Vegan Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

Sharing this Vegan Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe feels like inviting you into my kitchen to enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon paired with the satisfying crumb of a perfectly baked muffin. These muffins strike such a wonderful balance between tender crumb and crunchy topping, making each bite an absolute delight. Plus, they’re completely plant-based, using simple ingredients that transform into a morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create a symphony of flavors and textures—from the soft, moist muffin base to the crumbly, cinnamon-rich streusel topping. These basic yet essential ingredients come together in harmony, delivering a taste experience that feels indulgent but is surprisingly wholesome.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the muffins, providing structure and tenderness when combined with the right wet ingredients.
• Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements cinnamon perfectly in both the batter and streusel.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the muffins with warm spice and depth; don’t be shy with this superstar flavor.
• Vegan butter: Cubed and used in the streusel to create that classic crumbly, buttery topping we all love.
• Soy milk (or almond/oat milk): Creates the vegan “buttermilk” base when combined with vinegar, ensuring moistness and tenderness.
• Apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice): Reacts with baking soda to help the muffins rise, making them light and fluffy.
• Olive oil (or neutral oil): Keeps the muffins rich and moist while adding a subtle fruitiness if using olive oil.
• Vegan Greek-style yogurt (or sour cream): Adds creaminess and tang, enhancing the texture and flavor without dairy.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a warm sweetness that elevates all other flavors in the muffins and glaze.
• Baking powder and baking soda: For the perfect lift and rise, ensuring fluffy texture.
• Sea salt: A pinch balances sweetness and highlights other flavors.
• Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze, it creates a smooth sweetness that’s just the right finishing touch.
• Non-dairy milk: For mixing into the glaze, adding just enough liquid to make it drizzle perfectly.

How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Trays

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F) and line two muffin trays with 10 to 12 muffin liners. Pro tip: leave space between liners and only fill every second cavity to encourage those gorgeous high muffin tops that make these muffins truly special.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cubed vegan butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This simple step creates that irresistible crunchy topping and chilling it in the fridge will help it hold its shape during baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will layer inside the muffins, giving every bite that warm, sweet spark of cinnamon goodness.

Step 4: Create the Vegan Buttermilk and Wet Mix

Whisk soy milk with apple cider vinegar in a bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes, turning into vegan buttermilk. Then, whisk together olive oil, vegan yogurt, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in another bowl before blending in the vegan buttermilk.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures evenly distributed rising agents and spice, giving your muffins their even crumb and delicious aroma.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two parts, gently folding after each to avoid overmixing. The key is to fold until no flour streaks remain—this keeps the muffins light instead of dense.

Step 7: Assemble the Muffins

Place liners in every second cavity of your muffin trays. Fill each halfway with batter, sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar, then top with remaining batter and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon streusel for double the deliciousness.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 200°C (392°F) for the first 5 minutes to set tops, then reduce heat to 175°C (347°F) and bake another 15 minutes. Use a toothpick to test: it should come out almost clean with just a few crumbs. Cool muffins briefly in the tray before transferring to a rack to cool fully.

Step 9: Drizzle the Glaze

Meanwhile, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk until smooth to a drizzle-able consistency. Once the muffins are cool, generously drizzle the glaze on top for that final sweet touch that elevates them from amazing to unforgettable.

How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of magic, try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the glaze. Toasted chopped nuts or a small pat of vegan butter on a warm muffin also make delightful additions, adding texture and richness.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a creamy plant-based latte. For brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a vibrant green salad to balance the sweetness. A dollop of vegan yogurt on the side can also complement the cinnamon flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these muffins into mini dessert parfaits by crumbling them into glasses layered with vegan yogurt and fresh berries. Or serve them warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup for an indulgent treat. They’re versatile enough to shine in any presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep them covered to prevent drying out. They remain moist and delicious, perfect for snacking or breakfast the day after baking.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat muffins in a 175°C (347°F) oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry. This restores their soft inside texture and reactivates the glaze to just the right slightly melty consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other plant-based milks besides soy milk?

Absolutely! Almond, oat, or cashew milk will work just as well in this vegan cinnamon streusel muffins recipe. Just make sure they are unsweetened to control sweetness.

How do I make these muffins nut-free?

This recipe is naturally nut-free as long as you use a nut-free vegan yogurt and milk option. Always check labels to avoid cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.

Can I make these gluten-free?

For gluten-free muffins, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure the baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for the best results.

Is the streusel topping necessary?

The streusel is what gives these muffins their signature crunch and cinnamon punch, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip it or sprinkle just extra cinnamon sugar on top for flavor.

How long will these muffins keep fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these muffins stay fresh and enjoyable for two days. Refrigerating can extend this to about five days but may dry them out slightly.

Final Thoughts

There is something so joyfully comforting about baking and sharing these Vegan Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe. From the swirls of cinnamon to that perfect crunch on top, every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s straightforward, irresistibly delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation as it has in mine.

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