Description
These wholesome Applesauce Muffins are a delightful and healthy breakfast or snack option, packed with whole wheat flour, oats, and naturally sweetened with unsweetened applesauce and pure maple syrup. Featuring juicy raisins and a hint of cinnamon, these muffins are moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare—perfect for a quick grab-and-go treat or a cozy morning indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (260g) whole wheat flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2/3 cup (57g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 and 1/3 cups (320g) unsweetened applesauce, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup (70g) coconut oil, melted (or vegetable oil or melted butter)
- 1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup (80ml) milk (dairy or nondairy), at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- 3/4 cup (110g) raisins
- Optional: 3 Tablespoons oats and/or 1 Tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Prepare a 12-count muffin pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining with cupcake liners. If using liners, spray them as well to prevent sticking when warm.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, eggs, melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until thoroughly mixed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently a few times, then add the raisins. Fold everything together carefully just until there are no visible pockets of flour; avoid overmixing to maintain muffin tenderness.
- Fill Muffin Pan and Add Toppings: Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin liner, filling them all the way to the top. If desired, sprinkle the tops with oats and a light dusting of coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake Initial High-Heat Phase: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes. This initial blast of heat helps the muffins rise quickly and develop a nice crust.
- Reduce Oven Temperature and Finish Baking: Without removing the muffins from the oven, reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for an additional 15–16 minutes. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.
- Storage: Store leftover muffins covered at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using unsweetened applesauce keeps sugar content lower while adding moisture and natural sweetness.
- You can substitute coconut oil with vegetable oil or melted butter depending on preference.
- If you prefer mini muffins, bake them at 350°F (177°C) for 11–13 minutes total.
- Ensure eggs and wet ingredients are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- Spraying the inside of cupcake liners prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American