Healthy Vegan Sweet Potato Muffins [Oil Free]

These beautifully golden vegan sweet potato muffins are a secretly wholesome treat the entire family will enjoy. Hidden sweet potato and quinoa make these muffins a nutrient dense choice. (But no one needs to know.) 😉

This recipe was originally published in August 2018. It has been updated for content and photos.

These healthy sweet potato muffins make a fantastic and wholesome breakfast, but they’re so delicious, that no one would guess they’re hiding quinoa and veggies.

They are not only vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from eggs, but they’re also oil free to keep the fat content down.

Like my sweet potato cookies, these muffins are low in added sugar, using mostly sweet potato for their sweet taste. If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes, you should also check out this collection of healthy sweet potato recipes before you go.

Jump to:

• Why quinoa?
• Ingredients + Substitutions
• Instructions
• Variations
• Storage
• Expert Tips
• More delicious vegan muffin recipes!
• 📖 Recipe

Why quinoa?

Quinoa might sound like an odd addition to a dessert, but even if you’re not a quinoa fan, I urge you to try these! You won’t even taste it. 😉

Quinoa is high in protein, fiber, and other nutrients, plus it’s naturally gluten-free, making this a winning ingredient for our vegan sweet potato muffins.

Plus, it’s such a versatile ingredient!

You can use it to make a yummy side dish, like this coconut lime quinoa, or toss it in a soup or a salad. Quinoa also makes a fantastic filler for stuffed peppers!

Ingredients + Substitutions

Here’s everything you’ll need for our delicious vegan sweet potato muffins.

• Sweet potato: Use one that’s long and narrow for quicker roasting time. Choose one that’s small to medium size with smooth skin, free from bruises and cracks. Roasting or air frying the potato whole with its skin on is best for natural sweetness.
• Quinoa: Although generally considered a grain, quinoa is actually a seed, and adds protein to these delicious muffins.
• Almond flour: Use blanched almond flour for its fine texture and don’t sub or omit it. The almond flour adds tenderness to the muffins.
• Oat flour: Use store bought, or you may also make your own if you have rolled oats and a strong blender.
• Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup to sweeten the muffins using unrefined sugar. You may also use date syrup if you prefer.
• Almond milk: I’m using almond milk but you may use any unsweetened nut milk of your choice. I didn’t test these with soy or oat milk, but I suspect that would work fine as well.
• Baking powder: Make sure your baking powder is active and fresh for maximum rising power.
• Cinnamon: For added flavour, but you may omit it if you’d like. Or you can add more spices, such as a pinch of nutmeg and ginger.
• Chocolate chips: These are optional, but they add a lovely flavor and texture to the muffins.

Instructions

(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Bake the muffins until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, approx. 22-24 minutes.

Then remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Variations

For a fun way to change up these vegan sweet potato muffins, you may use pumpkin OR butternut squash to substitute for the sweet potato puree.

Storage

These taste best when freshly made, however, you may keep them in an sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days.

Alternatively, you may refrigerate for 3-4 days, or freeze them airtight in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips

• Weigh your flour for the most accurate results. If you don't have a kitchen scale, you may spoon the flour into your measuring cup and use a knife to scrape off the excess. Do not scoop from the bag!
• Use fresh and active baking powder. Baking powder that is open in your pantry for 6+ months can start to lose its effectiveness.
• If possible, roast your sweet potato and cook the quinoa one day in advance, or several hours before you plan to make the muffins.

More delicious vegan muffin recipes!

📖 Recipe