Cook time: 25 mins | Prep time: 15 mins | Serves: 12

Ingredients.

• 1/2 cup pitted dates

• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

• 1 cup gluten-free plain flour

• 1/4 cup organic coconut sugar or natural sweetener

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 large red apples, grated

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 free-range egg

• 3/4 cup coconut milk or any plant-based milk

• 70ml light olive oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Extra sunflower seeds and coconut sugar to top muffins before cooking.

Spiced vegan caramel sauce - makes 3/4 cup

• 1 cup pitted dates

• 150ml - 200ml coconut milk

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method.

1. Preheat oven to 180°C fan forced (350°F). Grease and line a 12-hole muffin tray.

2. In a food processor blitz up the dates and sunflower seeds to a fine crumb. Then add the flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon.

3. In a separate bowl add the grated apples with skin on. Then add the apple cider vinegar, egg, plant milk, light olive oil, vanilla extract and combine.

4. Add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix with a fork to combine. Use a tablespoon and fill each muffin hole and sprinkle with coconut sugar on each muffin.

5. Place on the bottom shelf of the oven for 20 minutes. Test with a skewer to make sure they are cooked. Set aside and cool for 10 minutes serve with spiced caramel sauce.

Spiced vegan caramel sauce.

1. Measure pitted dates in the cup. Fill up to the brim with boiling hot water. Let steep for 5 minutes then drain.

2. Blitz the dates, coconut milk and ground spices for 2 minutes until smooth.

Serve warm with muffins

Enjoy! Amanda x