Moist Applesauce Muffins Recipe

Fluffy, Homemade Moist Applesauce Muffins Recipe for Beginners

Baking these delectable applesauce muffins, bursting with warm cinnamon spice and rich applesauce muffins recipe, brings pure comfort to any kitchen.

The aroma of fresh-baked goodness fills the air with sweet promises.

Tender and soft, these muffins are a delightful treat that anyone can master.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle spice.

The recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Wholesome and satisfying, these muffins make an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack.

You’ll fall in love with their irresistible texture and homemade charm.

Grab a muffin and savor the delicious simplicity of this classic recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 195 kcal

Servings: 12

What Goes Into Applesauce Muffins

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Applesauce: Brings natural sweetness and moisture, creating tender muffins with a soft crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure, ensuring a fluffy texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and helps keep muffins moist, preventing dryness.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of the muffin, providing essential structure and bulk.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and helps with caramelization during baking.
  • Baking Powder: Creates lift and helps muffins rise, giving a light and airy texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps muffins brown and contributes to overall leavening.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the muffins.
For Flavor Enhancers and Mix-Ins:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that complements the applesauce.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor profile and adds subtle aromatic notes.
  • Optional Nuts or Dried Fruit: Provides extra texture and bursts of additional flavor.

Tools That Help Muffins Rise Perfectly

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients without overmixing.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • 12-cup muffin tin: Standard bakeware for evenly sized muffins.
  • Muffin liners or cooking spray: Prevents muffins from sticking.
  • Cooling rack: Helps muffins cool evenly and maintain crisp edges.
  • Spatula: Useful for scraping batter and ensuring no ingredients are left behind.

How to Make Moist Muffins with Applesauce

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for these delightful muffins to bake.

  • Prepare the Muffin Home

Grab your muffin tin and either slip in some cute paper liners or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Mix the Dry Ingredients

Toss flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into a big mixing bowl, whisking them together until they’re best friends.

  • Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, sugar, and melted butter until they form a smooth, happy mixture that looks like sunshine.

  • Create the Muffin Magic

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently. Don’t go crazy – just mix until everything is just barely combined. Lumps are totally okay and mean tender muffins!

  • Fill the Muffin Homes

Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This gives your muffins room to rise and get beautifully puffy.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.

  • Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins hang out in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Grab a muffin while they’re warm and enjoy your tasty creation!

Variations for Extra Flavor in Every Bite

  • Moist Texture Trick: Fold the applesauce gently into the batter to keep the muffins tender and prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough, dense results.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these muffins safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor or texture.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with different warm spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger to add depth and complexity to the classic cinnamon profile of the muffins.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Bake these muffins in advance and freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for quick, convenient breakfasts or snacks.
  • Healthy Boost: Incorporate whole wheat flour or add chopped nuts like walnuts for extra nutrition and a delightful crunch that complements the soft applesauce base.

Serving These Muffins Warm and Cozy

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm, spiced muffins with a steaming cup of cinnamon tea or fresh coffee for a delightful morning treat that hugs your taste buds.
  • Afternoon Snack Upgrade: Pack these moist muffins in school lunches or enjoy them as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up with a dollop of vanilla yogurt on the side.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Serve these applesauce muffins alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a crowd-pleasing weekend brunch spread that will impress family and friends.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage, making them a convenient grab-and-go option.

Storing Muffins Without Losing That Softness

  • Smart Batch Preparation: Make double the recipe and freeze half the muffins in airtight containers for up to 3 months, creating quick grab-and-go breakfast options for busy mornings.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooled muffins in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, keeping them fresh and moist by placing a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture.
  • Counter Storage Tip: Leave muffins at room temperature for 1-2 days in a covered dish, ensuring they remain soft and delicious when consumed within this timeframe.
  • Portion Control Hack: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for easy lunch packing or quick snacks during the week, maintaining their original texture and flavor.
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Moist Applesauce Muffins Recipe

Moist Applesauce Muffins Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Scrumptious applesauce muffins combine warm spices with tender crumb for a delightful breakfast treat. Cinnamon and nutmeg elevate these simple, wholesome muffins that will satisfy morning cravings with comfort and charm.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup (80 g) raisins
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsps (25 g) sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Heat oven to 375F (190C), establishing the perfect thermal conditions for muffin creation.
  2. Prepare Pan: Line muffin tin with paper cups or generously coat with cooking spray to ensure effortless muffin release.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl until completely integrated and lump-free.
  4. Merge Wet and Dry Components: Create a central cavity in dry ingredients, then introduce applesauce, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Blend with minimal stirring to maintain a delicate, tender crumb.
  5. Customize Batter: Gently incorporate chopped nuts or dried fruit, distributing evenly throughout the mixture for enhanced flavor and texture.
  6. Fill and Bake: Portion batter into muffin cups, filling two-thirds full. Transfer to preheated oven and bake 18-22 minutes until tops turn golden and a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow muffins to rest in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Finish with an optional dusting of powdered sugar or delicate glaze drizzle.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and minimally to keep muffins light and fluffy, stopping as soon as ingredients are just combined to avoid developing tough gluten.
  • Moisture Management: Use unsweetened applesauce to control sugar levels and ensure a moist, tender crumb without excess sweetness or wetness.
  • Customize Mix-Ins: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans, or swap dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries to personalize flavor profiles without compromising texture.
  • Storage Strategy: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to one month to maintain freshness and prevent staleness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 162
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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