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Applesauce muffins with oat topping cooling on a wire rack beside cinnamon sticks and apple sauce

Applesauce Muffins


Description

These fluffy, moist Applesauce Muffins strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. Made with unsweetened applesauce, they’re lower in fat and sugar but full of warm cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re prepping breakfast, packing lunchboxes, or craving a healthier dessert, these muffins deliver big flavor with fewer calories. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable with your favorite mix-ins!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (swap 1 cup with whole wheat, if desired)

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1½ tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)

  • ½ cup optional mix-ins (e.g., chopped walnuts, raisins, or berries)


Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

  • In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add applesauce, brown sugar, vanilla, and oil. Whisk until well combined.

  • Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Stir just until combined—do not overmix.

  • Gently stir in any optional mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.

  • Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

  • Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

 

  • Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For vegan muffins, substitute eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water).

  • To boost fiber, replace half the flour with oat or whole wheat flour.

  • Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

 

  • Add a streusel topping or sprinkle of coarse sugar for bakery-style flair.

  • (Values are approximate and will vary with mix-ins)
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: breakfast
  • Method: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 160 per muffin
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Protein: 3g