Cinnamon Streusel Muffin Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base for the muffin batter, providing structure and texture.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the muffins.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the muffins.

Almond milk: A plant-based milk that keeps the muffins moist and dairy-free.

Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the muffins.

Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the batter.

Brown sugar: Used in the streusel topping for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Ground cinnamon: Provides the signature warm, spicy flavor in the streusel topping.

Vegan butter: A dairy-free alternative to regular butter, used to create the crumbly streusel topping.

When making the streusel topping, ensure the vegan butter is fully melted but not hot. This helps the brown sugar and flour mixture achieve the perfect crumbly texture. If the butter is too hot, it can dissolve the sugar and create a paste rather than a crumbly topping.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the muffins denser.

• sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and vinegar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon vinegar for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder to help the muffins rise.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor profile.

• almond milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is creamy and has a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle coconut flavor and is a healthier fat option.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the muffins.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, natural sweetness and a slight maple flavor.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is gluten-free and adds a slightly nutty flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding more depth of flavor.

• melted vegan butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a good vegan alternative that provides a similar texture and richness.

• Allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the muffins soggy.

• Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture, and place another paper towel on top of the muffins before sealing the lid.

• For longer storage, you can refrigerate the muffins for up to a week. Make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

• To freeze the muffins, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain their freshness and prevents freezer burn.

• Place the wrapped muffins in a large, resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• Frozen muffins can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the muffins at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.

• For a freshly baked taste, you can also reheat the muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help to restore their original texture and flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the muffins on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the streusel topping.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a muffin on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  3. Check if it's warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals.
  4. For a softer texture, you can place a cup of water in the microwave with the muffin to create steam.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the muffins directly on the rack or on a baking sheet.
  3. Heat for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
  4. Keep an eye on the streusel topping to ensure it doesn't burn.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Bring a pot of water to a simmer and place a steamer basket over it.
  2. Place the muffins in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
  4. This method keeps the muffins moist and soft.

• Oven: Used to bake the muffins at the specified temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Muffin tin: Holds the muffin batter in individual portions for baking.

• Paper liners: Placed in the muffin tin to prevent the muffins from sticking and for easy removal.

• Large mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

• Medium mixing bowl: Used to mix the wet ingredients such as almond milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

• Small mixing bowl: Used to combine the ingredients for the streusel topping.

• Whisk: Used to mix the dry ingredients and to combine the wet ingredients.

• Spatula: Used to stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the flour, sugar, almond milk, and vegetable oil accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon accurately.

• Toothpick: Used to check if the muffins are baked through by inserting it into the center of a muffin.

• Wire rack: Used to cool the muffins completely after they have been baked.

• Microwave or stovetop: Used to melt the vegan butter for the streusel topping.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the baking process.

Use a large mixing bowl: A large bowl helps mix batter quickly and efficiently, reducing cleanup time.

Muffin liners: Using muffin liners eliminates the need to grease the muffin tin and makes cleanup easier.

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven while preparing the batter to save time.

Combine dry ingredients first: Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution and faster mixing.

Quick streusel topping: Prepare the streusel topping while the muffins bake to save time.