Vegan and Gluten-Free Strawberries & Cream Dream Muffins Recipe
These Vegan and Gluten-Free Strawberries & Cream Dream Muffins are a deliciously moist and tender treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with wholesome ingredients like gluten-free oat flour, almond flour, and fresh strawberries, these muffins feature a delightful dairy-free cream cheese filling that adds a creamy, tangy surprise in every bite. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and monk fruit sweetener, they are a healthier indulgence suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
For the Muffins:
- 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups gluten-free oat flour
- 1/3 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup freshly diced strawberries OR blueberries
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces dairy-free cream cheese
- 2 tbsp arrowroot powder
- 1 tbsp Lakanto monk fruit sweetener or sugar
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with parchment paper muffin cups to prepare for baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, dairy-free yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free oat flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix to keep the muffins light and tender.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the freshly diced strawberries (or blueberries) to the batter, distributing the fruit evenly without crushing them.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a food processor, blend the dairy-free cream cheese with arrowroot powder and Lakanto monk fruit sweetener until smooth and creamy, creating the luscious filling.
- Fill Muffin Cups – First Layer: Spoon the muffin batter into the lined muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
- Add Cream Cheese Filling: Place a dollop of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each muffin cup, adding a delicious surprise middle.
- Fill Muffin Cups – Top Layer: Cover the cream cheese filling with a little more muffin batter until the muffin cups are nearly full, sealing the filling inside.
- Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin layer (avoiding the filling) comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to set the texture.
- Serve: Once cooled, serve and enjoy these nourishing strawberry shortcake breakfast muffins, perfect for any time of day.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid dense muffins.
- Fresh strawberries give the best flavor, but blueberries can be used as an alternative.
- Ensure your dairy-free cream cheese is softened for easier blending.
- Use parchment liners to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These muffins can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan muffins, gluten-free muffins, strawberry muffins, dairy-free, healthy breakfast, vegan dessert, gluten-free baking