Gluten-Free Jam-Filled Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

Do you think opposites really do attract?

Recently, I came across a post on Fitsugar that talked about how celebrity couples have different diet and exercise regimens. One of the couples mentioned was Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie; Brad Pitt is a vegetarian, while Angelina Jolie is not. Yet another couple mentioned was Nicole Richie and Joel Madden; Nicole Ritchie is a total gym bunny, while Joel Madden is less of a gym rat.

These stark differences made me think about how James and I are different. He loves his meats, but I would rather have my veggies and fish. He hates running and going to the gym, but these are some activities that I enjoy. He can eat practically anything, but I have a long list of things that I am intolerant to. What happens then? Nothing, really! Well, to keep any relationship going, all it takes is lots of love, understanding, respect, support and compromise:) Don’t you agree? This is probably what keeps these celebrity couples together too. While it may be a 'pain' sometimes, having different diet and exercise regimens should not affect the relationship in a significant way.

Despite the differences in diet and exercise regimens, James and I do have something in common – our love for sweet treats!

Sometimes, we even have dessert for breakfast (very rarely though)! Today was one of those times. I decided to make some of these Gluten-Free Jam-Filled Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins this morning. I adore these doughnut muffins because although they are healthier than the ones sold in the shops, they taste every bit as good (maybe even better)! James had two of these and could not tell that they are gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy free. I had one of these jam filled doughnut muffins for breakfast, together with a cup of hot coffee – the perfect way to start kick start a Friday.This has certainly satisfied my need for a sweet treat :)

I like my doughnut muffins with jam:)

Do you and your loved ones (family included) have different diet and exercise regimens?
If so, how do you cope with it?

Gluten-Free Jam-Filled Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins
Adapted from Noble Pig and The Sensitive Pantry
Serves 6

Ingredients
For the muffins:
Dry mixture
1 3/4 cup gluten-free flour (I used Orgran Gluten-Free Plain flour)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Wet mixture
1/3 cup oil (I used grapeseed oil)
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg (I used Orgran egg replacer for this)
3/4 cup soy milk (or your favourite milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional
Your favourite jam (I used blackberry jam)

Glaze:
1/4 cup dairy free spread (or butter)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon


Directions

1. Preheat oven to 180C/350F. Grease the muffin tin with a cooking spray or oil it.
2. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture.
3. Mix the ingredient with your hands until it is well combined. It is okay if the mixture looks a little lumpy.
4. Fill half of each muffin cup with the mixture, and place one tsp of jam in the center of each cup. Top up each muffin cup with the remaining batter. 
5. Bake at 180C/350F for about 15-20 mins (mine took about 20mins), or until toothpick come clean.
6. While waiting for the muffins, melt the butter in a small bowl.Combine sugar and cinnamon in another bowl.
7. Remove the muffins from the tin while they are still hot.
8. Brush the melted butter over the top of the muffin; sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
9. Serve immediately or freeze them. Enjoy!

Cook's Note

• Feel free to use eggs, regular flour, and milk if you prefer. I used egg replacer, GF flour, dairy-free spread and soy milk to make it suitable for vegans, and those with food allergies (such as myself).
• These muffins can last for about 3 weeks in the freezer, and taste amazing even after you reheat them. To reheat, wrap the muffin in paper towel, and pop them in the microwave for 45 seconds.