Ingredients

Streusel Topping (optional) 

• 1/4 cup rolled oat (not quick oats)
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Batter

• 2 cups white whole-wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder, store bought or homemade (see Tips & Hints)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 1 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk 
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.  Line a muffin pan with paper or silicone liners.
2. If making streusel, in a food processor, combine all the streusel ingredients and pulse until you have a crumbly mixture.  Do not over-process.  Set aside. 
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, five-spice powder, salt, and raisins and mix well. 
4. Combine the sweet potatoes, almond butter, milk, maple syrup, vinegar, and vanilla in a blender and bend until smooth and creamy. 
5. Add the blender mixture to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined: do not over-mix. 
6. Fill the lined muffin cups with the batter and sprinkle some of the streusel on top of each (if using).  Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool. 

Tips & Hints

Chinese Five-Spice:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon,
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves,
• 1 teaspoon ground fennel seeds,
• 1 teaspoon ground star anise,
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.