fall spices, tender chunks of apple, and a crunchy, buttery topping that’s entirely plant-based. Ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack, they bring festive autumn vibes to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Muffin Batter
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 75 g soft brown sugar
- 120 g vegan Greek-style yogurt (see note 1)
- 100 ml olive oil (see note 2)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 240 ml apple cider or apple juice (not apple cider vinegar; see note 3)
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 medium apple, chopped into ½ inch cubes
Streusel Topping
- 80 g all-purpose flour
- 30 g granulated sugar
- 30 g soft brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 50 g vegan butter
Glaze
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, vegan yogurt, olive oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Then add the apple cider and whisk again to integrate all wet ingredients smoothly.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sea salt into a separate bowl. Whisk to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Make the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two parts. Fold gently after each addition, mixing just until only a few streaks or pockets of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Add apples: Fold in the chopped apple cubes until just combined and no visible flour pockets remain, ensuring even distribution without breaking down the apple pieces.
- Rest the batter (optional): Allow the batter to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step helps develop higher, more domed muffin tops during baking.
- Prepare oven and muffin trays: Preheat your oven to fan-forced 190°C (375°F) or conventional 210°C (410°F). Line two muffin trays with 10 large muffin liners, placing them in every second cavity to leave space for muffin expansion. If using smaller liners, expect yield to increase to 15-16 muffins.
- Make the streusel topping: In a bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vegan butter. Rub the vegan butter into the dry ingredients using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, leaving some larger chunks for texture. Refrigerate the streusel until ready to top the muffins.
- Assemble muffins: Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling each to the top. Generously sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over each muffin.
- Bake the muffins: Bake at fan-forced 190°C (375°F) or conventional 210°C (410°F) for 5 minutes to set the tops, then reduce the oven temperature to fan-forced 170°C (340°F) or conventional 190°C (375°F). Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let muffins cool in the trays for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely for 30 minutes.
- Make the glaze and finish: While muffins cool, whisk together powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and glossy. Once muffins are fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Note 1: Vegan Greek-style yogurt can be made from soy, coconut, or almond milk and ensures moisture and tang without dairy.
- Note 2: Olive oil adds healthy fats and moisture; you can substitute with any mild-flavored vegetable oil if preferred.
- Note 3: Use fresh apple cider or 100% apple juice; avoid vinegar-based products to maintain the muffin’s flavor.
- Resting the batter before baking encourages muffin rise and better texture but is optional.
- Allow muffins to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and losing its shine.
- For smaller muffins, reduce baking time slightly and check for doneness early.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: vegan muffins, apple cider muffins, cinnamon streusel, vegan baking, fall recipes, plant-based desserts
