|

Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious treat that feels like a warm hug in muffin form, you’re going to adore this Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe. I stumbled upon this one on a chilly weekend and instantly knew it was a keeper—moist, comforting, and perfectly spiced, these muffins are absolute magic, whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast or a snack on the go. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe close!

🤍

Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Moisture Balance: The combination of sweet potato puree and applesauce keeps these muffins wonderfully moist without being greasy.
  • Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger provide a cozy, autumnal flavor that’s just irresistible.
  • Simple Plant-Based Ingredients: Using plant-based milk and oil makes this recipe versatile and approachable for various diets.
  • Easy Prep & Baking: It’s a straightforward process that even beginner bakers can breeze through with great results.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture—plus they’re easy to find. Here’s why each one matters and a quick tip so you can shop smart.

  • Plant-based milk: Soy milk works best because of its creamy consistency and neutral flavor, which complements the sweet potato without overpowering it.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to give the muffins their lift and tender crumb.
  • All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together; be sure to spoon and level it to avoid dense muffins.
  • Baking powder & baking soda: Both leavening agents work together for that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
  • Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, & ginger: These spices deepen the flavor and make the muffins feel cozy and festive.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
  • Sweet potato puree: Using canned puree is a time saver, but homemade works beautifully too—just make sure it’s smooth and well-drained.
  • Neutral oil: Keeps muffins moist without adding any extra flavor that competes.
  • Brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and moisture, giving that slight caramel note.
  • Unsweetened applesauce: Gives extra moisture while reducing the need for added fats—plus it pairs perfectly with sweet potato.
📝
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

One of the best things about this Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to boost the spice, sneak in some nuts, or make it vegan-friendly, there’s room to play—and I’ll share what’s worked best for me.

  • Add-ins: I love tossing in chopped walnuts or vegan chocolate chips for extra texture and a little surprise in every bite.
  • Sweetness level: Sometimes I dial down the brown sugar a bit if I want a less sweet snack, but it’s perfect as written for most folks.
  • Gluten-free variation: Try swapping the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend if you’re avoiding gluten—just check your baking powder doesn’t contain any wheat derivatives.
  • Seasonal twist: Around the holidays, I sometimes add a splash of orange zest to brighten things up.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use either silicone muffin liners or parchment paper liners to avoid sticking—this makes cleanup a breeze. While the oven warms up, line your 12-cup muffin tin with these liners. Trust me, the muffins come out perfectly shaped and unharmed this way.

Step 2: Make Your Plant-Based Buttermilk

Mix your plant-based milk with the apple cider vinegar in a small cup and set it aside for about 5 minutes. This little DIY buttermilk thickens up and helps your muffins stay tender with a nice crumb. I use soy milk here, but almond or oat milk would work too.

Step 3: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients well at this stage ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly spread—giving you muffins that rise evenly and taste balanced.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, stir together the sweet potato puree, oil, brown sugar, applesauce, and your plant-based milk mixture until smooth and fully combined. I like to use my whisk here to get everything silky, but a spoon works just fine.

Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Now pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir just until the flour disappears—don’t worry if you see a few small lumps; that’s perfect! Overmixing is the number one cause of dense, gummy muffins, so mix gently and stop as soon as it comes together.

Step 6: Let the Batter Rest

This is my secret for amazing texture: let the batter sit for 10 minutes before scooping. This rest time helps the gluten relax and the baking powder start working, giving your muffins a lighter, fluffier crumb.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop the batter into your muffin tin cups, filling them right to the top (yes, don’t be shy!). This technique helps create those beautifully rounded muffin tops we all love. If you want, sprinkle nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips on top before baking.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Watch them carefully near the end so they don’t overbake—nothing worse than dried-out muffins!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before digging in. These muffins are great warm, but letting them cool lets the flavors develop fully and texture settle just right.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the batter rest before baking changed these muffins from good to unforgettable for me.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid heavy, dense muffins.
  • Fill to the Top: Overflowing batter might seem messy but trust me, it gives you those perfect bakery-style domed muffin tops.
  • Watch Baking Time Closely: Baking even a few minutes too long can dry them out, so check early if your oven runs hot.

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 topping mine with a light smear of vegan butter or maple butter for breakfast, but if I’m serving them dessert-style, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cinnamon glaze really kicks it up a notch. Toasted pecans on top add a nice crunch, too.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with fresh fruit like sliced apples or a berry compote for a balanced, colorful plate. They’re also fantastic alongside a warming mug of chai tea or your favorite coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch with friends, I like to serve these muffins stacked on a pretty platter with little pots of nut butters, jams, and even coconut whipped cream on the side—turning an everyday treat into a stylish spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I keep them on the counter wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to maintain moisture and texture. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is fine but might require reheating before eating.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag. They last up to 3 months frozen. When I’m preparing for busy mornings, a batch in the freezer is a lifesaver.

Reheating

I reheat frozen muffins by popping them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warming them in a toaster oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. This restores their soft texture and that freshly baked feeling. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

FAQs

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

    Absolutely! If you can’t find canned sweet potato puree, just peel, chop, and boil or steam fresh sweet potatoes until soft, then mash or blend until smooth. Use about 1 ½ cups of fresh puree to match the canned amount. Just make sure the puree isn’t watery to keep your muffins from becoming soggy.

  2. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

    Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for 1-to-1 baking. Be sure your leavening agents don’t contain gluten, and expect a slightly different texture—sometimes a little crumblier but still delicious.

  3. Why do my muffins sometimes turn out dense?

    Dense muffins often mean the batter was overmixed. When you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overworking develops gluten, which makes muffins tough. Also, ensure you’re measuring flour correctly and not packing it in.

  4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe?

    Definitely! I often add chopped walnuts or vegan chocolate chips right before baking for texture and flavor contrast. You can sprinkle them on top or fold them into the batter gently.

  5. How do I store leftover Sweet Potato Muffins?

    Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I crave something wholesome but indulgent. I love how easy it is to whip up, and each bite feels like a little moment of warmth. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Give it a try—I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorites too, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or just enjoying solo with your morning coffee.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • 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 vegan breakfast or snack. These muffins combine sweet potato puree, warm spices, and brown sugar to create a comforting treat that’s both nutritious and flavorful.


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. Prepare Oven and Liners: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with silicone or parchment paper liners.
  2. Make Buttermilk Substitute: In a small cup, mix the plant-based milk with apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Set aside.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine sweet potato puree, neutral oil, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, and the thickened plant-based milk mixture. Stir until fully blended.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. A few small lumps are okay. Let the batter rest while the oven finishes preheating.
  6. Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top for full, fluffy muffins.
  7. Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool Muffins: Remove muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • If canned sweet potato puree is unavailable, cook 1 to 2 medium sweet potatoes by boiling or steaming until tender, then puree in a blender or food processor to measure 1 ½ cups.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent dense or gummy muffins; mix just until dry ingredients are incorporated.
  • Allow the batter to rest for about 10 minutes before baking to improve muffin texture and fluffiness.
  • Fill muffin cups fully to achieve big, rounded tops on the muffins.
  • Optionally, sprinkle toppings like pecans, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or vegan chocolate chips on muffins before baking for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star