Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are soft, moist, and filled with warm spice flavors that make them perfect for breakfast or snacking any time of the year. Made with simple pantry ingredients, these muffins are a quick and wholesome way to satisfy your sweet cravings with a touch of cozy cinnamon and natural apple sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist and tender texture thanks to applesauce
Perfectly spiced with cinnamon for cozy flavor
Quick and easy to make with basic ingredients
Great for breakfast, lunchboxes, or on-the-go snacks
Can be made dairy-free or egg-free with simple swaps
Lower in fat than many traditional muffins
Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
Kid-approved and family-friendly
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Unsweetened applesauce
Granulated sugar or brown sugar
Egg
Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
Vanilla extract
Optional: chopped nuts or raisins
directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, combine applesauce, sugar, egg, oil, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in optional mix-ins like chopped nuts or raisins if using.
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 standard muffins. Preparation time is around 10 minutes, with a baking time of 18–20 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 30 minutes.
Variations
Use whole wheat flour for a healthier version
Add a streusel topping made of butter, brown sugar, and oats
Mix in shredded apple for extra texture and flavor
Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener
Add mini chocolate chips for a fun twist
storage/reheating
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze muffins in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of added sugar in the recipe.
Are these muffins dairy-free?
They can be—just use a dairy-free oil and check that your sugar is vegan.
Can I make these muffins egg-free?
Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg or egg replacer.
What type of oil is best?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil all work well.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe scales well for larger batches.
Do I need to use muffin liners?
No, you can grease the muffin tin instead, but liners make for easier cleanup.
Can I add fruit?
Yes, chopped apples or dried fruit like cranberries work great.
Why did my muffins come out dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep them light and fluffy.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
Can I use cinnamon applesauce?
Yes, but adjust the added cinnamon in the recipe to taste.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are a simple, delicious treat that captures the essence of fall and comfort in every bite. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or grab one on your way out the door, they offer a satisfying and wholesome option that you can feel good about. Bake a batch today and enjoy their spiced goodness all week long.
PrintCinnamon Applesauce Muffins
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are soft, moist, and perfectly spiced. Applesauce keeps them tender while cinnamon adds cozy flavor. They’re quick to whip up, made with simple ingredients, and perfect for meal prep or on-the-go mornings.
Ingredients
-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/2 cup granulated sugar
-
1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
-
1 tsp baking powder
-
1/2 tsp baking soda
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
-
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
-
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
-
1 tbsp sugar + 1/2 tsp cinnamon mixed together
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
-
In another bowl, whisk together applesauce, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
-
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
-
Divide batter evenly into 12 muffin cups. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar topping if using.
-
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
-
Swap half the flour for whole wheat for a fiber boost.
-
Add chopped walnuts or raisins for extra texture.
-
These freeze well for up to 3 months.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *