That jar of applesauce in the fridge has breakfast plans. Stir it into muffin batter, add a little cinnamon and nutmeg, and you’re on your way to soft cinnamon applesauce muffins that fill the kitchen with the smell of warm spices. Applesauce adds moisture and gentle apple flavor, while brown sugar brings a hint of caramel sweetness.
This applesauce muffins recipe comes together with two bowls and a whisk, so you can leave the mixer in the cupboard. If you enjoy banana applesauce muffins or blueberry muffins with applesauce, this simple spiced version is another bake to add to your breakfast rotation. For gluten free applesauce muffins, use a gluten free flour blend labeled as a cup-for-cup replacement for all-purpose flour, following its baking guidance. Enjoy a muffin warm with your morning coffee, tuck one into a lunchbox, or freeze a few for busy mornings.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula just until no dry flour remains. A few small lumps are fine.
- Fill the muffin pan: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool briefly: Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack for another 5 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, or let the muffins cool completely before storing.
Cook’s Note:
Choose unsweetened applesauce: It gives you more control over sweetness. Smooth, thick applesauce works best for an even crumb.
Using homemade applesauce: Let it cool before measuring. If it is watery, strain off excess liquid; if chunky, blend or mash it until smooth.
Go easy on the mixing: Once the wet and dry ingredients meet, stir only until combined. Overmixing can make the muffins tough.
Check early: Start checking at 18 minutes, as oven temperatures and muffin pans can affect baking time.
This recipe uses sugar to:
Sweeten the batter: Granulated sugar complements the mild sweetness of unsweetened applesauce.
Add flavor: Brown sugar brings a light molasses note that pairs well with apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Keep the crumb tender: Sugar helps hold moisture, keeping the muffins soft after they cool.
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