Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

Applesauce muffins made with rolled oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar are a hearty, whole-grain muffin. They are perfect for a quick breakfast, on the go snack, or even dessert in our house. Apple lovers will also want to try this easy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal and Slow Cooker Apple Crisp.

My kids will eat almost anything in muffin form, so healthy muffins are part of our weekly routine. Lately one of our favorites has been these easy applesauce muffins that are filled with apple flavor.  They have lots of apple flavor, aren't overly sweet, and are delicious in the morning with some almond butter or cream cheese.

Using applesauce in muffins is actually a pretty genius trick. The applesauce does two things. First, it adds lots of natural sweetness. This means we don't have to add as much sugar as a standard muffin. Secondly, it helps keep the muffins nice and moist without needing lots of oil or butter. Unsweetened applesauce is often used as an oil replacement in healthy baking, and you will be shocked at just how well it works. 

The other trick to making a healthier muffin is starting with a healthy base. I almost use a base of oatmeal and white whole grain flour to ensure that the muffin is hearty, filling, and nutritious. This adds lots of extra fiber and nutrients that you wouldn't get with standard all purpose white flour.

Recipe Ideas and Tips for Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

Once you start making these easy applesauce muffins, you will want to create all kinds of unique muffins based on this simple recipe. Here are some of our favorites:

• Although chocolate chips may come to mind, I actually prefer adding some peanut butter or cinnamon chips to these easy muffins.
• Nuts are a great way to add protein and healthy fat. Try almonds, walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
• Add healthy Omega 3 fatty acids with some chia seeds. 
• Make an easy cream cheese frosting for your muffins by combining equal parts light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and powdered sugar.
• Add some sweetness and tang with some dried cranberries or cherries. Raisins, apricots, and dried blueberries also work great.
• For an extra bust of fruit, add some shredded or diced apples. You can also add blueberries or raspberries.
• Switch up the flavors and replace half of the applesauce with mashed bananas for an applesauce banana oatmeal muffin.
• Switch up the spices and use apple pie or pumpkin pie spices, which include nutmeg, allspice, and mace in addition to the cinnamon.

How to Store and Freeze Applesauce Muffins

Always make sure to let your muffins fully cool before storing them. These muffins can be kept in an airtight container on the counter or in the fridge for up to 5 days. I find they keep best in the fridge if you plan on keeping them more than 1-2 days. 

These muffins are also a great option to keep in the freezer. Start by letting them fully cool. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months in the freezer. They can be defrosted overnight in the fridge or can be microwaved for 1-1.5 minutes until defrosted. I also love throwing them frozen into lunches. They will naturally defrost by the time lunch rolls around.

What is white whole wheat flour?

Wondering about white whole wheat flour? It's actually just a different variety of whole wheat flour, made from a milder, paler type of wheat called winter or spring white wheat. Traditional whole wheat flours, which are more brown with a stronger flavor, are made from a red wheat variety. White whole wheat flour has all the same great nutrients but with a milder, more friendly taste, making it great for baking. I use it in everything from muffins to pancakes to quick bread and more.

Are muffins healthy?

Typically store-bought and bakery muffins are not the healthiest options. Most are made with white flour, vegetable oil, and tons of sugar. In fact, the average bakery blueberry muffin has over 500 calories. Even bran muffins, which seem like a healthy option, are usually packed with sugar and unhealthy fats. In comparison, when you make your own muffins at home with healthy ingredients like oats, whole wheat flour, unsweetened applesauce, and yogurt, you can ensure they are nutritious. 

More healthy oatmeal muffin recipes

• Banana Chocolate Coconut Oatmeal Muffins
• Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins
• Microwave Blueberry Oatmeal Muffin