Imagine the aroma of freshly baked applesauce muffins wafting through your kitchen, filling the air with a cozy blend of cinnamon and sweet apples.
These healthy muffins aren’t only simple to make but also bring a sense of warmth and comfort to any morning routine.
As you mix wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and rolled oats, watch as they transform into fluffy, golden delights.
Let’s bring this delicious breakfast to life together!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 muffin tin
- 12 muffin liners
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while making Healthy Applesauce Muffins, here’s a timeline incorporating prep, cook, and resting times, along with additional time for reading the recipe:
Timeline for Making Healthy Applesauce Muffins
- Read the Recipe:
- Time Allocated: 5 minutes
- Activity: Thoroughly read through the entire recipe to understand the steps, ingredients, and equipment needed.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Time Allocated: 5 minutes (overlaps with next steps)
- Activity: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat.
- Prep Ingredients and Equipment:
- Time Allocated: 5 minutes
- Activity:
- Gather all ingredients and verify they’re at room temperature.
- Line the muffin tin with muffin liners.
- Gather all the necessary equipment.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Time Allocated: 2 minutes
- Activity: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together applesauce, honey, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Time Allocated: 2 minutes
- Activity: In a separate bowl, mix together whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Time Allocated: 3 minutes
- Activity: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fill Muffin Liners:
- Time Allocated: 3 minutes
- Activity: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin liners.
- Bake Muffins:
- Time Allocated: 20 minutes
- Activity: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Resting Time:
- Time Allocated: 5 minutes
- Activity: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Additional Suggestions:
- If you add nuts or raisins, allocate an additional 2 minutes for mixing these into the batter.
- Store the cooled muffins in an airtight container for freshness.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line the muffin tin with muffin liners.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin liners.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or sliced banana to add a burst of natural sweetness.
- Yogurt: Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast and added protein.
- Nut Butter: Spread a thin layer of almond or peanut butter on top for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Honey Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of honey for extra sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Cheese: Enjoy with a slice of mild cheese like havarti or gouda for a savory twist.
Storage
To store healthy applesauce muffins, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Refrigerate to extend freshness.
Avoid moisture to prevent spoilage.
Freezing
To freeze healthy applesauce muffins, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to three months.
Thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To reheat Healthy Applesauce Muffins, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Healthy Applesauce Muffins make for a delightful and nutritious breakfast option.
They’re simple to prepare and bring a touch of sweetness to your morning routine.
With the option to add nuts or raisins, you can easily customize them to your liking.
These muffins aren’t only delicious but also convenient to store, making them a perfect choice for busy mornings.
Enjoy them fresh or save some for later in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Honey With Another Sweetener?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, maintaining sweetness and moisture. Be mindful that these alternatives might alter the flavor slightly. Since they have similar calorie content, they won’t affect the muffin’s calorie count considerably.
Are These Muffins Gluten-Free?
These muffins aren’t gluten-free; they use whole wheat flour. Substitute with gluten-free flour to make them suitable for a gluten-free diet. Guarantee nutrient density by adding nuts or seeds, balancing calories with natural sweeteners like honey.
How Can I Make These Muffins Vegan?
To make these muffins vegan, replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water, use maple syrup instead of honey, and swap coconut oil with a plant-based alternative. This keeps the recipe nutrient-dense while maintaining its calorie-conscious profile.
What Can I Use Instead of Coconut Oil?
Replace coconut oil with unsweetened applesauce for fewer calories and added fiber. Use the same amount for moisture without extra fat. You could also try olive oil, which provides heart-healthy fats but slightly more calories.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips to the Batter?
You can definitely add chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor. Just be mindful of the added sugar and calories. Consider using dark chocolate chips for more antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate options.
Healthy Applesauce Muffins
Equipment
- 1 muffin tin
- 12 muffin liners
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line the muffin tin with muffin liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin liners.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
