Delicious Maple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe for Food Lovers
Do you ever struggle to find recipes that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and still delicious? As a nutritionist and food blogger, I know how important it is to find healthy recipes that don’t compromise on taste. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Hearty Maple Cinnamon Muffins.
These muffins are not only gluten-free but also dairy-free, making them perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. But don’t let that fool you – they’re still bursting with flavor and easy to make!
Made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, oat flour, and unsweetened applesauce, these muffins are hearty and healthy. The warm cinnamon flavor and sweet maple syrup make them the perfect treat for any time of day – from breakfast to an afternoon snack.
So if you’re looking for a delicious, healthy treat that won’t leave you feeling guilty, try making my Hearty Maple Cinnamon Muffins!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I’m always on the hunt for a recipe that not only tastes delicious but is also healthy and nourishing. And that’s exactly what you’re in for with these Hearty Maple Cinnamon Muffins!
Firstly, and most importantly – they’re gluten-free! Whether you have a gluten intolerance or just want to avoid gluten, these muffins are the perfect treat. Despite being free from gluten, the muffins are still light and fluffy with a satisfying texture. They’re also dairy-free, meaning anyone who is lactose intolerant or vegan can enjoy them too!
But wait, there’s more! These muffins are packed full of wholesome ingredients giving you the energy you need to get through the day. Made with whole grain oat flour, almond flour, unsweetened applesauce and olive oil, these goodies make up just some of the awesome ingredients used in this recipe. Best of all, they are sweetened naturally with maple syrup and honey – no refined sugars here!
Additionally, spices such as ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the delicious apple cinnamon flavor while adding extra antioxidants to your diet.
And let’s be honest, nothing beats taking a bite into a delicious homemade muffin fresh from the oven. These muffins come together quickly and easily making them perfect for breakfast on the go or an afternoon snack. So why not indulge in something hearty and delicious which is also good for you? Trust me; these muffins will have you feeling great all day long!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Hearty Maple Cinnamon Muffins (Gluten Free):
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1/2 cup potato starch
- ½ cup tapioca starch
- 1 tsp xanthan gum
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup raisins
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup olive oil or coconut oil (melted)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg, whisked
- ½ cup Maple Syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Optional Toppings:
- additional raisins
- chopped pecans
All of the ingredients can be found at your local health food store, and some may even be in your pantry already!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease your muffin cups or line them with muffin liners.
Step 2: Combine the following in a bowl
- 1 cup oat flour
- Âľ cup gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together:
- â…“ cup olive oil
- ÂĽ cup maple syrup
- ÂĽ cup of honey
- ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
Step 4: Stir in Mix-ins
Mix in:
- 1 small chopped apple
- ⅓ cup of raisins
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them almost to the top.
Step 6: Add Topping if you like
Sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top of each muffin for a delicious finishing touch.
Step7: Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes
Bake until they are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the muffins.
Step8: Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about five minutes before removing them from the pan to continue cooling on a rack.
Serve these delicious hearty maple cinnamon (gluten-free) muffins with hot tea or coffee for a cozy morning breakfast or afternoon snack.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, substitutions can be a lifeline to accommodate your preferences and dietary needs. In this recipe, I will provide you with some options that you can use as a substitute for certain ingredients such as sweeteners, oils, and flours.
Firstly, instead of honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup. It gives a slight difference in taste but still provides natural sweetness to the muffins. Olive oil is also an excellent alternative for coconut oil if you are not a fan of the coconut flavor. On the other hand, unsweetened applesauce could replace oils; it adds moisture to your muffins without adding fat content.
For those who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, using gluten-free flour is a must. You can make your gluten-free flour blend by combining potato starch, oat flour (use certified gluten-free), and tapioca starch. Xanthan gum helps bind the ingredients together in gluten-free baking; it works by replacing the gluten that exists in traditional wheat flour. Alternatively, you could also use almond flour – not only it’s gluten-free, but also packed with healthy fats and protein.
While the recipe calls for raisins, feel free to experiment with your choice of dried fruits such as cranberries, cherries or blueberries. You could also opt to add freshly diced apples to give more depth and texture to your muffins.
Lastly, for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant, you could replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar. And if peanut butter is more up your alley than almond butter, swap out for peanut butter instead to add more richness and flavor.
Remember that variations could lead to different results; however, it could be a great way to personalize your dish while still keeping its essence intact.
Serving and Pairing
There are few things as satisfying as biting into a freshly baked muffin, and these gluten-free hearty maple cinnamon muffins are no exception. They are delicious on their own, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack any time of the day. However, if you’re feeling fancy, you can add some toppings to take them to the next level.
A sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, adds some crunch and extra protein. You can also drizzle some warm honey or maple syrup over them for a sweet touch. For a more savory option, spread some peanut butter or almond butter on top, and enjoy the contrast between nutty and spicy flavors.
If you want to pair these muffins with a drink, there are several options that complement their flavors. A cup of hot tea or coffee is always a good choice, especially if you prefer something mild that won’t overpower the cinnamon taste. Apple cider is another classic pairing that enhances the apple aroma in the muffins.
If you’re looking for something more indulgent, try serving the muffins with a side of vanilla ice cream. The cold texture will contrast nicely with the warm muffins, creating a comforting dessert that’s perfect for those chilly evenings.
No matter how you choose to serve these hearty maple cinnamon muffins, one thing is certain: they are sure to bring joy to your taste buds and satisfaction to your soul.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
There’s nothing better than the taste of fresh baked muffins, but sometimes our schedules just don’t allow for it. Luckily, the Hearty Maple Cinnamon Muffins are easy to make ahead and store for later consumption.
To make things easier in the morning, prepare the muffin batter a night before and store it in the refrigerator. The batter can be stored for up to 12 hours. This way, you can have freshly baked and warm muffins without much effort in the morning.
If you’re looking to store the muffins beyond a day or two, it’s best to freeze them. Wrap each muffin individually using plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to two months.
When it comes to reheating these muffins, there are several options available. If you have time on your hands, let them defrost in their individual wrap at room temperature before reheating them. For a healthier option, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until they become warm and soft again.
Alternatively, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and place thawed or unfrozen muffins on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10 -12 minutes or until they are heated through.
Remember that these muffins are not only gluten-free but also dairy-free and vegan-friendly, so avoid using dairy-based spreads when reheating or serving them. Instead, try topping them with a little bit of peanut butter or almond butter for added flavor and protein.
By following these storing and reheating tips, you can have fresh-tasting Hearty Maple Cinnamon Muffins anytime you want without compromising their taste and nutritional value.
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for the Hearty Maple Cinnamon Muffins requires attention to detail and following the recipe closely. Here are some tips to ensure foolproof results every time.
1. Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially eggs and dairy substitutes, are at room temperature before using them. This will ensure that they incorporate smoothly into the batter and create a unified mixture.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients thoroughly with a whisk or fork. Sift in any lumped gluten-free flour or starch, so that there are no clumps left.
3. Do not overmix: Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until only just combined, being careful not to overdo it. Overmixing will cause the muffins to become dense as opposed to moist.
4. Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help you portion each muffin equally for even baking.
5. Add texture with raisins: The addition of raisins adds texture and flavor to the muffins while keeping them gluten-free and dairy-free. For variety, feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans.
6. Check for doneness: Test if the muffins are done by inserting a toothpick in the middle of one of them. If it comes out clean, then they are ready.
7. Let them cool: It’s essential to allow the muffins to cool before removing them from the pan; otherwise they may fall apart or stick.
By following these tips, you will create perfectly baked and scrumptious Maple Cinnamon Muffins every single time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Hearty Maple Cinnamon Muffins recipe is not only delicious but also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy. The combination of maple syrup, cinnamon, and raisins will give you a sweet and hearty flavor that is easy to make with just a few simple steps. With the tips and substitutions provided in this recipe article, you can personalize the muffins to your liking, giving yourself a chance to explore and experiment with different ingredients.
Not only are these muffins healthy, but they’re also versatile enough to pair well with a variety of drinks like coffee or tea. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. The best part? The muffins can be made ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator or freezer, and reheated when needed. What’s more, they’re easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes!
In summary, these muffins are packed with hearty delicious whole grains oat flour, almond flour, and plenty of cinnamon apple flavor! They’re healthy gluten-free and vegan breakfast treats that are bursting with apple cinnamon goodness. So why not give them a try? Make sure to share this recipe with your friends and family because they’ll thank you for introducing them to a deliciously healthy treat!
Hearty Maple Cinnamon Muffins (Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins
- 2 cups brown rice flour
- 2/3 cup tapioca starch
- 1/3 cup potato starch (not potato flour)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup extra-light olive oil or 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup honey or 1/2 cup agave nectar
- 2 tablespoons rice milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and line or grease 12 to 14 muffin cups (the original recipe calls for 12, but I needed 14).
- I like to soak the raisins in hot water while I prepare the other ingredients. This plumps them up a bit and helps to prevent any exposed raisins from burning while baking.
- Combine the rice flour, starches, cinnamon, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
- Combine the applesauce, oil, maple, honey, and rice milk in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the reserved dry mixture until the mixture is just combined. Drain the raisins (if you are soaking) and fold them into the batter.
- Evenly distribute the batter between 12 to 14 muffin cups. You will be filling the cups pretty much to the top. Bake the muffins for 30-35 minutes if making 14 muffins, 35-40 minutes if making 12 slightly larger muffins. The muffins do darken quite a bit, but weren’t burnt. Feel free to check in earlier if you want more of a moist muffin.
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