Description

Looking for a quick, healthy breakfast or snack? These applesauce muffins are naturally sweetened, incredibly moist, and ready in just 30 minutes! Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re butter-free, easy to customize, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Unlike traditional muffins loaded with oil and sugar, this version uses unsweetened applesauce to keep them light, fluffy, and guilt-free. Perfect for meal prep, school lunches, or a cozy coffee companion!

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for healthier option)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened applesauce (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for lower GI)
⅓ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
2 tbsp melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

½ cup raisins or chopped walnuts
1 diced apple (for extra texture)
Cinnamon sugar topping (1 tbsp sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Muffin Tin

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line muffin tin with liners or grease lightly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix applesauce, brown sugar, milk, egg, oil, and vanilla.

Step 4: Combine & Fill

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined (don’t overmix!).
Stir in raisins, nuts, or diced apple (if using).
Divide batter evenly into 12 muffin cups (fill ⅔ full).

Step 5: Bake & Cool

Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool 5 minutes in tin, then transfer to a cooling rack.