• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Flexitarian
  • Recipes
    • Recipes by Course
    • Recipes by Ingredient
    • Recipe Collections
    • RECIPES BY DIET
    • Seasonal Food
  • Shopping List
  • MY BOOK
    • My Cookbook: Less Meat, More Plants
    • DOWNLOAD a FREE Preview Copy
  • Flexitarian
    • The Flexitarian Diet
    • Why Go Flexitarian?
      • Meat & Health
      • Meat & The Environment
      • Animal Welfare
    • Tips & Hints
      • How To Cook Veggie
      • Cooking With Less Meat
      • Beginners’ Guides
      • Do It Yourself Recipes
      • How To Cook Without A Recipe
      • Left Over Recipes
  • Eco Living
    • Health & Nutrition
    • Green Living
    • Eating Out
    • Fighting Food Waste
    • Competition
    • Eco Travel
    • Fitness
    • Grow Your Own
    • Gift Guides
    • Product Reviews
    • Cookbook Reviews
  • ABOUT
    • CONTACT ME
    • In the News
    • Privacy Policy
  • SHOP
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
The Flexitarian Logo

The Flexitarian

The Flexitarian Diet - A Flexible Vegetarian Diet

  • Recipes
    • Recipes by Course
    • Recipes by Ingredient
    • Recipe Collections
    • RECIPES BY DIET
    • Seasonal Food
  • Shopping List
  • MY BOOK
    • My Cookbook: Less Meat, More Plants
    • DOWNLOAD a FREE Preview Copy
  • Flexitarian
    • The Flexitarian Diet
    • Why Go Flexitarian?
      • Meat & Health
      • Meat & The Environment
      • Animal Welfare
    • Tips & Hints
      • How To Cook Veggie
      • Cooking With Less Meat
      • Beginners’ Guides
      • Do It Yourself Recipes
      • How To Cook Without A Recipe
      • Left Over Recipes
  • Eco Living
    • Health & Nutrition
    • Green Living
    • Eating Out
    • Fighting Food Waste
    • Competition
    • Eco Travel
    • Fitness
    • Grow Your Own
    • Gift Guides
    • Product Reviews
    • Cookbook Reviews
  • ABOUT
    • CONTACT ME
    • In the News
    • Privacy Policy
  • SHOP
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
The Flexitarian » Recipe » Apple Cider Muffins

Apple Cider Muffins

5 from 1 vote

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

These vegan apple cider muffins are the perfect autumn treat. Flavoured with warm spices and sweet apple cider, they’re soft, fluffy, and full of seasonal goodness. Easy to make and dairy-free, they’re ideal for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee!

Apple Cider Muffins [vegan] by The Flexitarian

Vegan Apple Cider Muffins – A Perfect Autumn Treat

There’s something truly special about the flavours of autumn—warm spices, sweet apples, and the cosy aroma of freshly baked treats filling the kitchen. These vegan apple cider muffins embody the essence of the season, offering a delicious balance of soft, fluffy texture and rich, spiced flavour.

Much like my apple turnovers, they are a comforting and nostalgic treat, perfect for crisp mornings or chilly afternoons. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a sweet dessert, these muffins are a must-try and capture perfectly the flavour and warmth of the season.

The magic of these muffins comes from the combination of apple cider and warming spices. Apple cider adds a deep, fruity sweetness that enhances the flavour, making every bite moist and delicious. It also pairs beautifully with the comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, which give these muffins their signature autumn taste.

Topped with a spiced sugar coating, each bite is fluffy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with seasonal goodness.

These vegan apple cider muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for a few days. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot apple cider, tea, or coffee.

For an alternative to muffins, try my cinnamon raisin bread or buckwheat banana bread (with dates)

3 Must-Try Vegan Muffin Recipes

Cherry & Chocolate Muffins [vegan] | The Flexitarian

CHOCOLATE & CHERRY MUFFINS [VEGAN]

Apple Crumble Muffins [vegan]
APPLE CRUMBLE MUFFINS [VEGAN]
LEMON & CHIA SEED MUFFINS [VEGAN]
LEMON & CHIA SEED MUFFINS [VEGAN]

Watch How To Make These Apple Cider Muffins

YouTube video

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

In this post

  • Vegan Apple Cider Muffins – A Perfect Autumn Treat
  • 3 Must-Try Vegan Muffin Recipes
  • Watch How To Make These Apple Cider Muffins
  • What is apple cider
  • How to make these apple cider muffins
    • Step 1: Reduce the apple cider
    • Step 2: Make the chia eggs
    • Step 3: Prepare the muffin tin
    • Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients
    • Step 5: Mix the wet ingredients
    • Step 6: Combine the batter
    • Step 7: Bake the apple cider muffins
    • Step 8: Sugarcoat the apple cider muffins
  • Frequently Asked Questions about these Apple Cider Muffins
  • Other posts you might enjoy reading

What is apple cider

“Apple cider” has different meanings in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). In the UK, “cider” is synonymous with alcoholic cider and the non-alcoholic equivalent is called “apple juice”. In the US, “apple cider” typically refers to a non-alcoholic beverage made from freshly pressed apples. It is often unfiltered and unpasteurized, giving it a cloudy appearance and a rich, full apple flavour.

For this recipe, I am using carbonated alcoholic apple cider because this is the one that is most available in the UK. If you live in the US, simply use non-alcoholic, unfiltered American apple cider.

Alternatively, you can make your own or use unfiltered apple juice.

How to make these apple cider muffins

Step 1: Reduce the apple cider

These apple cider muffins owe their lovely flavour to concentrated apple cider. Reducing the apple cider for around 15 minutes in a saucepan, will intensify its aroma. Once you have reduced the apple cider to about 120ml (US 1/2 cup) set it aside to cool down.

Step 1 Reduce the apple cider

Step 2: Make the chia eggs

While the apple cider is reducing in the pan you can make the chia eggs. Simply mix the ground chia seeds in 6 tablespoons of water. Set aside for 10 minutes. As the chia seeds absorb the water, they will transform into a gel-like mixture.

Step 2 Make the chia eggs

Step 3: Prepare the muffin tin

I am using a 12-hole muffin tin lined with 12 large paper baking cases.

Step 3 Prepare the muffin tin

Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients

apple cider muffins

In a mixing bowl, stir together the self-raising flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom.

TIP: it is sometimes difficult to find good quality ground cardamom. I prefer using freshly ground cardamom seeds for a more vibrant flavour. A quarter of a teaspoon equates to the seeds of 4 to 5 cardamom pods, that I grind by hand using a pestle and mortar.

Step 4: Grind Cardamom Seeds

Step 5: Mix the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, milk, reduced apple cider, vanilla extract and chia eggs until fully combined.

apple cider muffins

Step 6: Combine the batter

Mix the apple cider mixture into the flour mixture until well combined. Make sure not to overmix the batter.

Step 6 Combine the batter

Step 7: Bake the apple cider muffins

Share the batter evenly between the muffin cases.

TIP: Using a cookie scoop to fill in the muffin case can save time and help create evenly-sized muffins, ensuring consistent baking.

apple cider muffins

Bake the muffins in the oven for around 20-25mins. Insert a skewer to check they are cooked. The skewer or toothpick should come out clean. When done, leave the muffins to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes.

Step 7 Baked apple cider muffins

Step 8: Sugarcoat the apple cider muffins

In the meantime, prepare the toppings: In a shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of groundnutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of groundcardamom (see tip above in Step 4 to make your own ground cardamom).

Place the melted butter into another shallow dish. Dip the top of the first muffin in the butter, and then roll in the sugar mixture until the top is coated all over.

Repeat with the remaining muffins. Sprinkle some of the remaining sugar mixture on top of each muffin. Leave the muffins to cool on a wire rack.

Step 8: Sugarcoat the apple cider muffins
Apple Cider Muffins [vegan] by The Flexitarian

I hope you enjoy these Apple Cider Muffins as much as we do. If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!


Apple Cider Muffins [vegan] by The Flexitarian

Apple Cider Muffins

These vegan apple cider muffins are a delightful autumn treat. They are topped with a sugar coating flavoured with some delicious warm spices.
5 from 1 vote
DieTARY CHOICEDairy-Free Recipes, Egg-Free Recipes, Nut-Free Recipes, Soya-Free Recipes, Vegan Recipes
Print Recipe Add to Shopping ListAdd to Shopping List Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Vegan Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 12 muffins
Calories 208 kcal

Equipment

1 saucepan
2 mixing bowl
1 12-hole muffin tin
2 shallow dish

Disclaimer: the equipment list above includes affiliate links to products I use and like.

Ingredients
 
 

  • 350 ml dry apple cider
  • 2 Tbsp ground chia seeds
  • 6 Tbsp water
  • 250 g self-raising flour
  • 75 g caster sugar
  • 75 g dark brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 75 ml vegetable oil
  • 100 ml non-dairy milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

FOR THE TOPPING:

  • 100 g granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom
  • 50 g dairy-free butter, melted
(Switch on to prevent your screen from going dark)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the cider over medium-high heat in a saucepan and reduce it to 120ml (US ½ cup). This should take around 12 to 15 minutes. When reduced, set the cider aside and let it cool down.
    350 ml dry apple cider
  • In the meantime, make the chia eggs: Mix the ground chia seeds in 6 tablespoons of water. Set aside for 10 minutes.
    2 Tbsp ground chia seeds, 6 Tbsp water
  • Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Place 12 large paper baking cases in a muffin tin.
  • In a mixing bowl, stir together the self-raising flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cardamom.
    250 g self-raising flour, 75 g caster sugar, 75 g dark brown sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, milk, reduced cider, vanilla extract and chia eggs until fully combined.
    75 ml vegetable oil, 100 ml non-dairy milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Mix the apple cider mixture into the flour mixture until well combined. Do not overmix.
  • Share the batter evenly between the muffin cases.
  • Place in the oven for around 20-25mins. Insert a skewer to check they are cooked. The skewer or toothpick should come out clean.
  • When done, leave the muffins to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes.
  • In the meantime, prepare the toppings: In a shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cardamom. Place the melted butter into another shallow dish. Dip the top of the first muffin in the butter, and then roll in the sugar mixture until the top is coated all over. Repeat with the remaining muffins. Sprinkle some of the remaining sugar mixture on top of each muffin. Leave the muffins to cool on a wire rack.
    100 g granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp ground cardamom, 50 g dairy-free butter, melted

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffinCalories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 193mgPotassium: 76mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 36IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 1mg
Keyword muffins

Find this recipe online:

Apple Cider Muffins

https://theflexitarian.co.uk/recipe-items/apple-cider-muffins-vegan/

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Leave a review in the comments below! or share it on Instagram tagging @theflexitarianuk.

I cannot wait to see your posts!


Frequently Asked Questions about these Apple Cider Muffins

Can I use eggs instead of chia eggs?

Absolutely, simply swap the two chia eggs for two conventional eggs and whisk them in with the wet ingredients at step 5.

How can I keep my muffins moist and prevent them from drying out?

To keep your muffins moist, make sure not to overbake them. Bake just until a skewer or toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs. Storing them in an airtight container will also help retain moisture.

How should I store these apple cider muffins?

Store your apple cider muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for a couple of months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider in the recipe?

Apple juice can be used as a substitute for apple cider, but it may not provide the same depth of flavour as cider. Apple cider typically has a more robust taste. If you decide to use apple juice, make sure it is unfiltered.


Other posts you might enjoy reading

  • The Hot List – January 2017
  • Brussels Sprout Panzanella [vegan]
  • Eat Less Meat in 8 Easy Steps
  • 10 Vegetarian Apple Recipes
  • Christmas Muffins [vegan]
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Recipe September 22, 2023 · Created by: The Flexitarian Leave a Comment

Previous Post: « Chickpea Pancakes with Coconut Chutney
Next Post: Chickpea Masala »

Reader Interactions

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate This Recipe




Primary Sidebar

* GET MY COOKBOOK *

Available from:
UK/IR
Blackwells
Amazon UK

US/CAN
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Bookshop.org
Additional Retailers

Hello, I am Annabelle!

Welcome to The Flexitarian.
I am passionate about food and the environment.
I hope my vegan and vegetarian recipes and eco tips will inspire you to embrace "more of" a plant-based diet and green lifestyle.
More About Me …

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Newsletter


* FREE E-BOOK *


LATEST RECIPES

Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

Pizza Bagels

Tortellini Pasta Salad

Asparagus Pasta

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Butter Bean Salad


* SPONSORED LINKS *

PromFormal

OUR ECO BOUTIQUE


Footer

The Flexitarian

Less Meat, More Plants

  • Amazon
  • Facebook
  • Goodreads
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Newsletter


* SPONSORED LINKS *

PromFormal

MY COOKBOOK

Copyright © 2025 · The Flexitarian · Privacy Policy

Apple Cider Muffins [vegan] by The Flexitarian
Apple Cider Muffins [vegan] by The Flexitarian
Apple Cider Muffins [vegan] by The Flexitarian
Apple Cider Muffins [vegan] by The Flexitarian
Apple Cider Muffins [vegan] by The Flexitarian
Apple Cider Muffins [vegan] by The Flexitarian

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.