There is something truly comforting and irresistible about a batch of fresh-baked applesauce muffins, and this Applesauce Muffins Recipe is a personal treasure that never fails to delight. Packed with tender chunks of sweet apples and infused with warm cinnamon, these muffins balance moistness and fluffiness perfectly thanks to a blend of applesauce and buttermilk. Whether you serve them for breakfast, snack time, or an afternoon treat, these muffins bring a cozy, homemade charm that’s hard to beat. Trust me, once you try this Applesauce Muffins Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for effortless baking that packs big flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Applesauce Muffins Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together to create a moist, flavorful muffin. Each component plays its part, from the cinnamon’s warm spice to the fresh diced apples’ sweet bursts, making every bite a little celebration.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and holds everything together perfectly.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a subtle molasses depth and enhances moisture for tender crumbs.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Infuses the muffins with a warm, spicy aroma that feels like fall in your mouth.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The magic leavening agent that ensures these muffins rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to heighten the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients perfectly.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Creates tender muffins with a slight tang that complements the applesauce.
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the muffins moist and adds subtle fruit flavor without extra fat.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Ensures a soft texture and keeps the muffins fresh longer.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- 2 cups apples (peeled and diced, cut into ½-inch chunks): Fresh apple chunks add bursts of juicy sweetness and pleasant texture.
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): For brushing on top to help the cinnamon sugar stick and add richness.
- ½ Tablespoon cinnamon: Mixed with sugar for a crisp, flavorful topping.
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar: Combines with cinnamon to create a sweet, crunchy crust.
How to Make Applesauce Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir these together well to evenly distribute the leavening and spices, ensuring every muffin will have a perfect rise and beautiful flavor throughout. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth. This step is crucial because these combined liquids will bring moisture and richness to the batter, helping the muffins turn out tender and flavorful every time.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry, Then Fold in Apples
Gently add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your muffins light and fluffy. Next, carefully fold in the diced apples — these little bits of fresh fruit are what make this Applesauce Muffins Recipe truly special, offering delicious texture and juicy sweetness in every bite. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the batter rest for 15 minutes to help everything meld beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare and Fill Your Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), then line a 12-cup muffin tin with 6 liners spaced every other cup. This spacing gives your muffins room to rise tall and proud. Fill each liner generously to the top with batter, smoothing the surface if needed. The batter’s thickness promises a hearty muffin packed with apples and spice.
Step 5: Bake with Temperature Adjustments for Perfect Rise
Bake the muffins at 425°F for 7 minutes to jumpstart a strong rise. Without opening the oven, reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 16 to 21 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This two-stage baking is what gives you muffins that have a beautifully domed top with a soft, moist crumb inside. Once done, let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Bake the Remaining Batter
While the first batch cools, return your oven temperature to 425°F and repeat the baking process with the remaining batter. This ensures every muffin enjoys that initial high heat boost for the best texture and appearance.
Step 7: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
Finally, melt the butter and brush it over the cooled muffins’ tops. Then dip each muffin into the cinnamon and sugar mixture to coat evenly, creating a delightful, crunchy crust that adds an irresistible touch of sweetness and spice. This finishing step elevates the Applesauce Muffins Recipe from simple to truly memorable.
How to Serve Applesauce Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple garnish, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, snow-kissed look that’s perfect for gifting or sharing. If you want a quick glaze, mixing a little honey or maple syrup with lemon juice drizzled over warm muffins enhances their fruity sweetness and makes each bite extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your applesauce muffins with a cozy cup of hot coffee or spiced apple cider for a warming breakfast or afternoon snack. They also complement creamy yogurt or a smear of cream cheese butter beautifully, adding richness to the naturally tender muffins.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these muffins into a mini dessert by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Or stack two muffins with a layer of cinnamon-spiced cream cheese in between for a fun muffin sandwich. The versatility of this Applesauce Muffins Recipe means you can keep things classic or get creative with your presentation and pairings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator where they will last about a week, though it’s best to bring them to room temperature or warm slightly before enjoying.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for a quick treat any time.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, microwaving the muffins for 15 to 20 seconds works wonders. If you prefer a bit of crispness on top, pop them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly toasted on top.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly, making it a bit more dense. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a nice balance.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother bite and softer texture, but if you like a bit more chew and fiber, leaving the skin on adds a pleasant rustic feel and extra nutrients.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes! Swap buttermilk for a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tang. Use a plant-based oil and dairy-free butter for the topping to keep it fully vegan.
What type of apples work best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith or a sweet-tart mix such as Fuji or Honeycrisp work wonderfully. They maintain their texture well and provide a nice balance to the sweet muffin.
How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Applesauce Muffins Recipe truly feels like a warm hug in muffin form. The balance of spices, tender apples, and moist crumb makes it a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these muffins bring simple ingredients together to create something incredibly satisfying and joyful. I hope you love making and sharing them as much as I do!
Print
Applesauce Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 10 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These moist and flavorful Applesauce Muffins combine the natural sweetness of applesauce with tender diced apples and warm cinnamon spices. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they feature a delightful cinnamon-sugar topping that adds a delicious crunch. Made with simple pantry ingredients and baked to golden perfection, these muffins balance sweetness and spice in every bite.
Ingredients
Muffins
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced into ½-inch chunks
Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside to be incorporated later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Carefully fold in the diced apples ensuring not to overmix the batter. Cover the bowl with a towel and allow the batter to rest for 15 minutes to hydrate.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with 6 paper liners placed in every other cup to give the muffins room to expand. Fill each liner fully with batter and smooth the tops gently.
- Initial Bake: Bake the muffins at 425°F (220°C) for 7 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 16 to 21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. Remove the tin from oven and let the muffins cool for 15 minutes.
- Second Batch: Repeat the baking process with the remaining batter, ensuring the oven is reheated to 425°F (220°C) before starting as described above.
- Make and Apply Topping: Melt the butter in a small dish. Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a separate bowl. Once muffins are cooled, brush their tops with melted butter then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated for a sweet and crunchy finish. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Resting the batter for 15 minutes helps the flour absorb liquids and improves texture.
- Spacing muffin liners every other cup prevents muffins from sticking as they expand.
- Do not open the oven door during temperature change to maintain oven heat and ensure even baking.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Using peeled apples prevents tough skins in the muffins, but unpeeled can be used for extra fiber if desired.
- Store finished muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
