Cinnamon Bliss: Date-Sweetened Swirl Muffins

When it comes to baked goods, few treats can rival the comforting allure of Cinnamon Swirl Muffins. The blend of moist muffin and decadent cinnamon filling is pure heaven for the taste buds. What if we told you we created a recipe with a healthier twist? Let's dive into the world of cinnamon swirl with a unique feature that sets our recipe apart – a date-sweetened cinnamon filling and the use of applesauce in place of oil. These muffins are not only a flavorful delight but also gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from refined sugars, making them an ideal choice for those with dietary preferences or restrictions! 

Not Your Average Muffin 

In place of oil, we've incorporated applesauce into our muffin recipe. Applesauce not only adds moisture to the muffins but also enhances their flavor profile with a subtle hint of apple. This healthy swap reduces the overall saturated fat content while providing essential vitamins and dietary fiber, making these muffins even more nutritious. By using dates as the primary sweetener for our muffins, we've eliminated refined sugars from the equation. This results in a delightful treat that's gentler on your blood sugar levels while offering the natural sweetness of this wholesome fruit. 

Muffin base ingredients: 

• 3 large ripe and spotty bananas
• 1/2 cup plant-based yogurt
• 1 cup date sugar
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1/3 cup dairy free milk of choice + 2 tbsp ground flax seeds (OR sub 2 eggs for the milk and flax seed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1 + ¾ cup oat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder 
• 1  tsp cinnamon

 Cinnamon “sugar” filling ingrediens:

• 1/2 cup apple sauce 
• 1 cup date sugar
• 1/4 cup date syrup 
• 2 tbsp cinnamon

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf tin. 
2. Mix the 1/3 cup plants based milk with the 2 tbsp of flax seeds and set aside to thicken for 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, mash the bananas, then mix in the yogurt, date sugar, milk and flax seed mixture, and vanilla. 
4. Stir in the remaining dry ingredients (besides the cinnamon sugar swirl ingredients) and mix into a smooth batter.  
5. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon sugar filling ingredients. Set aside. 
6. Pour about 2 Tbsp of the muffin batter into the muffin tin, then about 1 Tbsp cinnamon sugar filling, and then 2 Tbsp batter for the final layer
7. Bake for 40-50 minutes, until a knife comes out clean. Allow to cool 25 mins and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container on the counter once it is completely cooled.

Enjoy!

XOXO,