Name: Healthy Apple Muffin Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice; 1½ tsp Baking Soda; ¾ tsp fine sea salt; 1 medium apple; 2 eggs; ⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk; ¾ cup applesauce; ½ cup maple syrup; 3 tbsp Melted coconut oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; turbinado sugar

These healthy apple muffins are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they are both nutritious and delicious. The combination of apple, oats, and pumpkin pie spice promises a burst of flavor in every bite.

Photos of Healthy Apple Muffin Recipe

If you are planning a trip to the supermarket, be aware that you might need to pick up some unsweetened almond milk and turbinado sugar. These ingredients are not always found in every pantry, but they add a unique touch to the muffins. Turbinado sugar is a raw sugar with large crystals and a hint of molasses, perfect for topping the muffins.

Ingredients for Healthy Apple Muffins

Oats: Used as a base to create a flour-like consistency after being pureed.

Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that adds warm flavors.

Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.

Fine sea salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.

Apple: Provides moisture and natural sweetness when diced and mixed into the batter.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the muffins.

Unsweetened almond milk: A dairy-free milk option that keeps the muffins moist.

Applesauce: Adds moisture and a subtle apple flavor without the need for extra sugar or fat.

Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that gives the muffins a rich, deep flavor.

Coconut oil: Adds healthy fats and keeps the muffins tender.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the muffins with a sweet, fragrant aroma.

Turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, sweet finish.

One reader, Karylin Cramer says:

These healthy apple muffins are a delight! Moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. The turbinado sugar on top adds a lovely crunch. Highly recommend!

Karylin Cramer

Mastering the Art of Muffin Making

How to puree oats: Use a blender or food processor to grind old-fashioned oats until they reach a fine flour-like consistency. How to dice an apple: Cut the apple into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the muffins. How to fold ingredients: Gently combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients using a spatula or spoon, being careful not to over-mix to maintain the muffin's texture. How to test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, the muffins are done baking.

How To Make Healthy Apple Muffin

Pick out the freshest apple you can find, dice it up and turn it into a batch of yummy mouthwatering muffins with our apple muffin recipe.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3cupsold-fashioned oats
1tbsppumpkin pie spicehomemade or store-bought
1½tspbaking soda
¾tspfine sea salt
1mediumapplefinely diced
2eggs
⅔cupunsweetened almond milkplain or vanilla
¾cupapplesauceunsweetened
½cupmaple syrup
3tbspmelted coconut oil(or any mild-flavored oil)
1tspvanilla extract
turbinado sugaroptional for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with parchment or cupcake liners, or lightly grease with cooking spray. Set aside.
Puree oats in a blender or food processor until they reach a fine flour-like consistency.
Add in the pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and sea salt, and pulse until the mixture is evenly combined.
With the power turned off, add in the diced apple. Then use a spoon to toss until the apple is completely coated in the flour mixture. Set aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, applesauce, maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
Fold the dry ingredients in with the wet ingredient mixture, and stir until the mixture is just combined. (Try to avoid over-mixing.)
Portion the batter evenly into the prepared baking cups. Then sprinkle a generous pinch of turbinado sugar on top of each muffin, if you would like.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffins comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and place the pan on a cooling rack for 5 minutes.
Serve warm. Or let the muffins cool to room temperature, then store in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 171.05kcal
Fat: 5.71g
Saturated Fat: 3.47g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.25g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.83g
Carbohydrates: 27.89g
Fiber: 2.56g
Sugar: 12.40g
Protein: 3.82g
Cholesterol: 26.66mg
Sodium: 209.07mg
Calcium: 57.96mg
Potassium: 149.69mg
Iron: 1.27mg
Vitamin A: 12.13µg
Vitamin C: 4.04mg

The Secret to Achieving Perfectly Moist Muffins Every Time

To ensure your muffins have a light and fluffy texture, avoid over-mixing the batter after combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Over-mixing can cause the gluten in the oats to develop too much, resulting in denser muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.

Time-Saving Tips for Whipping Up a Batch of Muffins

Pre-blend the oats: Blend the old-fashioned oats into flour ahead of time and store in an airtight container.

Use pre-diced apples: Purchase pre-diced apples or dice them in advance to save prep time.

Measure ingredients beforehand: Measure out all ingredients and have them ready to mix.

Melt coconut oil in microwave: Quickly melt the coconut oil in the microwave instead of on the stove.

Use a large mixing bowl: A larger bowl makes it easier to mix wet and dry ingredients without spilling.

Portion with an ice cream scoop: Use an ice cream scoop to evenly portion the batter into the muffin pan.

Substitute Ingredients For Healthy Apple Muffin Recipe

old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are also gluten-free, making them a good alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
pumpkin pie spice - Substitute with cinnamon and nutmeg: A mix of cinnamon and nutmeg can replicate the warm, spicy flavor of pumpkin pie spice.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use three times the amount of baking powder to achieve a similar leavening effect.
fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar flavor profile but may need to be adjusted in quantity due to its coarser texture.
apple - Substitute with pear: Pears have a similar sweetness and moisture content, making them a good alternative in muffins.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that also adds fiber.
unsweetened almond milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a similar consistency and is also dairy-free, making it a good substitute.
applesauce - Substitute with mashed bananas: Mashed bananas provide similar moisture and sweetness, though they will add a banana flavor.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey has a similar sweetness and viscosity, making it a good alternative.
melted coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar fat content and moisture, though it may impart a slightly different flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can provide a different but complementary flavor profile.
turbinado sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar texture and a lower glycemic index, making it a healthier alternative.

Creative Ways to Serve Up Your Muffins

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the apple muffins in elegant, bite-sized portions to emphasize refinement and attention to detail.
Use decoration: Garnish each muffin with a delicate slice of apple and a light dusting of turbinado sugar for a visually appealing touch.
Incorporate texture: Add a small dollop of coconut cream on the side, sprinkled with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, to complement the muffin's flavors and provide a creamy contrast.
Highlight freshness: Place a few fresh apple slices and a sprig of mint on the plate to emphasize the use of fresh ingredients.
Use elegant plating: Arrange the muffins on a sleek, white plate with a minimalist design to enhance the presentation's sophistication.
Create height: Stack two muffin halves slightly off-center to add dimension and visual interest to the dish.
Add a sauce: Drizzle a thin line of maple syrup artistically around the plate to tie in the flavors and add a touch of sweetness.
Play with color: Use a contrasting plate color, such as a deep blue or black, to make the golden-brown muffins stand out.
Incorporate a crunch: Sprinkle a few toasted oats around the plate for an added crunch and to highlight the oat flour used in the recipe.
Use microgreens: Add a few microgreens on the side for a pop of color and a hint of freshness, enhancing the overall presentation.

Essential Kitchen Gadgets for Baking Muffins

Oven: Preheat to 375 degrees F to bake the muffins.
Muffin pan: Use a 12-cup muffin pan to hold the muffin batter.
Parchment or cupcake liners: Line the muffin pan to prevent sticking.
Cooking spray: Lightly grease the muffin pan if not using liners.
Blender or food processor: Puree the oats into a fine flour-like consistency.
Spoon: Toss the diced apple in the flour mixture.
Large mixing bowl: Whisk together the wet ingredients.
Whisk: Combine the eggs, milk, applesauce, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
Measuring cups: Measure out the ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measure smaller quantities like the pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and sea salt.
Cooling rack: Place the muffin pan on it to cool for 5 minutes after baking.
Toothpick: Check if the muffins are done by inserting it into the center.

Keeping Your Muffins Fresh: Storage and Freezing Tips

Once the muffins have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
If you want to keep the muffins fresh for a longer period, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap before refrigerating.
For longer storage, you can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Here's how:
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date of freezing, so you can keep track of how long they've been stored.
To thaw frozen muffins:
- Remove the desired number of muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual muffins on high power for 20-30 seconds or until heated through.
If you prefer a crispy top on your thawed muffins, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

The Best Methods for Reheating Muffins

To reheat leftover healthy apple muffins, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method will help restore the muffins' original texture and flavor.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins directly on the rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is quick and convenient, especially if you're only reheating a few muffins.
For a softer, moister muffin, try the microwave method. Place the muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 15-20 seconds. If the muffin isn't warm enough, continue heating in 5-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the muffin tough and rubbery.
If you want to add a touch of freshness to your reheated apple muffins, slice them in half and spread a small amount of butter or cream cheese on the inside. Place the halves back together and heat using one of the above methods. The added moisture from the spread will help keep the muffin soft and flavorful.
For a crispy top and a soft interior, try the stovetop method. Cut the muffin in half and place it cut-side down in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the cut side is golden brown and crispy. This method works well for muffins that have become slightly stale.

The Surprising History Behind Apple Muffins

A random fact about this recipe is that using old-fashioned oats instead of traditional flour makes these muffins gluten-free, provided that the oats are certified gluten-free. This can be a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Baking on a Budget: Are Homemade Muffins Cost-Effective?

This healthy apple muffin recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like old-fashioned oats, apples, and unsweetened almond milk are affordable and readily available. The use of maple syrup and coconut oil might slightly increase the cost, but they are used in small quantities. Overall, the recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD, making it a budget-friendly option for a nutritious snack or breakfast.

Are Healthy Apple Muffins Actually Good for You?

This apple muffin recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional muffins, thanks to its use of wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned oats, unsweetened almond milk, and applesauce. The recipe is free from refined flour and relies on maple syrup for sweetness instead of processed sugar. The inclusion of a medium apple provides natural sweetness and fiber, while the pumpkin pie spice adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile. The use of coconut oil instead of butter is another positive aspect, as it contains healthier fats. Overall, this recipe is a nutritious choice for a breakfast or snack item.

To further enhance the healthiness of these apple muffins, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of maple syrup to 1/3 cup and increase the applesauce to 1 cup to lower the overall sugar content
Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra boost of healthy fats and protein
Experiment with using half old-fashioned oats and half whole wheat flour for a more complex texture and increased fiber
Fold in 1/2 cup of grated zucchini or carrots for added moisture and nutrients
Top the muffins with a sprinkle of cinnamon instead of turbinado sugar to reduce the sugar content while still providing a pleasant crunch

Why Our Editor Can't Get Enough of These Apple Muffins

This healthy apple muffin recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients and warm spices. The use of oat flour adds a hearty texture, while the applesauce and maple syrup provide natural sweetness without refined sugars. The addition of pumpkin pie spice gives it a cozy, autumnal flavor. The turbinado sugar on top adds a pleasant crunch. Overall, it's a nutritious and satisfying treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.

Enhance Your Healthy Apple Muffin Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Greek Yogurt Parfait: Imagine pairing your healthy apple muffins with a luscious Greek Yogurt Parfait. The creamy texture of the yogurt, layered with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey, creates a delightful contrast to the hearty muffins. Add a sprinkle of granola for an extra crunch that will make your taste buds dance.

Avocado Toast: For a savory twist, serve your muffins alongside a vibrant Avocado Toast. The creamy avocado, seasoned with a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon juice, spread over a slice of whole grain bread, provides a refreshing balance to the sweet muffins. Top it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

Fruit Salad: Complement your muffins with a colorful Fruit Salad. A medley of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and pineapple tossed together creates a vibrant and refreshing side. A light drizzle of lime juice and a sprinkle of mint leaves elevate the flavors, making it a perfect companion to your muffins.

Vegetable Frittata: Balance the sweetness of your muffins with a savory Vegetable Frittata. Packed with spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a touch of cheese, this fluffy frittata adds a protein-rich, savory element to your meal. The combination of textures and flavors will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

Chia Pudding: For a nutritious and satisfying side, consider a creamy Chia Pudding. Made with chia seeds soaked in almond milk and sweetened with a touch of maple syrup, this pudding offers a delightful contrast to your muffins. Top it with fresh berries and a sprinkle of coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Delicious Muffin Recipes to Try Beyond Apple

Banana Oat Muffins: These banana oat muffins are a delightful and healthy treat. Made with ripe bananas, old-fashioned oats, and a touch of honey, they are perfect for breakfast or a snack. The natural sweetness of the bananas pairs beautifully with the wholesome oats, creating a muffin that's both nutritious and delicious.

Blueberry Almond Muffins: Bursting with juicy blueberries and the nutty flavor of almonds, these muffins are a fantastic way to start your day. The combination of almond flour and whole wheat flour gives these muffins a light and fluffy texture, while the blueberries add a pop of sweetness and color.

Carrot Zucchini Muffins: Packed with carrots and zucchini, these muffins are a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. The spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm, comforting flavor, making these muffins a perfect choice for a healthy breakfast or snack.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins: These pumpkin spice muffins are a fall favorite, but they're delicious any time of year. Made with real pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices, these muffins are moist, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy morning treat. Top them with a sprinkle of turbinado sugar for a little extra crunch.

Cranberry Orange Muffins: Bright and zesty, these cranberry orange muffins are a refreshing change from the usual muffin flavors. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweet, citrusy flavor of the orange, creating a muffin that's both tangy and sweet. They're perfect for breakfast or a midday snack.

Why trust this Healthy Apple Muffin Recipe:

This healthy apple muffin recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious treat without compromising on nutrition. Made with wholesome old-fashioned oats and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, these muffins are both satisfying and guilt-free. The addition of applesauce and almond milk ensures a moist texture, while pumpkin pie spice adds a warm, comforting flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these muffins are easy to make and store well, making them a convenient option for busy lifestyles. Trust this recipe for a healthy, tasty, and simple baking experience.

Share your thoughts on this healthy apple muffin recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make it even better!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely! You can use any milk you prefer, like cow's milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just make sure it's unsweetened to keep the muffins healthy.

Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes, you can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the flavor.

How should I store these muffins to keep them fresh?

You can store them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the batter?

Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips. Just fold them in gently when you're mixing the wet and dry ingredients.

Do I need to peel the apple before dicing it?

It's up to you. If you prefer a smoother texture, go ahead and peel the apple. If you like a bit of extra fiber and texture, you can leave the skin on.