Deliciously Dairy-Free Apple Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, coffee and cake lovers! Today, I have a sweet and scrumptious recipe for Apple Coffee Cake Muffins. What’s best about these muffins is that they are not only gluten-free, but also dairy-free, making them suitable for everyone to enjoy.
As a coffee enthusiast myself, I know how important it is to have a delicious treat alongside your morning cup of joe. These muffins are perfect for that exact purpose – the combination of an apple cinnamon filling and a cinnamon streusel topping creates a match made in heaven with a cup of hot coffee.
But what makes this recipe even better is the healthier twist on your typical coffee cake muffin recipe. With unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for margarine and vegetable oil, you can indulge guilt-free. Plus, the use of whole wheat flour and almond milk provides extra nutrients to start your day off right.
So what are you waiting for? Follow along with me as we bake our way to a mouth-watering batch of Apple Coffee Cake Muffins. Trust me when I say, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you ever crave a warm, homemade treat but dread the intense sugar high that comes with it? Look no further than these delightful Apple Coffee Cake Muffins! Not only are they gluten-free and dairy-free, but they’re also made with natural ingredients like unsweetened applesauce and delicious walnuts.
But why should you love this recipe? First and foremost, its versatility. Whether for breakfast or a midday snack, these muffins will hit the spot. With just the right amount of spices, they won’t overpower your taste buds but instead give you a comforting and satisfying feeling that can’t be beat.
Another reason to adore these muffins is their ease of preparation. With simple steps and accessible ingredients, such as whole wheat flour and baking soda, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, with the option to make-ahead, store, and reheat them easily, they make for an excellent on-the-go snack or meal addition.
Moreover, these muffins provide a healthier alternative to traditional coffee cake recipes that often feature mounds of butter and refined sugar. By using brown sugar instead of white sugar and margarine instead of regular butter, you’ll still get that deliciously sweet taste without the added guilt. And who doesn’t love the added crunch of walnuts as an extra protein boost?
So why not give this recipe a try? With its delectable apple cinnamon flavor and enticing crumb topping made from almond flour, it’s hard not to fall in love with these Apple Coffee Cake Muffins. Surprisingly easy to make while accommodating almost any dietary restriction, they’re sure to become your new go-to sweet treat – perfect for any taste preference or occasion!
Ingredient List
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup margarine, melted
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 Tbs vegetable oil
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup almond milk (or dairy milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Gluten-Free and Vegan Option:
Replace the flours with gluten-free flour blend and use vegan butter or almond butter instead of margarine.
For the Paleo Option:
Replace the flours with almond flour and coconut flour mixed with xanthan gum. Use applesauce instead of regular sugar topped with a crumb topping made from almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have covered the ingredients, it is time to dive into the recipe itself. This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious batch of Apple Coffee Cake Muffins in no time.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare your muffin tin. You can use paper liners or lightly grease the muffin cups.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1 tbsp of cinnamon.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of unsweetened applesauce, 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of white sugar, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Once it is well mixed, add in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
Combine and Add Nuts
Slowly stir in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches. Mix until everything is incorporated. Fold in 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts and 2 cups diced apples.
Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the streusel topping: 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Cut in 3 tbsp margarine until you get crumbles.
Layering Time!
Add half the batter to the muffin tins, followed by some of the streusel topping. Then, add more batter on top, followed by more streusel topping.
Bake Away!
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean once inserted into the center of a muffin.
These Apple Coffee Cake Muffins are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Trust me, they’re worth the effort!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking for ways to put a creative spin on this apple coffee cake muffin recipe? Look no further, here are some substitutions and variations you can try out!
Gluten-free and Dairy-free Substitutions: For those with dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and the margarine with vegetable oil. You can also use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk.
Sugar-Free Substitutions: If you’re trying to limit your sugar intake, you can substitute the white sugar with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
Nutty Variations: Want some extra crunch in your muffins? Add some chopped walnuts to the batter or even use almond flour as a substitute for one of the flours.
Cinnamon Lovers: Love cinnamon? Try adding an extra teaspoon or two of cinnamon to the batter or sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Fruit Swaps: This recipe is versatile when it comes to fruits. You can use pears instead of apples for a unique twist. You can also use other types of fruit like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
Streusel Variations: Switch up the streusel topping by using brown sugar instead of regular sugar, or adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger for an extra spice kick.
Mix-and-Match: Feel free to mix and match any of these variations to create your own unique flavor combinations!
Remember, these are just ideas – don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
Once these delectable apple coffee cake muffins are out of the oven and cooled down, you can enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The cinnamon streusel topping gives these muffins that extra crunch and sweetness that pairs perfectly with a cup of your favorite hot beverage.
These muffins also make for a great snack or breakfast on-the-go. Pair them with some sliced fresh apples or a small bowl of unsweetened applesauce for some added fruitiness.
For a more indulgent treat, try topping the muffins with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or drizzling them with some salted caramel sauce. This would be perfect as a dessert option for a brunch party or even as a special treat for yourself after a long day.
These apple coffee cake muffins are versatile enough to be enjoyed any way you like. You won’t feel guilty about indulging in this gluten-free and dairy-free treat either – they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth craving without the added guilt. So go ahead and savor every bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to baked treats like these apple coffee cake muffins, sometimes you want to make them ahead of time or have some leftovers that you want to store for later. Luckily, this recipe can be easily made in advance and stored for a few days without sacrificing flavor or texture.
To make ahead: Once your apple coffee cake muffins have cooled down completely, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. This works well if you are planning to serve these muffins as part of a brunch, breakfast or snack spread.
To store: If you have leftover apple coffee cake muffins that won’t be eaten within three days, it’s best to freeze them. Simply wrap each muffin tightly with plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your apple coffee cake muffins, remove them from the fridge or freezer and bring them back to room temperature. This is important because if they’re chilled or frozen, they may not reheat evenly. From there, you can either pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds (if you prefer them warm) or let them sit at room temperature until they’re no longer chilled.
Whether you’re making these muffins for yourself or bringing them to a gathering, knowing that you can make them ahead of time with ease and reheat them quickly will give you peace of mind and allow you to fully enjoy this tasty treat.
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving perfect results requires not only a good recipe but also some tips and tricks that can make all the difference. Here are some tips for making the best Apple Coffee Cake Muffins:
1. Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can cause the muffins to become tough and dense. Mix the batter until just combined.
2. Use room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients helps them to blend together better and create a smoother batter.
3. Measure accurately: Baking recipes require precise measurements, so use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.
4. Grease your muffin tin: Even if you’re using paper liners, it’s important to grease your muffin tin to prevent sticking.
5. Use the right flour: To make these muffins gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free flour with xanthan gum. If you’re not following a gluten-free diet, you can use a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour for added nutrition and flavor.
6. Adjust baking time: The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your muffin tin. Keep an eye on the muffins while they bake and adjust the baking time accordingly.
7. Consider substitutions based on dietary needs: If you’re vegan or dairy-free, use margarine instead of butter, almond milk instead of regular milk, and unsweetened apple sauce instead of eggs.
8. Add more texture with walnuts: To give these muffins extra crunch and flavor, add chopped walnuts to the streusel topping or directly into the batter.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to making perfect Apple Coffee Cake Muffins every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these apple coffee cake muffins are a delightful treat for any coffee or tea lover out there. Not only are they delicious, but they are also gluten-free and dairy-free, making them a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions.
So, whether you’re looking for an easy apple cake recipe or just a tasty snack to have with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, these apple coffee cake muffins with their cinnamon streusel topping and chunks of tender apples won’t disappoint!
With the use of simple everyday ingredients such as unsweetened applesauce, walnuts, and whole wheat flour; these muffins are an affordable yet healthy option you can enjoy anytime.
So go ahead and try it out! These little gems are guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Apple Coffee Cake Muffins (Dairy Free) Recipe
Ingredients
Topping
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Coffee Cake
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 small apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions
- Grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper cups. Set aside.
- To make topping, stir together brown sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in margarine. Stir in 1/4 cup walnuts. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl combine flours, baking soda, cinnamon, sugar and salt. In a small bowl, combine apples and egg whites. Stir in nuts and applesauce with apple-egg mixture. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix to combine.
- Fill muffin cups 2/3s full with batter. Sprinkle topping over each cup.
- Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden. Cool in pan for 5 minutes. Remove muffins from cups and serve warm.