Vegan muffins with apples, walnuts, and pumpkin

Vegan muffins with apples, walnuts, and pumpkin: a healthy and flavorful delight

Welcome to the world of healthy delights! Today, I invite you to prepare a recipe for vegan muffins with apples, walnuts, and pumpkin, which will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of wellness to your diet. This recipe is perfect for indulgent moments, whether it's a hearty breakfast, a snack between meals, or a savory dessert.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

A brief history

Muffins are a type of pastry that has gained popularity worldwide. Their origins can be found in traditional recipes, but today they have evolved into countless variations, adapted to fit various diets, including vegan ones. This recipe for muffins with apples and pumpkin is a tribute to seasonal ingredients, being not only delicious but also nutritious.

Ingredients

- 350 g flour
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 250 ml orange juice (freshly squeezed is ideal, but store-bought works too)
- 100 g natural sweetener Green Sugar + 1 tablespoon for the apples
- 1 very ripe banana
- 1 packet baking powder
- 150 g walnuts (opt for chopped walnuts, but leave some larger pieces for texture)
- 3 apples (any variety you prefer)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (or more, depending on your taste)
- Optional:
- 150 g pumpkin
- 2 tablespoons Green Sugar sweetener (for the pumpkin)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Cinnamon to taste

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the apples
Start by peeling and coring the apples. Choose to slice them thinly for even baking. Sprinkle a little Green Sugar sweetener over the sliced apples and set them aside for a few minutes to release their juices.

2. Preparing the banana puree
In a bowl, mash the very ripe banana with a fork or in a blender. Add the orange juice and mix well until you obtain a smooth puree. This will be the wet base of your mixture.

3. Mixing the wet ingredients
In the same bowl, add the oil and Green Sugar sweetener. Mix everything for 2-3 minutes until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture becomes smooth.

4. Adding the dry ingredients
Begin to add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts. Gently mix just enough to obtain a uniform mixture. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense muffin.

5. Preparing the muffin tins
Preheat the oven to 180-190 degrees Celsius. Fill the greased muffin tins with the obtained mixture, leaving room for the apples on top. Place the apple slices on each muffin, covering half of it.

6. Baking the muffins
Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Check if they are baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

7. Preparing the pumpkin
Meanwhile, clean the pumpkin and cut it into small cubes. Place it in a pan with 2 tablespoons of Green Sugar, a little lemon juice, cinnamon, and ½ cup of water. Cook on low heat, covered, until the water evaporates and the pumpkin becomes soft. Stir constantly with a spatula.

8. Serving
After the muffins have cooled slightly, serve them with a few cubes of pumpkin on top. This combination adds extra flavor and texture, turning them into a treat!

Tips and tricks

- For an extra flavor, add a few drops of vanilla extract to the muffin mixture.
- If you want to change the texture, you can also add oats to the mixture.
- For a gluten-free version, replace the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour, such as almond or coconut flour.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: One muffin contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Apples and walnuts provide fiber and healthy fats, while pumpkin adds essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another sweetener? Yes, you can replace Green Sugar with another natural sweetener (such as maple syrup or honey), but keep in mind that it may change the texture of the mixture.
- Can I freeze the muffins? Absolutely! These muffins freeze very well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. You can quickly thaw them at room temperature.

Serving suggestions

These muffins are delicious served warm, alongside a cup of herbal tea or aromatic coffee. You can also pair them with vanilla ice cream for a more sophisticated dessert!

Enjoy every bite of these vegan muffins with apples, walnuts, and pumpkin! This recipe will not only satisfy your sweet cravings but will also bring a touch of health to your diet. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 350 g flour, 100 ml oil, 250 ml orange juice (you can also grate a little zest into the mixture), 100 g natural sweetener from Green Sugar + one more tablespoon to sprinkle on very ripe bananas, one packet of baking powder, 150 g walnuts, 3 apples, a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon. Optional: 150 g pumpkin, 2 tablespoons of Green Sugar sweetener, about one tablespoon of lemon juice, cinnamon to taste.