Apple Spice Muffins - Dairy Free

🍏🧁🥛 Apple Spice Muffins – Dairy Free

What is it?
Apple Spice Muffins are delicious, moist muffins that combine the warm flavors of apples and spices. What makes these muffins special is that they are dairy-free, making them suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or those following a vegan diet.

History:
Muffins have been around for centuries, with their origins dating back to early American settlers. These small, individually-sized baked goods have evolved over time and come in various flavors and variations. The combination of apples and spices in muffins is a classic choice, known for its comforting and aromatic qualities.

Components:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar (or a sugar substitute)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or coconut oil for a richer flavor)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups peeled, diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
Optional: chopped nuts, raisins, or a dairy-free glaze for topping

Steps to Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly.
In a small bowl, prepare the flax eggs by mixing ground flaxseed and water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until it thickens and becomes gel-like.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar (or substitute), baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves).
In another bowl, combine the flax eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until it’s a smooth, wet mixture.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Gently fold in the diced apples and any optional additions like nuts or raisins.
Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Once done, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
If desired, drizzle with a dairy-free glaze made from powdered sugar and dairy-free milk, and add some extra diced apples for decoration.

Time Needed:
The total time required to prepare and bake these dairy-free Apple Spice Muffins is approximately 40-45 minutes. Enjoy your homemade muffins! 🍏🧁😊

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Dairy-Free Apple Spice Muffins:

Nutrition Facts (per muffin, without optional toppings):

Calories: Approximately 200-220 kcal
Total Fat: 7-8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6-1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 200-250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugars: 15-20g
Protein: 2-3g

Health Information:

Low in Saturated Fat: These muffins are low in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
No Cholesterol: They are cholesterol-free, making them suitable for individuals watching their cholesterol intake.
Good Source of Fiber: With around 2-3 grams of dietary fiber per muffin, they provide some digestive benefits and help with satiety.
Moderate Calories: The calorie content is moderate, making them a reasonable treat as part of a balanced diet.
Natural Sweetness: The sugars primarily come from the applesauce and the natural sugars in apples, which are healthier alternatives to refined sugars.
Vegan-Friendly: These muffins are entirely plant-based, making them suitable for vegans and those on dairy-free diets.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always a good practice to calculate precise nutrition facts if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions. Enjoy your muffins in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 🍏🧁😊