Name: Vegan Savoury Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 3 cups (375g) all-purpose plain flour, spooned and leveled; ¼ cup (12g) nutritional yeast or to taste; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon dried mixed Italian herbs; 2 teaspoons garlic powder or onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ¼ cups (315g) dairy-free milk; ½ cup (125g) light olive oil or oil of choice; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or white vinegar (optional); ~1 cup (150g) grated zucchini; ~1 cup (100g) grated carrot; 1 cup (120g) red capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped, optional; ½ cup (15g) baby spinach leaves, finely chopped, optional; 3 tablespoons (25g) raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

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If you’re looking for a scrumptious, healthy snack that’s as good for breakfast on the go as it is for a cozy weekend brunch, let me introduce you to Vegan Savoury Muffins. These golden, veggie-filled delights are bursting with flavor, sporting a moist crumb and a beautiful medley of colors. Perfect for those seeking a dairy-free option without sacrificing taste, they’re a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your day. Plus, these muffins are endlessly versatile — delightful fresh from the oven or packed in a lunchbox, they never fail to win hearts (and appetites)!

Vegan Savoury Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Vegan Savoury Muffins truly special is how effortlessly their simple pantry staples and vibrant veggies combine. Each ingredient is hand-picked to create bold flavor, tender texture, and a touch of wholesome goodness in every bite.

All-purpose plain flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft foundation of these muffins. Spoon and level for the fluffiest results!
Nutritional yeast: Adds a wonderful cheesy depth without dairy — go for more to taste or skip for a milder muffin.
Baking powder: Ensures a high rise and light texture, so your muffins don’t end up dense or heavy.
Baking soda: Gives extra lift and helps with browning, thanks to the acidic ingredients.
Dried mixed Italian herbs: Brings fragrant, herby notes for that comforting, savory aroma.
Garlic powder or onion powder: Adds a subtle warmth and is the secret to their irresistible savoriness.
Salt: Balances the flavors and pulls out the best in all the veggies and seasonings.
Dairy-free milk: Provides moisture and binds everything, so no crumbly muffins in sight.
Light olive oil or oil of choice: Keeps every bite tender and moist, with a clean background flavor.
Apple cider vinegar, lemon juice or white vinegar: Acts as a gentle tang for a flavor boost and helps with the rise (optional, but highly recommended).
Grated zucchini: Brings moisture and an earthy freshness; a great way to sneak in veggies.
Grated carrot: Adds a lovely hint of sweetness and keeps the muffins super soft.
Red capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped (optional): Pops of sweetness and a vibrant red color for extra visual appeal.
Baby spinach leaves, finely chopped (optional): Tender greens for a nutrient and color boost.
Raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), for decorating (optional): Crunchy and nutty, they add texture to the golden tops.

How to Make Vegan Savoury Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by setting your oven to 180°C (350°F), so it’s piping hot and ready when your batter is done. Line a 12-cup muffin tray with muffin cases—this keeps your muffins from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, nutritional yeast, baking powder, baking soda, dried Italian herbs, garlic or onion powder, and salt. Whisking ensures every bite of your Vegan Savoury Muffins has even flavor, rise, and moisture. You’ll notice a wonderfully herby aroma right off the bat.

Step 3: Stir in the Wet Ingredients and Veggies

Now, pour in the dairy-free milk, olive oil, vinegar, and lovingly fold in the grated zucchini, carrot, capsicum, and spinach. Gently mix until everything is just combined—a thick batter is what you want. Overmixing at this stage would make your muffins tough, so resist the urge!

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups

Using an ice cream scoop or a large spoon, divide the batter evenly among the lined muffin cups. It’s perfectly fine (encouraged, even!) for the batter to mound a bit above each liner. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few pumpkin seeds on top for that signature look and a satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The muffins should be golden on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Vegan Savoury Muffins

Garnishes

For a pretty finish, I love dotting the tops of Vegan Savoury Muffins with extra pumpkin seeds, a pinch of flaky salt, or a sprinkle of fresh chives. If you’re in the mood for even more color, a tiny dollop of vegan cream cheese makes a beautiful (and tasty) crowning touch.

Side Dishes

These muffins shine alongside a crisp salad, a bowl of homemade soup, or even with a simple swirl of smashed avocado. They’re a dream addition to brunch spreads or as a side for creamy plant-based dips—think hummus or baba ganoush.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the muffins in half and layer with tomato slices and leafy greens for a savory tea sandwich. Or, pack mini versions into picnic baskets. For parties, bake them in smaller tins to serve as crowd-pleasing finger food on a colorful platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Vegan Savoury Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay perfectly moist, retaining that freshly-baked taste. After two days, transfer any extras to the fridge, where they’ll keep well for up to five days.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month—meaning you’re just minutes away from a wholesome snack whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or pop in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5-10 minutes. If frozen, let them thaw first or tack on a minute or two in the oven. Warm Vegan Savoury Muffins are pure comfort food!

FAQs

Can I make these Vegan Savoury Muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the regular flour for a blend of chickpea flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour (use 190g of each). You can go completely with gluten-free blend, but for the best rise, I recommend mixing flours—it keeps the muffins fluffy and delicious.

Can I substitute the veggies?

Definitely! The grated carrot and zucchini are interchangeable, and you can leave out the capsicum or spinach, or swap them for other finely-chopped veggies like corn, peas, or kale. Just keep in mind that the more vegetables you add, the denser and moister the muffin will become.

What if I don’t have nutritional yeast?

No worries! Omit it and add a tablespoon more flour. You might want to amp up the herbs slightly to make sure your Vegan Savoury Muffins maintain their flavorful punch, as the nutritional yeast adds that beloved cheesy savor.

How can I keep my muffins from becoming too dense?

Make sure not to overmix the batter, and measure your flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method. Too much flour, or overworking the batter, can create dense, gummy muffins rather than those irresistible fluffy bites you’re after.

Are these Vegan Savoury Muffins good for kids?

Kids usually love these thanks to the gentle flavors and soft texture! They’re a sneaky way to pack veggies into picky eaters’ diets—just chop the vegetables finely and call them “pizza muffins” for extra kid appeal.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making a batch for meal prep or as a tasty veggie-packed treat for friends, Vegan Savoury Muffins never disappoint. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep them on regular rotation in your kitchen. Give them a whirl and let their flavor and color brighten your day!