Looking for a moist, flavorful, and wholesome baked treat? These Applesauce Muffins are packed with warm spices, natural sweetness, and a soft, tender crumb. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert, these muffins are easy to make and impossible to resist! Plus, they’re a healthier option compared to traditional muffins, thanks to the natural moisture and sweetness from applesauce.
Why You’ll Love These Applesauce Muffins
Naturally sweetened – Applesauce keeps these muffins moist and flavorful without needing excess sugar.
Quick & easy – Made with simple pantry staples in just 30 minutes.
Customizable – Add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra texture.
Great for meal prep – Make ahead and freeze for busy mornings.
Kid-friendly – A healthy and delicious treat the whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (swap with whole wheat for extra fiber)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- ½ cup chocolate chips
How to Make Applesauce Muffins
1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, eggs, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
- Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or the muffins may become dense.
5: Add Mix-ins & Fill Muffin Tin
- If using nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Ideas
- Enjoy these muffins warm with butter or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Serve as a delicious addition to a brunch spread.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 5 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: Wrap muffins individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 15–20 seconds to enjoy warm muffins anytime.
Easy Variations to Try
- Whole Wheat Muffins – Swap half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.
- Vegan Applesauce Muffins – Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) and substitute oil with coconut oil.
- Gluten-Free Muffins – Replace the flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Extra Apple Flavor – Fold in diced fresh apples for extra fruitiness.
- Toppings – Sprinkle oats, cinnamon sugar, or nuts on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
FAQs About Applesauce Muffins
1. Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but consider reducing the amount of sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
2. How do I prevent muffins from sticking to the liners?
Use non-stick muffin liners or lightly spray the liners with cooking spray before filling.
3. Can I make mini muffins?
Yes! Simply bake mini muffins at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
4. What can I use instead of brown sugar?
Coconut sugar, white sugar, or a mix of white sugar and molasses all work well.
5. Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Try ginger, allspice, or cardamom for a unique twist.
6. Can I make these muffins without oil?
Yes! Substitute the oil with additional applesauce for a lower-fat version.
7. Why are my muffins dense?
Overmixing the batter can cause dense muffins—mix until just combined.
8. How do I keep muffins moist?
Ensure you measure the applesauce correctly and avoid overbaking.
9. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just double the ingredients and bake in batches if needed.
10. Can I use this batter for a loaf cake?
Yes! Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes.
More Game-Day Appetizers to Try
- Best Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
- Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake Recipe
- Easy and delicious No-Knead Bread Recipe
Final Thoughts
These Applesauce Muffins are the perfect balance of fluffy, moist, and flavorful—ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. They come together quickly with simple ingredients and can be customized to fit your taste. Whether you keep them plain, add mix-ins, or experiment with flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how you customized your muffins in the comments below! 🍏
Easy & Delicious Applesauce Muffins – A Perfect Anytime Treat!
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups 220 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup 100 g granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup 50 g brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup 120 ml unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup 80 ml vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup 60 ml milk
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup 50 g chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup 75 g raisins or chocolate chips
Topping (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Mix the Batter:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in any optional add-ins if desired.
Fill the Muffin Cups:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping over each muffin, if using.
Bake:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a heartier texture.
- To make the muffins dairy-free, use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
