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I was always under the impression that muffins were just a way of eating cake for breakfast, not that I have a problem with that. And then there are the muffin recipes I’ve tried that were coined “wholesome/heart healthy/free of this and that” — ya, I haven’t found one that I’d feel good about delivering to neighbors, which is one of my guiding judgements. Often, they’re overwhelming banana flavored, and turn out too dense or soggy in the middle.
These soft and tender sweet potato muffins are the opposite of all those things. Warmly spiced, scraggly tops, delicate crumb, and a drippy vanilla glaze to tempt.
And yes, healthy. I’m so confident anyone would love them, that I’d happily deliver a dozen to the toughest critics, and doubt anyone would guess they’re vegan gluten free muffins.
Most of you know that I’m not vegan, or vegetarian for that matter, but I love alternative ways of cooking, a challenge, and providing recipes for the diversity of people who visit this blog. I sought to make these healthy sweet potato muffins without dairy of eggs, and after several tries, the recipe came together perfectly. I used Silk’s new almond-based yogurt mixed with ground flax seeds to replace the eggs (turns thick and sticky after absorbing), and olive oil, maple syrup, and sweet potato for the rest of the wet ingredients. The dry ingredients consisted of oats, teff flour (my favorite gluten-free baking staple), and almond flour. Being a combination of grains and nuts keeps them light and tender.
Of course the glaze is optional, but in my opinion, it makes these muffins extra special without much effort at all.
Bakery shop worthy, I like to think. It’s simply powdered sugar thinned out with any plant-based milk and spooned on top.
Healthy enough to eat for breakfast, satisfying enough to call a treat. The kind of snack you can proudly deliver, unless of course, they’re gone before that can happen.
xo, Amanda
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Alexandra
November 16, 2022
Would any plain non-dairy or dairy yogurt work here? These are on board for tomorrow’s breakfast!
Amanda Paa
November 16, 2022
Yes, definitely!
Gigi
March 1, 2022
I’m returning to share that I used raw coconut butter and added a slow stream of warm water to it until it reached the consistency of a powdered sugar frosting. It was incredible! No extra sweetener really is needed, as the coconut has a natural sweetness that shines through. I’m sure a non dairy milk would work just as well. I drizzled a muffin with it this morning and was in my glory. For any follower looking for an incredible sub, this is it! Amanda, these muffins are truly delicious!!
Amanda Paa
March 2, 2022
Fabulous, so glad they turned out well with your substitutions!
Eugenie
February 10, 2022
Sadly, I can’t do refined sugar at all- any sub or suggestion for the powdered sugar frosting? Perhaps a maple syrup glaze or sprinkling of powdered coconut milk instead…? Sweet potato anything! So good!!
Amanda Paa
February 10, 2022
Hello! You could use this whipped coconut frosting instead.
Gigi
September 20, 2021
These are insanely delicious and deliver mad energy to fuel an athletic morning. Had to have more before bedtime so thinking that these will fuel my dreams then as well. Please, as many recipes as possible free of refined sugar, dairy, and gluten- your blog is absolutely the best! Every one of your recipes is incredibly delicious and simply wonderful!!
Amanda Paa
September 20, 2021
so glad you enjoyed these sweet potato muffins!
Ashley
February 24, 2018
These are delicious! The texture is perfect and I love the sweet potato with the spices. Can’t wait to have one for breakfast drizzle with coconut butter – yum!
amandapaa
February 26, 2018
so glad you liked the recipe! xo
Haley | Brewing Happiness
May 30, 2017
Man, your recipes are inspiring me to try working with teff flour! These just look too good not to try. xoxo
amandapaa
May 30, 2017
Do it! It’s by far my favorite alternative flour. Works wonders, in both taste and texture. Absolutely no grittiness. xo
Meredith | Earth & Oven
May 26, 2017
I love how moist yet fluffy yogurt makes muffins. The ingredient list for these has me thinking they would be the idea afternoon snack (high fibre, low sugar, yet TASTY AF)
Emily
May 26, 2017
My kids actually have come to prefer homemade healthy-ish muffins over the overly sweet bakery shop types. We would all love these, I’m sure. The way you captured them in photos and descrived them in words- totally irresistible. Such charming scraggly tops and just enough icing to tempt. Pinned. :)
amandapaa
May 26, 2017
I have fallen so hard for these! They’re just sweet enough and all the textures make me happy. :) Sometimes I add more cardamom too. xo
abby @ Heart of a Baker
May 26, 2017
I’m always and forever caught between the ‘healthy muffin’ and ‘bakery muffin’, but why can’t a recipe be both?! This one looks like it hit the nail right on the head, so I’m going to need you to deliver me a dozen and I’ll bring the coffee..deal? :) xo
Ruby
May 26, 2017
I know exactly what you mean about many of those “healthy muffin” recipes. I have no problem eating mushy banana muffins if the flavor is good, but like you said, probably wouldn’t share them with anyone else, and then what’s the fun? These sound so perfect! Can’t wait to give them a try :) xx
amandapaa
May 26, 2017
I guess my next project should be making a good banana muffin? Sounds like a good challenge. :) xo
Izzy Bruning
May 25, 2017
These look amazing – as a vegan I love that you are finding alternative ways to cook!!
Izzy | Pinch of delight