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Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Cider Muffins

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These Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Cider Muffins are pure fall comfort. With a soft, cinnamon-spiced crumb that's been sweetened with fresh apple cider and applesauce, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacking. Beyond cozy, quick to make, and full of that warm apple flavor we wait all year for!

Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Cider Muffins

These Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Cider Muffins are about to become your new fall obsession. They are soft, fluffy, warmly spiced, and filled with cozy apple flavor in every bite, making them hard to resist. But here’s the real secret: Bragg’s Raw, Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother. It might sound like an unexpected ingredient for baking, but it’s actually my go-to trick for getting vegan and gluten-free baked goods to rise beautifully and stay tender instead of dense or gummy. A splash of ACV activates the baking soda to create that perfect lift and texture that can otherwise be tricky to achieve without eggs or gluten.

Bragg’s ACV is made from organic apples and contains “The Mother,” which is what gives it all those extra health benefits—enzymes, good bacteria, and a natural tang that subtly enhances flavor. In this recipe, it balances the sweetness of the apple cider and maple syrup, giving the muffins a little extra brightness and depth that makes every bite taste just like a trip to the orchard.

There’s no scent more nostalgic than apple cider simmering in the fall air at this time of the year. It just begs you to put on your coziest sweater, fluffy socks and get comfy with your favorite blanket while you await your baked goodies! These apple muffins are festive enough for a fall brunch or Thanksgiving breakfast, but simple enough to make any day of the week. Warm them up and spread with a little almond butter or dairy-free butter for the ultimate cozy treat. Once you try baking with Bragg’s ACV, you’ll see why I call it my secret weapon! It truly changes the game for gluten-free vegan baking.

Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Cider Muffins Ingredients

Each ingredient in these gluten free apple muffins adds something special, from texture to sweetness to that classic cider spice we all love. Here’s what you’ll need:

Coconut Sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with warm spices and apple cider.
Dairy-Free Butter: Keeps these moist apple muffins rich and tender without the need for dairy.
Applesauce: Acts as both a natural sweetener and binder. It makes these gluten-free apple muffins healthy, moist, and light.
Apple Cider: The star ingredient! Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; it infuses the batter with cozy fall notes and natural sweetness.
Bragg Raw Unfiltered Organic Apple Cider Vinegar: With “the mother,” this vinegar adds a tangy balance to the sweetness and helps activate the baking soda for that perfect rise.
Gluten-Free 1:1 Flour: A blend that keeps the texture soft and fluffy while making the muffins completely gluten free.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, and Allspice: Classic fall spices that create that signature apple and cinnamon muffin flavor.
Baking Soda + Baking Powder: Essential for lift and texture, ensuring each muffin bakes up light and airy.

Streusel Topping (Optional but Worth It)

This delicious topping is a mix of coconut sugar, gluten-free flour, and cinnamon, brought together with chilled dairy-free butter. It adds irresistible texture and a bakery-style finish to these muffins. It’s totally optional, but highly recommended.

Cinnamon Glaze (Optional)

Another optional addition to these muffins is a cinnamon glaze. A quick drizzle of powdered sweetener, apple cider, cinnamon, and vanilla transforms these into the best gluten free apple muffins with that perfect donut-like glaze that makes them finger-licking good!

What Does Apple Cider Taste Like?

Apple cider has a naturally rich and tangy-sweet flavor, deeper and more complex than apple juice. It’s made by pressing fresh apples, often with the skins and pulp, giving it a rustic, full-bodied taste. When used in baking, it enhances sweetness and adds a subtle acidity that balances spices like cinnamon and cloves beautifully. It’s what makes these easy apple cider muffins so special; every bite carries that cozy fall flavor that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or an afternoon tea.

How to Make Gluten Free Apple Cider Muffins

Making these apple muffins couldn’t be simpler. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your muffin pan or lining it with parchment cups.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar, melted butter, applesauce, apple cider, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Add your dry ingredients: gluten-free flour, spices, sea salt, baking soda, and baking powder and whisk until just combined.

Bake Muffins

Spoon the batter evenly into your muffin cups, filling each nearly full. If you’re making the streusel, make sure to mix the ingredients and crumble it over the tops before baking. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Cool, Glaze & Enjoy!

Cool on a rack before enjoying! If you plan on making the glaze, this is the perfect time to prepare it because you need to wait until the muffins are completely cooled before you can add it on top.

How to Store Apple Cider Muffins

Let your muffins cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. For a longer shelf life, freeze them in a sealed bag or container and reheat when ready to serve. To refresh from frozen, warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes and then enjoy!

Why You’ll Love These Gluten Free Apple Cider Muffins with Cinnamon Glaze

These gluten-free apple muffins are cozy, quick, and perfect for every fall occasion. They’re light yet satisfying, bursting with real apple flavor and fall spice in every bite. They’re also naturally vegan, made with Bragg’s apple cider vinegar, applesauce, and simple pantry staples. Whether you’re serving them as a quick breakfast, a sweet snack, or part of a brunch spread, they’re a guaranteed hit and sure to disappear quickly.

Tip for Tasty Apple Cider Muffins

Use fresh apple cider; do not go with apple juice. This might seem like an easy substitute, but apple juice is much sweeter, and cider will give a richer, deeper flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter; it keeps the texture soft and tender. Overmixing can lead to a batter that is too dense, thus a less fluffy muffin.
Add the topping. I know it’s optional, but seriously, add the topping! Both the streusel and the glaze make these apple and cinnamon muffins extra special.
Mini muffins bake fast. If you’re opting for mini muffins, keep your eyes on them and check them early.10 minutes might be all they need.
For extra moisture, mix in a spoonful of applesauce or a few diced apples before baking. The diced apples are a fun way to add additional texture, and the apple sauce will add little pockets of gooey sweetness.

Apple Muffin FAQ

What’s the secret to moist apple muffins? Applesauce! It keeps these moist apple cinnamon muffins light and fluffy without any dairy or eggs.

Can I make these without the glaze or streusel? Absolutely. They’re delicious plain, especially warm with a little dairy-free butter spread on top.

Can I use apple juice instead of cider? Technically, it’s possible, but I wouldn’t suggest it. Fresh apple cider gives a stronger, more authentic apple flavor, while apple juice will bring more sweetness to the muffins and less depth.

Are these apple cider muffins healthy? Yes, they’re made with wholesome ingredients, low in refined sugar, and completely gluten free and vegan!

Can I freeze apple muffins? Yes! These apple cider muffins freeze beautifully. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Other Apple Recipes

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a rating and review below! And, if you’re in the mood, here are some more perfectly apple-centric recipes to try this fall:

Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookies

Apple Cider Margarita

The Best Vegan Apple Crisp

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

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Apple cider muffins with crumb topping and glaze piled in a bowl

Jackie Akerberg

Vegan Gluten Free Apple Cider Muffins

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 12

Total Time 17

Servings: 24 mini muffins

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Healthy Snack

Calories: 112

Equipment

Oven

Ingredients

Apple Cider Muffins Ingredients

⅔ cup coconut sugar
¼ cup dairy free butter, melted
½ cup unsweetened apple sauce
¾ cup apple cider
1 tbsp Bragg Raw Unfiltered Organic With The Mother Apple Cider Vinegar
2 cups gluten free 1:1 flour
2½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp allspice
½ tsp sea salt
¾ tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder

Streusel Topping Ingredients (optional)

⅓ cup coconut sugar
½ cup gluten free 1:1 flour
½ tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
6 tbsp cold dairy-free butter, cut into cubes

Cinnamon Glaze Ingredients (optional)

½ cup powdered sweetener
2 tsp apple cider
¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla

Method

Preheat oven to 350.
Add the coconut sugar, butter, apple sauce, apple cider and apple cider vinegar to a bowl and whisk to combine.
Add the remaining dry ingredients and whisk just until combined.
Divide the batter evenly in the muffin tin, filling each cup nearly full.
Make the streusel topping by adding the ingredients to a bowl and using a pastry cutter or two forks to create a crumble. Sprinkle on each of the muffins.
Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Let cool completely and transfer to a cooling rack.
If using, prepare the cinnamon glaze by combining the ingredients in a bowl with a fork. Drizzle over each muffin. Let the glaze harden and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving 1muffinCalories 112kcalCarbohydrates 19gProtein 1gFat 5gSaturated Fat 1gPolyunsaturated Fat 1gMonounsaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 1gSodium 151mgPotassium 15mgFiber 2gSugar 6gVitamin A 3IUVitamin C 0.1mgCalcium 23mgIron 1mg

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

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2 Responses

Doreen Fish says:

October 24, 2025 at 8:19 am

Can i use regular flour in this recipe?

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1. jackfruitfulkitchen says:
  
  October 27, 2025 at 3:49 pm
  
  Hi Doreen, yes you can. I haven’t tested the recipe but it should be a simple swap! I hope you enjoy 🙂
  
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Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Cider Muffins

Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Cider Muffins