Apple Spice Muffins
☙ ❧
Posted in Recipes • November 14, 2023 August 5, 20241
This was one of the first recipes I ever invented, back when I was in my late teens and first learning to cook and bake for myself. Unsurprisingly, I had my fair share of dud recipes back then, but with this one I managed to hit upon something wonderful. I've been making these muffins regularly since then, and they're a consistent hit with everyone I share them with – one friend in college even told me that they were what he'd always wished apple pie tasted like. This recipe is vegan and free of all the most common allergens, so it's accessible for people with a wide range of dietary needs. Additionally, it's remarkably forgiving; while baking has a (not undeserved) reputation for requiring strict precision, this recipe somehow manages to come out good no matter how I mess with it. I've tried using different types of gluten-free flour; I've added other sorts of fruit; I've replaced the water with apple cider for extra apple flavor – all were delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups brown rice flour
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 5 medium-sized apples
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup safflower oil (or other neutral-tasting oil)
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 3/4 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger, or 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger
- Enough water that batter is pourable but not too runny
Procedure:
Core apples and cut into small chunks. Puree about half of these chunks, and leave the rest as is. Combine all ingredients and pour into muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until a knife inserted comes out clean (about 25 to 30 minutes).