There’s a reason why we love sharing recipes. Actually, many reasons. And this one brings in the warmth of the fall season with its aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice – what better way to celebrate fall than with apple spice muffins?!
Baking brings people together and gives us the opportunity to create something made with care. Whether you’re baking with family, a friend, or solo, the process and end result is therapeutic, and whether you’re sharing this with others or keeping it all for yourself (yes, you deserve it), this recipe will make you feel happy and warm inside!
Gather your ingredients.
For the muffins:
- 1 medium apple, peeled + chopped into small pieces
- 1.5 cups organic all-purpose flour (or gluten free 1:1 baking flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup organic brown sugar or sweetener of your choice
- 1-½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
For the crumble topping (Optional. Omit for a healthier version):
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ cup organic all-purpose flour (or gluten free flour)
- ½ cup organic brown sugar
- 1-½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup vegan butter, partially melted
How to make the apple spice muffins:
Combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl, stirring until they meld. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and activates.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease your muffin pan lightly if you prefer larger muffins, or line the wells with muffin liners for standard-sized muffins.
In a large bowl, blend the melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and the almond milk-ACV mixture, whisking until well incorporated.
Incorporate the flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sea salt into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apples. Avoid over-mixing the batter.
The batter should appear moist yet thick, scoopable but not easily pourable. If it's overly thick, add 1-2 tablespoons more milk. If it's too runny, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Distribute the batter evenly among the wells in the prepared muffin pan.
How to make the pecan crumble:
Combine flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl, using a pastry blender to mix them. This helps break down the nuts into smaller pieces if desired.
Add the partially melted vegan butter and use a spatula to thoroughly blend until it forms a crumbly texture.
Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over each muffin batter until fully covered, then place it in the oven.
Baking the muffins:
Bake the muffins for 20 to 24 minutes, or test by putting a toothpick in the center, and see if the centers emerge clean. Remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan before removing.
Time to indulge! (Sorry Marnie pup, these treats aren't for pets.) Pair the muffins with your favorite coffee, tea, or a glass of plant-based milk. These apple spice muffins are a perfect way to celebrate the fall!
