Applesauce Muffins

Applesauce muffins became a go-to recipe for me one morning when I ran out of fresh fruit for baking but still craved something soft and spiced. I remembered an old jar of unsweetened applesauce in the back of the fridge and decided to give it a chance. What came out of the oven was a batch of muffins so moist and tender that I couldn’t believe how simple they were to make.

Because these muffins are naturally sweetened and so fluffy they’ve now become a staple in my weekly meal prep and I even pack them for my kids’ lunchboxes or bring them to weekend brunches with friends. Plus the cinnamon-sugar topping gives just the right bit of crunch that makes every bite feel special and satisfying.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• All-purpose flour – The foundation for a soft, tender muffin crumb.
• Baking powder – Helps the muffins rise and gives a fluffy texture.
• Baking soda – Reacts with the applesauce for extra lift.
• Salt – Brings out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Ground cinnamon – Warms up the flavor and complements the applesauce beautifully.
• Ground nutmeg – Adds a subtle spiced depth.
• Applesauce – Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and cuts down on oil.
• Granulated sugar – Balances the natural sweetness of applesauce.
• Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a rich molasses flavor.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients and add light structure.
• Vanilla extract – Brings out the warm, cozy notes in the muffins.
• Vegetable oil – Adds softness and moisture to the final bake.
• Cinnamon sugar – Sprinkled on top for a sweet, spiced crunch.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – I use two: one for dry and one for wet ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
• Whisk – Ideal for evenly combining all the ingredients without overmixing.
• Spatula – Perfect for folding the batter gently without deflating it.
• Measuring cups and spoons – I rely on these for precise amounts.
• Muffin tin – Shapes the muffins and helps them bake evenly.
• Paper muffin liners – Keep the muffins from sticking and make cleanup easy.
• Ice cream scoop – Ensures each muffin is the same size and bakes evenly.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining my muffin tin with paper liners.

Step 2:

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

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, I mix the applesauce with both sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.

Step 4:

I gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. I’m always careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.

Step 5:

Using a scoop, I divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them about ¾ full.

Step 6:

I sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar before baking to create a sweet and slightly crisp topping.

Step 7:

I bake the muffins for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8:

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

Tips

I use unsweetened applesauce to control the sugar level and let the spices shine.

For a healthier twist, I sometimes swap half the flour for whole wheat.

If I’m out of oil, I use melted butter for a richer flavor.

These freeze wonderfully, so I often make a double batch and save half for busy mornings.

Ways to Serve

I enjoy them warm with a pat of butter or almond butter for a quick breakfast.

They pair beautifully with coffee or chai tea for an afternoon snack.

I like to serve them as part of a fall brunch or pack them for picnics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened applesauce in Applesauce Muffins?

Yes, but I usually reduce the amount of added sugar to keep them from being too sweet.

Can I freeze Applesauce Muffins?

Absolutely! I let them cool completely and store them in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Can I make Applesauce Muffins dairy-free?

Yes! Just use plant-based milk or skip the milk entirely if your recipe doesn’t include it and opt for oil instead of butter.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you bake up a batch of these Applesauce Muffins soon! They’re soft, flavorful, and perfect for any time of day. Let me know how they turn out for you and feel free to tweak them with your own favorite add-ins. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next cozy baking day.

Happy Cooking!

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