Name: Vegan Apple Cider Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar – see note); ⅓ cup canola oil (or baking oil of choice); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour (all-purpose flour works too); ½ cup rolled oats; ⅓ cup organic brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 medium apple, peeled and diced (½ inch); ½ cup chopped walnuts

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If you are searching for a warm, cozy treat that feels like a hug in baked form, these Vegan Apple Cider Muffins Recipe will become your new favorite. Moist and tender, packed with juicy apple chunks and the satisfying crunch of walnuts, this recipe perfectly balances sweet spice and wholesome goodness. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or savored alongside your morning coffee, these muffins capture the heartwarming essence of fall any time of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with thick, light brown batter with a slightly rough texture. On top, there is a pile of small, diced apple pieces showing red skin and pale yellow inside, sitting in the middle of the batter. A white spatula is partially inside the bowl, resting against the side and slightly covered by the batter. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a light-colored cloth nearby and part of a white bowl with red apples in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is surprisingly simple yet crucial for getting the perfect texture and flavor. Each element plays a special role, from the natural sweetness of apple cider to the cozy spices that make these muffins feel irresistible.

1 cup apple cider: Not to be confused with vinegar, this provides the essential fruity moisture and subtle tang.
⅓ cup canola oil: Adds moisture and tenderness without overpowering the other flavors.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a sweet floral note that rounds out the spices.
1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour: Provides a tender crumb and wholesome texture; all-purpose flour can substitute here.
½ cup rolled oats: Adds a rustic chew and complements the hearty flavors.
⅓ cup organic brown sugar: Brings a deep sweetness with molasses undertones, perfect for autumnal baking.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Ensures lightness and rise in these tender muffins.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps create an airy texture by reacting with the cider’s natural acidity.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The spice that instantly evokes warmth and comfort.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle earthiness that enhances depth of flavor.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a slightly pungent kick to balance the sweetness.
½ teaspoon salt: Amplifies all the key flavors for a balanced bite.
1 medium apple, peeled and diced (½ inch): Fresh apple pieces provide juicy bursts and keep the muffins moist.
½ cup chopped walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty richness that pairs beautifully with apple and spices.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cider Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This step ensures your muffins bake evenly and lift out cleanly once done, setting the foundation for perfect muffins.

Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

In a small bowl or measuring cup, gently stir together the apple cider, canola oil, and vanilla extract. This combination provides the liquid base that brings moistness and aroma to your muffins, making every bite flavorful and tender.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the batter for consistent rise and flavor.

Step 4: Blend wet and dry components

Pour the wet apple cider mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and tender rather than dense or tough.

Step 5: Fold in apples and walnuts

Gently fold in the diced apple and chopped walnuts, distributing these tasty bits evenly. The apple’s crisp freshness and the walnut’s crunch create wonderful texture contrasts that make these vegan muffins truly special.

Step 6: Bake until golden and set

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them almost to the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool before enjoying

Remove the muffin tin from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let the muffins cool for at least a few minutes before serving; this resting time lets them firm up while allowing the flavors to fully develop and settle.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cider Muffins Recipe

The image shows a metal muffin tray with twelve muffins arranged in four rows and three columns. Each muffin is baked in colorful paper liners—green, red, orange, and gray—filled almost to the top with a golden-brown batter that has visible chunks, giving the muffins a textured surface. One muffin is slightly tilted out of its slot, showing the liner and crumb texture on the side. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup on warm muffins elevates their charm instantly. For an extra special touch, a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or a bit of cinnamon sugar can bring out the spice notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a more substantial breakfast, serve alongside vegan yogurt topped with seasonal fruit for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the muffins in half and spreading a dollop of your favorite plant-based butter or nut butter for a tasty twist. These also make delightful mini dessert trifle layers when broken into chunks and combined with dairy-free whipped cream and spiced stewed apples.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover muffins keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To maintain that fresh-baked softness, avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze these vegan apple cider muffins by individually wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay delicious for up to two months and thaw quickly on the countertop.

Reheating

To enjoy your muffins warm, reheat gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings back their tender crumb and revives the enticing aroma of spices and apple cider.

FAQs

Can I use another type of flour instead of whole wheat pastry flour?

Absolutely! While whole wheat pastry flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and tender texture, you can swap it with all-purpose flour for a more neutral taste and slightly lighter crumb.

Is it necessary to peel the apple before dicing?

Peeling the apple creates a smoother texture in the muffins, but if you prefer extra fiber and a more rustic feel, leaving the peel on works just fine as well.

Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Yes, feel free to use pecans, almonds, or even toasted pumpkin seeds. Each option adds its own unique crunch and flavor, keeping these muffins versatile and delightful.

What if I don’t have apple cider? Can I use apple juice?

Apple cider is preferred because it’s less sweet and more spiced than apple juice, which affects the muffin’s texture and flavor. If you only have apple juice, choose an unsweetened variety for the best results, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Are these muffins good for breakfast or just desserts?

These muffins are fantastic for both breakfast and dessert due to their wholesome ingredients and balanced sweetness. Pair them with some protein-rich vegan yogurt or nut butter for a delightful morning treat.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cider Muffins Recipe has all the hallmarks of a comfort food classic while being kind to your body and the planet. I can’t recommend enough giving these a try, whether you’re new to vegan baking or just craving something cozy and wholesome. Your kitchen will fill with the most wonderful aromas, and your family and friends will want these muffins on repeat.