Description

These Healthy Applesauce Muffins are a wholesome and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with unsweetened applesauce, coconut sugar, and a blend of warm spices, these muffins offer a moist texture and natural sweetness while keeping added sugars low. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they are a great option for anyone looking for a nutritious baked good with a comforting apple flavor.

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

2 cups flour (all purpose or a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend)
½ cup coconut sugar
1 ½ tsp. baking soda
1 – 1 ½ tsp. apple pie spice (to taste)
½ tsp. salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Topping (Optional)

1 Tbsp. sugar
⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking once the batter is prepared.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt. Whisk these together thoroughly to distribute the leavening and spices evenly.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix by hand gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender and light.
Prepare Muffin Tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tray with paper liners. Spray each liner with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly distribute the muffin batter into the lined muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow space for rising.
Add Topping: In a small bowl, whisk the cinnamon and sugar together. Sprinkle about ¼ teaspoon of this mixture over the top of each muffin for a lightly sweet and spiced crust.
Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature before serving. Enjoy these muffins as a healthy and flavorful snack or breakfast option.

Notes

Using unsweetened applesauce helps keep the sugar content low while maintaining moisture.
Feel free to substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Adjust the amount of apple pie spice according to your taste preference, starting with 1 tsp and adding more if desired.
The cinnamon-sugar topping is optional but adds a nice sweet crunch to the muffins.
Make sure eggs are at room temperature for better batter mixing and muffin texture.
Storing muffins in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to 3 days; refrigerate for longer storage.