Applesauce Muffins

Short Description

These Applesauce Muffins are soft, moist, and packed with warm cinnamon-spiced flavor, making them a perfect breakfast or snack. Made with applesauce, brown sugar, and cozy spices, these muffins are quick to prepare, naturally sweetened, and great for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super moist and fluffy texture
  • Naturally sweetened with applesauce and brown sugar
  • Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack
  • Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
  • Easily customizable with nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips

Ingredients

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

Dry Ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

  • Unsweetened applesauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Egg
  • Vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk (or almond milk)

Optional Add-ins:

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Raisins or dried cranberries
  • Chocolate chips

For Topping (Optional):

  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Oats or chopped nuts

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In another bowl, mix applesauce, brown sugar, egg, oil, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  4. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Do not overmix—just stir until combined.
  5. If using, gently fold in nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.

Step 2: Bake the Muffins

  1. Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling about ¾ full.
  2. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, oats, or chopped nuts if desired.
  3. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Cool and Serve

  1. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  2. Enjoy warm, or store for later!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12 muffins
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Whole Wheat Version: Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
  • Vegan Option: Replace egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Extra Apple Flavor: Stir in ½ cup diced fresh apples.
  • Lower Sugar: Reduce brown sugar and use maple syrup or honey.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 30 seconds.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce?

Yes, but you may want to reduce the brown sugar slightly.

How do I make these muffins extra moist?

Use oil instead of butter and do not overbake.

Can I make mini muffins?

Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

What can I serve with these muffins?

Enjoy with butter, honey, or a warm cup of tea.

How do I make them extra fluffy?

Make sure baking powder and soda are fresh, and do not overmix the batter.

Can I add a streusel topping?

Yes! Mix butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for a crumbly topping.

Can I use almond flour?

Almond flour alone won’t work, but you can mix it with all-purpose flour.

What’s a good substitute for eggs?

Try applesauce, mashed banana, or a flax egg.

How do I keep muffins from sticking to liners?

Use high-quality liners or grease the muffin tin well.

Can I make this into a loaf instead of muffins?

Yes! Bake in a 9×5-inch loaf pan at 350°F for 45–50 minutes.

Conclusion

These Applesauce Muffins are moist, fluffy, and full of cozy flavors, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep. Whether you enjoy them plain or with mix-ins, this easy recipe will quickly become a favorite. Try them today for a warm, homemade treat!

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Applesauce Muffins

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Applesauce Muffins are soft, moist, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor! Made with applesauce, cinnamon, and brown sugar, they’re a deliciously healthy breakfast or snack option. Plus, they’re easy to make and naturally sweetened!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier version)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a natural alternative)
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

For Topping (Optional):

  • 2 tablespoons sugar + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for a crunchy topping)



Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.

2. Mix the Batter

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. In another bowl, whisk applesauce, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. (Do not overmix!)
  4. Stir in nuts or dried fruit if using.

3. Fill & Bake

  1. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
  2. If using, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar on top.
  3. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Cool & Serve

  1. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days!



Notes

  • Want them extra moist? Add ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
  • Gluten-Free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Vegan Option? Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2 tbsp water per egg).

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