Banana streusel granola and coffee muffins recipe

Muffins are one of those foods that make us feel as snug as a bug in a rug just thinking about them. They're not something you eat in a rush; they conjure up emotions like security, calm, and maternal love. Picture a table laid with a clean linen cloth, a platter piled high with fresh muffins, mugs of strong coffee, and a bowl of berries, and you have something deeply civilised, in the finest sense, in your mind's eye.

The vegan muffins recipe

Unfortunately, this image is sometimes hard to align with a vegan diet. Many baked products that claim to be in line with a healthy, plant-based way of eating are actually packed full of nasties in one way or another.... and oftentimes as dry as a desert (not as a dessert!) But this recipe for streusel granola and coffee muffins is exactly what it says on the tin. It will result in luscious muffins that you could picture on that platter on top of that linen-covered table without any corresponding sacrifice.

Among other things, the batter includes banana and cinnamon - a warming, reassuring combination that we are particularly fond of, whether it makes an appearance in a smoothie, porridge, or baked goods. The addition of espresso or coffee granules brings a kick. If you're like us and the very scent of coffee perks you up, these smell extra delicious when baking!

To top it all off...

Our favourite part of these muffins are the topping, which makes us think of these delightful fruit crumbles. The slightly crunchy texture on top of the soft sweetness, the inviting cinnamon-sugary flavour.... it just makes us feel like we're in front of an Aga in a country kitchen, looking out the window and daydreaming. This particular crumby topping takes its name from streuselkuchen, or German crumb cake. This is a simple, soft cake covered with a mixture of sugar, butter, and flour.

The Germanic regions boast some masterly bakers, and streuselkuchen is a time-honoured classic. It's the sort of delicacy you'd be well advised to always have in an airtight container, to please guests to your home with and to enjoy with a well-deserved afternoon coffee. Unfortunately, it's also rich with butter, eggs, and sugar.   In our version, Erbology Organic Tigernut Granola on the Go replaces the animal fats. The cinnamon-sugary essence is intact, and a lovely chewiness is introduced. It's heartier and more earthy than the desserts in its genealogy, and has a charm all its own. It's a charm that is only heightened when you think about the edifying effects of sprouted buckwheat on the body and digestive system.

Buckwheat is a gluten-free seed that becomes easier to digest when sprouted. It is rich with minerals and flavonoids which help to protect your body from oxidative stress. It is accompanied in our granola by Jerusalem artichoke, an excellent source of inulin, which becomes healthy intestinal microflora promoting digestion and supporting the immune system.

The plan

All of this is to say..... go on, lay your table with a lovely cloth. Get these muffins in the oven and the coffeepot on. Ask someone with a twinkle in their eye over. Everything'll be all right in the world for that hour or so.