Wholesome Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins

A beginner-friendly recipe for healthy comfort muffins that are perfect for snacks, breakfast, or lunchbox treats. These muffins feature a tender, wholesome crumb with a signature cozy spiced flavor, using unsweetened applesauce for natural moisture.

Ingredients

• 1 and 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour or Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
• 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar or Light Brown Sugar
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1 large Egg (at room temperature)
• 1/3 cup Unsalted Butter or Coconut Oil (melted and cooled slightly)
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 cup Milk or Buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or standard 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray, or line the cups with paper baking liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined and free of lumps.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, egg, melted butter (or coconut oil), vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
4. Pour the wet applesauce mixture directly into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, fold the mixture gently just until the flour disappears and a moist muffin batter forms. Do not overmix.
5. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes for mini muffins, or 18 to 22 minutes for standard-sized muffins. The muffins are done when the tops spring back lightly when touched and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the pan from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use unsweetened applesauce to control the total sweetness, or use cinnamon applesauce for an extra flavor boost. Mini muffins are ideal for school lunches and toddler treats. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Nutrition per standard muffin (based on 12 servings): 130 kcal, 4.5g Total Fat, 2.5g Saturated Fat, 20mg Cholesterol, 140mg Sodium, 20g Total Carbohydrates, 1g Dietary Fiber, 8g Sugars, 2g Protein.