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Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, wholesome treat that feels like a warm hug from your oven, this Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. These muffins are moist, fluffy, and perfectly spiced — plus, they’re plant-based, super easy to whip up, and ridiculously satisfying. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these sweet potato muffins will become your go-to for breakfasts, snacks, or even a comforting dessert. Let me walk you through everything to make sure yours turn out just as fantastic as mine do!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Moist and Fluffy Texture: The sweet potato puree adds natural moisture, while the baking powder and soda help the muffins rise beautifully.
  • Warm, Comforting Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a cozy flavor that’s perfect any time of year.
  • Plant-Based Friendly: Made with plant-based milk and applesauce, this recipe suits a variety of diets without compromising flavor.
  • Easy and Versatile: No complicated steps here — plus, great for customization with toppings or mix-ins.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe plays a special role in creating muffins that are tender, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet. From the wet ingredients that bring moisture to the dry ones packed with spices, these components work together perfectly. Here’s a quick look at the essentials with tips for picking the best ones.

  • Plant-based milk: Soy milk works best for richness, but you can use any plant milk; the acidity with apple cider vinegar helps the muffins rise.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to lighten the batter without overpowering the flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: The base for structure — using unbleached flour gives a better texture.
  • Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents work together to give your muffins a nice lift and soft crumb.
  • Ground cinnamon, nutmeg & ginger: Classic fall spices that add warmth and depth; nutmeg and ginger are optional but recommended for that cozy feel.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors; a little goes a long way.
  • Sweet potato puree: Canned works great for convenience, but fresh puree adds a homemade touch if you have extra time.
  • Neutral oil: Keeps muffins moist without imparting flavor — avocado or sunflower oil are great alternatives.
  • Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
  • Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness while keeping the muffins soft.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. I love playing around with different flavors and textures to suit the season or my mood. Feel free to customize it to make your muffins truly your own!

  • Nutty Upgrade: I like to add chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a crunchy contrast — my family loves the extra texture.
  • Extra Sweetness: If I want a sweeter muffin, sometimes I mix in a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips or dried cranberries into the batter without changing much else.
  • Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, keeping everything else the same, and the muffins still come out wonderfully fluffy.
  • Spice Adjustments: Depending on my spice cravings, I sometimes up the cinnamon or add a pinch of cardamom for a slightly exotic twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Mixing the Milk and Vinegar to Start

Begin by combining your plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar in a small cup or bowl. This mixture will thicken and curdle slightly after about 5 minutes, which is exactly what we want — it mimics buttermilk and gives the muffins a tender crumb. Don’t skip this part; it makes a noticeable difference.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if you’re using it), and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed so every muffin has that balanced flavor and rise.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, I mix the sweet potato puree, neutral oil, brown sugar, applesauce, and the milk-vinegar mixture. It’s fun to see this come together as a smooth, thick batter that smells amazing from the spices already.

Step 4: Marry the Wet and Dry

Add the wet ingredients into the dry, and gently stir them together until they just come together. Be careful not to overmix here — trust me, the muffins will thank you. The batter should be a little lumpy but without any powdery spots of dry flour.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

I fill my muffin tin liners all the way to the top with batter — this gives the muffins nice big domed tops. If you want, sprinkle your favorite nuts or seeds before popping them into the oven. Bake at 375°F for about 18–20 minutes. Insert a toothpick to check — if it comes out clean, they’re ready!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the tin for 10 minutes — this helps them set and makes them easier to remove. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully. Eating them warm is divine, but I love how the flavors deepen and textures improve once cooled.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter made my muffins dense and gummy once — now I stop stirring as soon as the ingredients are combined.
  • Rest the Batter: Letting the batter sit for about 10 minutes before baking helps create lighter, fluffier muffins — it’s a small step that pays off.
  • Fill to the Top: For big, rounded tops, I always fill my muffin molds fully — it’s worth the tiny mess!
  • Customize Toppings: Adding pecans or pumpkin seeds on top creates crunch and elegance; just make sure to add them before baking, so they stick perfectly.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe

The image shows a group of orange-brown muffins with a rough, cracked top texture scattered on a white marbled surface. The muffins have pleated white baking liners and are placed at different angles, some lying on their sides and others standing upright. One muffin sits inside a metal muffin tray that looks old and used, positioned toward the top right of the image. A white cloth with light gray stripes is partially visible at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to top these muffins with a light spread of vegan butter or a dollop of maple-infused cream cheese for breakfast. Sometimes I sprinkle shredded coconut or a dusting of cinnamon sugar right before serving — adds just enough extra oomph without overdoing it.

Side Dishes

Sweet potato muffins pair perfectly with a cup of chai latte or your morning coffee. For a fuller brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit salad or a green smoothie to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these muffins in a rustic basket lined with a gingham napkin and garnished with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme—it adds a cozy, homemade feel that guests always compliment. You can also top them with a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, I store the leftover sweet potato muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days — sometimes I slip a paper towel inside to keep them from getting soggy. If you live somewhere humid, the fridge works too, but bring them back to room temp before eating for best flavor.

Freezing

I freeze extras regularly! I wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then pop them all into a freezer-safe bag. When I want a quick snack, I take one out to thaw on the counter or reheat it gently in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer a quick zap in the microwave or warming in a toaster oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to crisp up the exterior while keeping the interior soft. Avoid overbaking so the muffins don’t dry out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned puree?

    Absolutely! Just peel, chop, boil or steam 1 to 2 sweet potatoes until very tender, then puree until smooth. Use 1 ½ cups of the fresh puree in place of the canned version. It adds a slightly fresher flavor, and I actually prefer it when I have the time.

  2. How do I prevent my muffins from being dense or tough?

    Be sure not to overmix the batter — stir until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined, even if there are a few lumps. Also, letting the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking helps the gluten relax and makes the muffins fluffier.

  3. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

    Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. I recommend blends that include xanthan gum for better texture. The muffins might be a bit more delicate but still delicious.

  4. What’s the best way to store leftover muffins?

    Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze individually wrapped muffins, then thaw or reheat as needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about baking these sweet potato muffins — the aromas fill the kitchen, and sharing them feels like an act of love. I hope you’ll give this Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe a try soon, whether you’re cozying up for a lazy weekend brunch or need an afternoon pick-me-up. Once you taste their soft, spiced goodness, I bet they’ll become a staple in your baking rotation, just like they are in mine.

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Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Deliciously moist and fluffy sweet potato muffins made with plant-based ingredients, perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack option. Packed with warm spices and naturally sweetened with brown sugar and applesauce, these muffins are vegan and perfect for cozy mornings.


Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup plant-based milk (soy works best)
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 (15-ounce) can sweet potato puree
  • ½ cup neutral oil
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 (3.9-ounce) cup unsweetened applesauce

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a muffin tin with 12 silicone or parchment paper liners.
  2. Prepare Buttermilk Substitute: In a cup, combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Set aside for 5 minutes until thickened.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the sweet potato puree, neutral oil, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, and the thickened plant-based milk mixture. Stir until fully combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to prevent dense muffins. Let the batter rest while the oven preheats.
  6. Fill Muffin Tin: Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top for big, fluffy muffins.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • If canned sweet potato puree is unavailable, cook and puree 1 to 2 fresh sweet potatoes to yield 1 ½ cups for this recipe.
  • Do not overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients come together to avoid dense or gummy muffins.
  • Allow the batter to rest for about 10 minutes before baking to help improve muffin texture.
  • Fill muffin tins completely to create large, rounded tops.
  • Optional toppings such as pecans, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or vegan chocolate chips can be sprinkled on top before baking for added flavor and texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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