Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are the perfect combination of warm spices and sweet apple goodness. These moist and tender muffins are a quick and easy breakfast, snack, or dessert option that everyone will love. With a hint of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of applesauce, they’re both delicious and wholesome.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is accessible and easy to prepare.
- Perfect Texture: Applesauce keeps these muffins moist and soft, while cinnamon adds a cozy flavor.
- Quick to Make: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes for a delightful homemade treat.
- Versatile: Great as a breakfast option, a lunchbox addition, or a light dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Optional: Add-ins like chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix Together: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 12 muffins
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Healthy Option: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, and use honey or maple syrup in place of some or all of the sugar.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for extra warmth.
- Topping Ideas: Sprinkle the muffins with coarse sugar or streusel topping before baking for added crunch.
- Dairy-Free: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based oil to make these muffins dairy-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days if you prefer a longer shelf life.
- Freezing: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness.
2. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
3. How do I keep the muffins from sticking to the liners?
Use high-quality muffin liners or grease the liners lightly before filling them with batter.
4. Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, melted coconut oil works well and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
5. Are these muffins suitable for toddlers?
Yes! They’re soft, mildly sweet, and can be made healthier by reducing sugar or using whole wheat flour.
6. Can I add fruits to this recipe?
Chopped apples, dried cranberries, or raisins make great additions to these muffins.
7. How do I know when the muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they’re done.
8. What can I use instead of eggs?
Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce as an egg substitute.
9. Can I turn these muffins into a loaf?
Yes, bake the batter in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.
10. How can I make the muffins more moist?
Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and bake them just until done to avoid dryness. Adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream can also enhance moisture.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are a delicious and versatile treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a snack on the go, or a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, these muffins have you covered. Try them out today and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and applesauce in every bite!
Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins
- 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 cinnamon applesauce muffins are soft, moist, and bursting with warm spices. Made with applesauce and a hint of cinnamon, they’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, they’re quick to whip up and kid-friendly!
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping (optional):
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Fill the Muffin Tin:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping (optional):
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Brush the tops of the warm muffins with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Notes
- For extra moisture, you can add 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
- Mix in 1/2 cup of raisins, chopped nuts, or diced apples for added texture.
- These muffins freeze well! Wrap individually and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.