Name: Spiced Apple Cider Muffins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Gluten Free Flour Blend; 1.5 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1 cup Spiced Apple Cider (to make concentrate); 1/2 cup Butter (melted); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1/4 cup Milk (can be non dairy milk); 1 egg; TOPPING; 1/4 cup Butter (melted); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 tsp Cinnamon

Spiced Apple Cider Muffins are a cozy, gluten-free treat that taste just like apple cider donuts. These muffins are made from scratch with apple cider and sugary-sweet flavors -the perfect fall time breakfast, snack and dessert.

Spiced Apple Cider Muffins on a cooking sheet with cinnamon sticks

Fall is right around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to try out some delicious, seasonal treats. If you’re on the hunt for something wholesome yet satisfying, look no further than these healthy apple cider muffins. Made with a gluten-free flour blend and spiced apple cider concentrate, these muffins capture the essence of autumn in every bite, making them an ideal addition to your thanksgiving dessert recipes.

These apple cider muffins fit the bill and come with a twist: they can be made vegan-friendly! By swapping out the dairy milk for a plant-based alternative, vegan apple cider muffins not only cater to a wider audience but also offer a moist and rich texture that’s hard to resist.

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, gathering, and, let’s be honest, great food! If you’re on the lookout for a Thanksgiving dessert that’s a little different from the usual pie line-up, give these apple cider muffins a try. With their sweet cinnamon-sugar crust and soft center, they’re set to be a new favorite.

🍎Ingredients You’ll Need

For the muffin batter:

Gluten Free Flour Blend – A good gluten free flour will take care of all your gluten free baking needs. Bob’s Red Mill, King Arthur and Cup4Cup all yield delicious baked goods.
Baking Powder – is a leavening agent. It helps baked goods rise.
Salt – A small amount of salt in sweet foods actually enhances the sweetness.
Dark Brown Sugar – adds sweetness and makes the muffins golden brown.
Granulated Sugar – adds sweetness.
Cinnamon – packs inwarm, comforting flavor.
Spiced Apple Cider – brings intense, delicious apple flavor and warming spices to the muffin mixture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use apple juice but the flavor won’t be exactly the same.
Butter – adds rich flavor and helps develop a light, fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract – adds a smooth, sweet flavor.
Milk – adds moisture. You can use cow’s milk or non-dairy milk here.
Egg – binds everything together.

For the topping:

Melted Butter – is the base for a strudel-like topping.
Granulated Sugar & Cinnamon – adds sweetness and texture to the topping.

🥣 How To Make Gluten Free Apple Cider Muffins

These spiced apple cider muffins are made to be gluten free with the help of a gluten free flour blend. See below for a non gluten free apple cider muffin substitute.

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350F ad Line a muffin tin with 12 muffin tin or cupcake liners.

2️⃣ Add one cup of spiced apple cider to a small sauce pot and bring to a boil. Let apple cider reduce until only 1/2 cup is left. Let cool.

3️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar granulated sugar, cinnamon.

4️⃣ In another bowl, add the wet ingredients: cooled, apple cider concentrate, melted butter, vanilla extract, 1/4 cup milk (can be dairy free) 1 egg.

5️⃣ Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients slowly until a batter is formed. This is best done with a stand mixer but can also be done by hand.

6️⃣ Add apple cider muffin batter to each muffin tin and fill about 2/3 full on each. Add to oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

7️⃣ While muffins are baking melt 1/4 cup butter in a small bowl. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in another.

8️⃣ Once muffins are cooled, dip the tops in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar mix to coat top.

👩🏻‍🍳 Chef’s Tips

Make sure to use a gluten free flour blend that lists xanthan gum in the ingredients. Without gluten, xantham gum acts as a binding agent and holds everything together.
Try not to overfill the muffin tins, so they don’t spill over the sides of the tin when baking. Fill muffin tins 2/3rds of the way full.
Be sure to let the muffins cool completely to room temperature before drizzling on the topping.
If making for a party or event, use muffin or cupcake liners so they’re easier to pop out of the muffin tin and serve.
For the best results, bring the egg and the apple cider to room temperature before using.

🔁 Variations

Make them mini! Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the cook time.
In addition to the cinnamon, add pumpkin spice seasoning for even more fall flavor.
Make apple cider donuts using a donut pan or silicone donut molds.
Add diced fresh apple to the batter before baking for added crunch.
Simply replace the gluten free flour blend with all purpose flour 1:1 in this recipe to make an apple cider muffin that is not gluten free.

🌱 Vegan Apple Cider Muffins

To make these apple cider muffins vegan, start by replacing the regular butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for both the muffin batter and the topping. Instead of the egg, use a flaxseed egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and letting it sit for 10 minutes to thicken. Follow the rest of the recipe as described, substituting dairy milk with your choice of non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Combine dry and wet ingredients as directed, and after baking, dip the muffin tops in melted vegan butter or coconut oil before coating them in the cinnamon sugar mix. Enjoy your vegan apple cider muffins as a delightful treat any time of the year!

♻ Storing & Freezing

Storing: Store muffins in a paper-towel lined airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing: Be sure to let cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

❔FAQ

How can I make spiced apple cider with regular apple cider?
To make spiced apple cider, simply warm your regular apple cider in a pot and add spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to infuse the flavors, then strain and serve warm.

How long is apple cider good for?
Unopened apple cider can last in the refrigerator for 7-10 days. Once opened, it’s best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness for making apple cider baked goods.

How to store muffins so they don’t get soggy?
To prevent apple cider muffins gluten free from getting soggy, store them in an airtight container with a paper towel placed underneath and on top of the muffins. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture, helping the muffins remain fresh and fluffy.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider?
No, apple cider vinegar and apple cider are not interchangeable. Apple cider vinegar is fermented and has a strong acidic taste, while apple cider is a sweet beverage; using them interchangeably would drastically alter the flavor and outcome of a recipe.

🥧More Apple Desserts

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