Vegan Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Just 60 Calories

In case you hadn't noticed, I only posted one recipe this week.

I usually post 2, but this week I just couldn't squeeze in the second.

Wondering why? These vegan apple muffins kept me busy.

I made this recipe 6 times, tweaking it a little with each batch.

One batch was too soft. Another had more calories than I wanted. But I finally landed on apple muffins that are sweet, satisfying, and delicious without packing in a lot of calories.

Okay, technically they're less like muffins and more like little mounds of baked apples held together with a bit of sweet batter.

But to me, they're a real treat: cozy fall flavor, a little apple tartness, and plenty to love.

A Few Recipe Notes

I sweetened these muffins with coconut sugar purely for its deep, slightly nutty flavor. I think it pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

• Coconut sugar doesn't really have a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, and it isn't healthier than white sugar. I use it in baking for the flavor, not for any nutritional or health advantage over other sugars.

You can also use demerara sugar or white sugar, or leave the sugar out entirely – they'll still taste good.

I used whole wheat flour for the batter, but you can also use spelt flour, chickpea flour, or whatever flour you like.

I used soy milk, and its high protein content makes it essential to this recipe.

I used 1 kg (2.2 lb) of Golden Delicious apples. I love that name—talk about setting expectations. You can also use pears, pineapple, or another firm fruit you like.

Feel free to add walnuts or almonds, but they'll bump up the calorie count considerably.

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When Should You Eat These?

With plenty of carbs and very little fat, one muffin makes a great energy snack before an endurance or strength workout.

A couple of muffins also make a lovely late-night snack or an addition to breakfast.

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Nutrition information by Noam Becher (an Israeli clinical dietitian and fitness trainer):

One 70 g (2.5 oz) muffin contains:

60 calories

13 g carbohydrates

1 g protein

0.4 g fat

1.5 g dietary fiber

Want vegan strawberry muffins? Click here.

Vegan Apple Muffins

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 18 minutes

Total Time 48 minutes

Yield 20 muffins

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lb) Golden Delicious apples about 8 apples
• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 100 g (3.5 oz) whole spelt flour 3–4 tablespoons
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce 75 g (2.6 oz)
• 1 tablespoon raisins
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1/2 cup soy milk light
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples.
   
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
3. Transfer the apples to a deep bowl and add the raisins.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Toss well until all the apples and raisins are coated.
5. In a separate bowl, stir together the soy milk and lemon juice. Let it sit until small curds form and the texture changes slightly, about 1–2 minutes.
6. Add the vanilla extract, oil, applesauce, remaining cinnamon, and another 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar to the soy milk mixture. Mix well.
7. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until the batter is uniform.
8. Pour the batter over the apples and stir well until every piece is coated.
9. Spoon the mixture into 20 muffin liners.
10. Sprinkle a little coconut sugar over each muffin, using the final tablespoon of sugar.
    
11. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until browned.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 20 minutes before digging in.