If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a soft, moist muffin bursting with juicy fruit yet completely plant-based, you’re in for a treat. This Vegan Double Strawberry Muffins Recipe is hands down one of my favorite ways to celebrate fresh strawberries, whether it’s spring, summer, or anytime strawberries catch my eye at the market. Imagine muffins loaded with pureed and chopped strawberries—double the strawberry goodness in every bite. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these in your regular baking rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Fresh Strawberries: Using both pureed and chopped strawberries means the flavor is intense and juicy throughout.
- 100% Vegan and Naturally Moist: The oil and plant-based milk keep these muffins tender without any eggs or dairy.
- Simple Ingredients You Can Find Anywhere: No tricky or exotic items here, just pantry staples plus fresh fruit.
- Perfect for All Occasions: These muffins are great for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or bringing to gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The combination of ripe strawberries in both pureed and chopped forms really makes this Vegan Double Strawberry Muffins Recipe shine. I always recommend using fresh strawberries when possible, but frozen works too if properly thawed. Let me walk you through what I use and why—it’ll help with your shopping list!
- Ripe Strawberries: Fresh is best, but if you use frozen, thaw and drain well so your batter isn’t too watery.
- Granulated Sugar: I use organic cane sugar to keep it refined sugar-free, but regular sugar works perfectly fine.
- Dairy-Free Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well—you’re just looking to add a little moisture and activate the leavening.
- Neutral Flavored Oil: Like canola or sunflower; olive oil can be overpowering here.
- Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: This provides a “buttermilk effect” to help the muffins rise beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract (optional): For that cozy, sweet undertone I find irresistible.
- Food Coloring (optional): I sometimes add a tiny bit of pink food coloring to give a fun blush color—totally skip this if you prefer natural tones.
- All-Purpose Flour: Spoon and level for accuracy to avoid dry muffins, or see the notes below for gluten-free options.
- Baking Powder: The main leavening agent to get those muffins rising tall.
- Baking Soda: Works with the acid from strawberries and vinegar for an extra lift.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and deepen flavor.
- Chopped Fresh Strawberries: For that delightful burst of juicy chunks in every bite.
Variations
Since I love playing with this recipe, I want to encourage you to make it your own! It’s flexible enough to handle tweaks for your preferences or what’s on hand without losing its magic.
- Gluten-Free Version: I experimented with King Arthur’s Measure for Measure flour and though the texture shifts a bit, it’s still delicious—just keep expectations that gluten-free muffins can be denser.
- Added Nuts or Seeds: I once tossed in chopped almonds for crunch, which my family absolutely adored, but be careful not to crowd the batter too much or it won’t rise as nicely.
- Swapped Fruit: You can replace some strawberries with fresh raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry twist that’s equally delicious.
- Less Sweet Option: Cutting back the sugar by a quarter cup works fine if you prefer less sweetness, especially if your strawberries are very ripe and naturally sweet.
How to Make Vegan Double Strawberry Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Puree your strawberries into a luscious base
Start by removing stems from about 2 cups of fresh strawberries, then puree them using a stick blender or food processor. The puree creates a juicy, flavorful base that gives these muffins their signature strawberry kick. I always do this in a large bowl because we’ll be mixing everything together right after. If your strawberries are frozen, thaw and drain any excess water first so your batter doesn’t turn too runny.
Step 2: Whisk in the wet ingredients
Add the sugar, dairy-free milk, oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), vanilla extract, and food coloring if you’re using it, to the strawberry puree. Whisk everything together until well combined. I love how vibrant and irresistible this mixture looks already—it’s like a promise of sweet, strawberry bliss.
Step 3: Combine your dry ingredients but don’t over-mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then gently add these dry ingredients to the wet strawberry mixture. Whisk just until it’s almost combined, leaving small pockets of flour here and there. That thick batter is exactly what you want—it means your muffins will be tender and rise well. I used to worry if the batter looked lumpy, but that’s perfectly normal!
Step 4: Fold in chopped strawberries and portion for baking
Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, taking care not to overmix. The chunky fruit adds texture and extra strawberry bursts in every mouthful. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, dollop heaping mounds of batter into muffin liners—you want them fairly full for nicely domed tops. I recommend baking no more than 6 muffins at once in a 12-cup muffin tray for the best rise and highest tops.
Step 5: Top with extra strawberries and bake
Sprinkle chopped strawberries on top of each muffin and gently press into the batter. This not only looks pretty but adds an extra juicy finish. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake or your muffins will dry out—that was a mistake I made the first time, but now I keep a close eye from 20 minutes onward.
Step 6: Cool and enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are delightful warm or at room temperature, though I have to admit I often snatch one fresh from the oven when they’re still soft and juicy!
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Double Strawberry Muffins Recipe
- Measure Flour Properly: Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method—too much flour dries out muffins, and this was a game-changer for me.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing until everything is just combined keeps muffins tender; overmixing results in a dense texture I don’t love.
- Bake in Small Batches: Baking 6 muffins at a time gives you the best rise and those perfectly domed tops.
- Watch Your Baking Time: Check at 22 minutes; pulling them out right when a toothpick is almost clean means the muffins stay wonderfully moist.
How to Serve Vegan Double Strawberry Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
I usually add a few fresh strawberry slices or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet and pretty finish. Sometimes I slather a little vegan butter or jam on warm muffins too—gets me every time!
Side Dishes
These strawberry muffins pair so well with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy morning. If you’re serving brunch, I love pairing them with creamy coconut yogurt or a mixed fruit salad for a colorful, fresh spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, for a birthday party, I arranged the muffins in a cake shape on a platter, adding extra strawberries and edible flowers on top. It was a total showstopper and super easy to do—your guests will think you went all out!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover muffins tightly in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for about three days. I like to keep them on the counter because refrigeration can dry them out a bit.
Freezing
I freeze any extras in a freezer-safe bag after wrapping individually in parchment paper to prevent sticking. They hold up wonderfully for up to a month without losing their strawberry flavor or texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen muffins, I pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and juiciness like magic.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen strawberries in the Vegan Double Strawberry Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using. Frozen strawberries can sometimes add extra moisture, so draining helps keep your batter the right consistency and your muffins from turning too soggy.
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What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar or lemon juice?
You can replace the vinegar or lemon juice with a little extra dairy-free milk, though using an acid helps the baking powder and soda react properly for a better rise and lighter texture. Without it, muffins might be a bit denser.
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How can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that measures cup-for-cup. Keep in mind the texture will be a bit different, often denser, so expect a softer, less airy muffin. I’ve found King Arthur’s Measure for Measure flour works well here.
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Can I add other fruits or nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to swap some strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch. Just be careful not to add too much extra volume or the muffins might overflow or not rise as high.
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How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center— it should come out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs. Avoid waiting until it’s completely dry, as that usually means overbaked, which dries the muffins out.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Double Strawberry Muffins Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines comfort with the natural sweetness of fresh fruit, all while being plant-based and allergy-friendly. Every time I bake these, it feels like sharing a warm hug through food. I hope you’ll love making and eating them just as much as I do—these muffins are perfect for brightening up any morning or sweetening your day.
Print
Vegan Double Strawberry Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 large muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, Western
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Double Strawberry Muffins are a delightful treat bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, made without any dairy or eggs. Using ripe strawberries both in the batter and as a topping, these muffins offer a moist, thick texture with a beautifully sweet and tangy taste. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, they are simple to prepare and bake into fluffy, fruit-filled delights that keep well at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) ripe strawberries, fresh or frozen then defrosted (weighed after stems removed)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons (40g) dairy-free milk
- ½ cup (125g) neutral flavored oil
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (or replace with more dairy-free milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon pink food coloring (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose plain flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup (120g) fresh strawberries, chopped
To Decorate (Optional)
- 1 cup (120g) fresh strawberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line 1-2 muffin pans with muffin liners. This recipe yields 12 large muffins or at least 14 regular-sized muffins.
- Puree Strawberries: Add the strawberries to a large bowl and puree them using a stick blender, or puree in a blender/food processor and transfer to a large bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add sugar, dairy-free milk, oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), vanilla extract, and food coloring to the strawberry puree. Whisk until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the bowl. Whisk gently until just combined; the batter should be thick and may have some small pockets of flour remaining. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Chopped Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries until just incorporated, preserving the chunky texture.
- Fill Muffin Pans: Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, divide the thick batter evenly among the muffin cups, creating heaped mounds.
- Decorate: Sprinkle additional chopped strawberries on top of each muffin and gently press them into the surface.
- Bake: Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain moistness.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Store leftover muffins airtight at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
Notes
- Measure ingredients by weight using a kitchen scale for best accuracy, especially strawberries and flour. Use spoon and level method for flour if no scale is available.
- Food coloring intensity varies; adjust amount accordingly. Beetroot powder is an alternative but may cause browning when baked.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but texture will vary. Consider baking a dedicated gluten-free strawberry cake for best results.
- Adding too many chopped strawberries can cause batter overflow; spread batter across more muffin liners if increasing strawberry quantity.
- For highest muffin tops, bake 6 muffins at a time in a 12-cup tray with space in between to allow hot air circulation for faster, taller rising. Bake in multiple batches if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large muffin
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg