Short description

These Small-Batch Dirt Bombs are mini muffin‑like cakes with a sweet cinnamon‑sugar coating. Moist and tender inside, they’re egg‑free thanks to a mashed banana (or apple sauce/flax egg substitute), with a golden “dirt” coating that gives them a playful twist. Perfect for a small gathering or when you just want a sweet treat without making a full batch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Egg‑free and plant‑based: Made with mashed banana (or applesauce/flax egg), plant milk, and plant butter—ideal for vegan or allergy‑friendly diets.
Small batch: Only makes a few portions—no leftovers, no waste.
Fun and flavorful: The cinnamon‑sugar coating transforms simple mini cakes into “dirt bombs” that look and taste like a mini treat.
Customizable substitutes: Swap banana for applesauce or flax egg, use oil or yogurt instead of butter, and adjust sweeteners easily.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Wet ingredients:

½ ripe banana, mashed (approx. 60 g) — serves as your egg replacer. If you dislike banana, substitute with ¼ cup applesauce or one flax egg.
⅓ cup plant‑based milk (about 80 g), e.g. unsweetened almond milk.
¼ cup plant butter, melted (approximately 56 g). You can substitute with nut or seed butter, oil, or even yogurt.
¼ cup sugar (around 48 g) or sweetener of choice.
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.

Dry ingredients:

1 cup all‑purpose flour (about 120 g); use gluten‑free all‑purpose blend if needed.
1 teaspoon baking powder.
¼ teaspoon baking soda.
¼ teaspoon salt.

Dirt bomb coating:

2 tablespoons plant butter, melted (approx. 28 g). Coconut oil works well too.
¼ cup sugar (around 48 g).
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and lightly grease or line a mini‑muffin pan.
In a bowl, soften the plant butter (briefly in the microwave, but don’t melt completely). Stir in sugar, mashed banana (or substitute), plant milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients—stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Spoon the batter into the prepared mini‑muffin tin.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until centers are set and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan or on a rack.
Prepare the coating: melt the 2 tablespoons plant butter in a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix the sugar with the cinnamon.
Once muffins are cool, dip each one first in melted butter, then immediately into the cinnamon‑sugar to coat all around.
Let the coating set (sit a few minutes), then serve and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Makes about 6 to 8 mini muffins, depending on pan size.
Prep time: ~10 minutes.
Baking time: ~20–25 minutes.
Cooling and coating: ~10 minutes.
Total time: ~40–45 minutes.

Variations

Banana‑free: Substitute the mashed banana with ¼ cup applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit until gelled).
Fat substitute: Swap plant butter with coconut oil, vegetable oil, or even yogurt for a different texture and taste.
Sweetener tweak: Use coconut sugar, maple syrup (reduce liquids slightly), or your preferred low‑glycemic sweetener.
Gluten‑free: Use a gluten‑free all‑purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Spice addition: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter or coating to enhance flavor depth.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Keep coated Dirt Bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer, refrigerate up to 4 days.
Freezing: Store fully cooled and coated blasts in a freezer‑safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: For a freshly baked feel, gently warm in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave briefly (~10 seconds) until slightly warm—not hot.

FAQs

What if I don’t like banana—can I leave it out entirely?

Yes. Swap with ¼ cup applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, let set).

Can I use regular butter instead of plant butter?

Absolutely. Use dairy butter in place of plant butter for both the batter and the coating with no issue.

Are these muffins gluten‑free?

Only if you use a certified gluten‑free all‑purpose flour blend. Otherwise, they contain gluten.

Can I reduce the sugar amount?

Yes. You can reduce sugar by 25–50 % or use alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar or monk fruit. Flavor might be less sweet but still enjoyable.

Can I make these into full‑size muffins or a loaf?

Yes. Bake in standard muffin tins (approx. 14–16 minutes at 350 °F) or in a loaf pan (estimate 35–40 minutes) until a toothpick comes clean.

What’s a flax egg?

A flax egg is 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to gel for a few minutes. It acts as a binder replacement for eggs.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not raw batter), they’re done.

Can I skip the coating step?

Yes, the interior is tasty on its own. But the butter‑sugar coating adds texture, sweetness, and that playful “dirt bomb” concept.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can mix the batter and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Let it come back to near‑room temperature before baking.

Are these suitable for kids/snacks?

Definitely—and children love the cinnamon‑sugar coating. They’re bite‑sized, simple, and fun for baking with kids.

Conclusion

These Small‑Batch Dirt Bombs are a quick, fun, and forgiving mini‑treat recipe that’s easy to adapt and made without eggs or dairy. With their moist interior and crisp cinnamon‑sugar coating, they’re sure to delight at snack time or at a casual get‑together. Simple to make, friendly to dietary needs, and endlessly customizable—you’ll find yourself coming back to these again and again!

Small-Batch Dirt Bombs Muffins