Applesauce Muffins Recipe

Cozy Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins Recipe for Autumn Mornings

Warm, comforting applesauce muffins bring memories of cozy autumn mornings back to life.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe sparked countless weekend baking adventures in our kitchen.

Fragrant cinnamon and sweet chunks of fruit create an irresistible aroma that fills every corner.

Soft, tender crumbs melt perfectly on your tongue with each delightful bite.

Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly into a treat that satisfies both kids and adults.

Simple enough for novice bakers yet delicious enough to impress seasoned cooks, these muffins promise pure comfort.

Grab a cup of coffee and savor the magic of homemade goodness.

Applesauce Muffins That Are Sweet, Soft, and So Good

  • Simplify Morning Madness: Grab these muffins for a quick breakfast that saves you precious minutes during hectic mornings.
  • Sneak in Healthy Goodness: Packed with nutritious applesauce, these muffins deliver hidden fruits and warmth without sacrificing flavor.
  • Kid-Approved Delight: Soft, spiced, and perfectly sweet, these muffins will have children begging for seconds while secretly enjoying a nutritious treat.
  • Stress-Free Baking: With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delectable muffins without breaking a sweat.

Your Go-To List for Moist, Cozy Muffin Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:
  • Applesauce: A moist base that adds natural sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps create a soft muffin crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and helps with browning.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the muffins.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor.
Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the applesauce and create a cozy, aromatic flavor profile.

Quick Steps to Bake These Muffins to Golden Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and grab your muffin tin. Line it with cute paper cups or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Applesauce
  • Egg
  • Oil
  • Vanilla
  • Sugar

Blend everything until it looks smooth and friendly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the dry crew:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt

Make sure everything is well-mingled.

Step 4: Create Muffin Magic

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined – don’t go crazy with mixing!

You want a soft, tender muffin.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Scoop the batter into your muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

This gives them room to rise and look gorgeous.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness by poking a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins hang out in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Wait until they’re completely cool before devouring these delicious treats.

How to Make Applesauce Muffins Extra Tasty

  • Use unsweetened applesauce to control sugar content and enhance natural apple flavor in muffins.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour for dietary alternatives without compromising texture.
  • Fold in chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips for extra crunch and personalized taste variations.
  • Check muffins at 15 minutes to prevent overcooking, as oven temperatures can slightly differ between models.
  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.

Add Your Own Muffin Twist with These Easy Swaps

  • Nutty Crunch Muffins: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and rich, earthy flavor.
  • Berry Blast Muffins: Mix 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries into the batter for a fruity burst.
  • Chocolate Chip Comfort: Sprinkle 1/2 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips throughout the muffin batter for a sweet indulgence.
  • Streusel Topping Upgrade: Combine 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold butter, and 1/4 cup rolled oats to create a crumbly topping before baking.

What to Pair with Applesauce Muffins for a Treat

  • Pair Warm Chai Tea: The spicy, aromatic chai perfectly complements the cinnamon and ginger notes in the applesauce muffins, creating a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the warm, comforting essence of the baked treat.
  • Serve with Vanilla Yogurt: A creamy, tangy vanilla yogurt provides a cool, smooth contrast to the muffins' soft texture, adding a refreshing element that balances the sweetness and spices.
  • Match with Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of rich caramel sauce intensifies the muffins' apple and spice flavors, bringing depth and a luxurious touch to the simple breakfast or snack.

How to Store Muffins So They Stay Soft and Sweet

  • Refrigerate: Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
  • Freeze: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
  • Countertop: Keep muffins at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight or heat.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs for Applesauce Muffin Fans

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Use a 1:1 ratio, but expect a slightly denser texture in your muffins.

  • How do I make these muffins more nutritious?

Add chopped nuts, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or mix in some rolled oats to boost nutrition and add extra flavor and texture.

  • Are these muffins good for kids?

Absolutely! These muffins are kid-friendly, with a soft texture and sweet flavor from applesauce. They’re also a sneaky way to include fruit in their diet.

  • Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze well. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.

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Applesauce Muffins Recipe

Applesauce Muffins Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade applesauce muffins combine comforting autumn flavors with wholesome ingredients. Warm spices and tender crumb invite you to savor this simple, delightful breakfast treat that celebrates seasonal charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup sugar

Binding and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and arrange paper liners in a muffin tin or coat with cooking spray.
  2. Combine applesauce, egg, oil, vanilla, and sugar in a mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture becomes uniform and glossy.
  3. In a separate container, blend flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt, ensuring even distribution of spices.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  5. Distribute the batter evenly across the muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  6. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean and dry.
  7. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to achieve complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

  • Choose unsweetened applesauce to control sugar levels and enhance the natural apple flavor in the muffins.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free blend that maintains moisture and texture.
  • Add chopped nuts or dried fruits like walnuts or raisins to boost nutritional value and create delightful texture variations.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing quality.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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