Nbirz

Plant-based, gluten-free cooking.

Vegan Blueberry Oat Mug Muffin (Gluten-free, Oil-free)

Breakfast

Vegan Blueberry Oat Mug Muffin (Gluten-free, Oil-free)

Make a vegan blueberry oat mug muffin in the microwave in 3 minutes, from start to finish! A nourishing, filling breakfast, it is also oil-free and gluten-free.
overhead shot of a vegan blueberry oat mug muffin with a spoon

Nourishing Vegan Mug Muffin, Made in the Microwave

Uh-oh. I feel an obsession coming on.

I didn’t think that I would have the time to post much this week given our impending family holiday. I typically getanxious crazyjittery before big trips, so the thought of developing, testing, photographing, and writing about new recipes days before–on top of my regular work/mom/spouse/cat feeder/laundress duties–looms large.

But then I started creating mug recipes. Quick, straightforward. and nourishing mug recipes. And Idon’t want tocan’t stop; it’s entirely too much fun. The positive responses coming from many of you are further egging me on, hence I’ve been busy dirtying countless mugs in between packing.

I’m creating plenty of flops along the way. But a wonderful aspect of these mug recipes from a recipe developer’s perspective is that I can conduct multiple tests over the course of 20 to 30 minutes, all with minimal ingredients. It’s proving to be an excellent diversion from my pre-triphysteriafretting.

Up today: myVegan Blueberry Oat Mug Muffin.

close-up of a vegan blueberry oat mug muffin in a turqoise ramekin

Recipe Benefits

  • Ready, start to finish, in about 3 minutes
  • Vegan (egg-free, gluten-free)
  • Gluten-free
  • Oil-free
  • Straightforward as can be

Ingredients

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.Toggle betweenUS Customary(volume) andMetric(weights) for preferred measurement option.

  • oat flour, (see notes for making your own from rolled oats)
  • baking powder
  • salt
  • unsweetened applesauce
  • coconut sugar, or sugar of choice
  • vanilla extract
  • ground cinnamon
  • blueberries

Oat Flour for Microwave Muffins

It took multipledisastersattempts before I got this one right. I wanted a wholesome muffin that was equal parts tender and hearty.

It turns out that gluten-free grains and flours make the reliable mug muffins by default. The reason is plain: the gluten (a protein) in wheat and other glutinous flours toughens with microwave “baking.” Additionally, it also has a raw taste when cooked rapidly.

Oat flour avoids both problems. It can be made from the rolled oats you have on hand and creates a tender mug muffin with almost no effort!

Step by Step Instructions

Note that the complete instructions are also in the recipe card below.

  • Lightly grease or spray a 12-ounce capacity mug (or ramekin) with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In the mug, stir together the oat flour, baking powder, salt, applesauce, coconut sugar, vanilla and cinnamon until blended. Stir in the blueberries.
  • Microwave on regular HIGH setting for 1 and 1/2 to 2 minutes (check at 1 minute 20) or until center is just set. Let cool slightly or entirely. Eat!

Variations

  • Swap the blueberries for dried fruit, chocolate chips, chopped apple, seeds, or nuts.
  • Substitute the applesauce with mashed, very ripe banana and skip the coconut sugar addition.
  • Change the cinnamon to your go-to spice, such as ginger, cardamom, or allspice.
  • Happy cooking!
overhead shot of vegan gluten-free blueberry oat mug muffin

FAQ

  • How can I make oat flour from rolled oats?It is straightforward to make your own oat flour. Just place rolled oats (any variety) in a blender or high speed blender and process until the oats are a very fine flour. It is hard to make 1/3 cup at a time so instead process at least 2 cups rolled oats at a time to yield about 1 and 2/3 cups flour.Note: a food processor will not grind oats into a fine flour.
  • Can I make the muffin in a conventional oven?Yes. Use an oven-proof ramekin or mug. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes until golden brown, risen, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Can I make the muffin in an air fryer?Yes. Use an oven-proof ramekin or mug. Set the air fryer temperature to 360F (180C). Bake in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown, risen, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached.

Vegan Blueberry Oat Mug Muffin (GF, Oil-free)

  • Prep Time: 1 minute
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 minutes
  • Servings: 1 large muffin

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup oat flour (certified GF, as needed; see notes for making your own flour)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • pinch salt
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or sugar of choice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • large pinch of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup blueberries

Method

  1. Lightly grease or spray a 12-ounce capacity mug (or ramekin) with nonstick cooking spray .
  2. In the mug, stir together the oat flour, baking powder , salt, applesauce, coconut sugar , vanilla and cinnamon until blended. Stir in the blueberries.
  3. Microwave on regular HIGH setting for 1 and 1/2 to 2 minutes (check at 1 minute 20) or until center is just set. Let cool slightly or entirely. Eat!

Notes

DIY Oat Flour: It is straightforward to make your own oat flour. Just place rolled oats (any variety) in a blender or high speed blender and process until the oats are a very fine flour. It is hard to make 1/3 cup at a time so instead process at least 2 cups rolled oats at a time to yield about 1 and 2/3 cups flour. Note that food processors do not grind oats into a fine flour. Make in Conventional Oven: Use an oven-proof ramekin or mug. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes until golden brown, risen, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached. Make in an Air Fryer: Use an oven-proof ramekin or mug. Set the air fryer temperature to 360F (180C). Bake in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown, risen, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached.