Some mornings I wake up and realize I forgot to make breakfast and the kids are already hungry and cranky so I run to the kitchen and start mixing this little favorite that always saves the day because it smells so good and makes everyone happy even if I spill a little flour on the counter or knock over the measuring cup it still turns out okay and the kids love it so much they grab it right out of the pan before it even cools down.

I remember one afternoon I tried to add extra cinnamon because I thought it would be fun and I ended up coughing because it puffed up in the air and made me laugh so hard because the batter looked funny with big lumps and little streaks of applesauce and even with that little mess it baked into golden muffins that were soft and sweet and perfect for a quick snack or a lunchbox surprise.

Sometimes I forget to check if the muffin tin is lined properly and one sticks a little but I just peel it off and eat the slightly misshapen one first because it tastes just as good as the perfect ones and it makes me feel a little proud because I didn’t give up and the smell fills the house and even the dog waits patiently hoping for a crumb or two to fall on the floor and it reminds me that small things like this make a busy day feel a little brighter and cozier.

I love pairing these little baked treats with different foods because it turns them into something special and my favorite is spreading a little butter and honey on top or dipping them in warm milk or tea or eating one next to yogurt and berries or slicing one and layering it in a small sandwich with peanut butter and jam or breaking off pieces to sprinkle on ice cream or even trying them with a slice of neapolitan cake I already tried and all of it tastes delicious and makes snack time feel like a tiny celebration in the kitchen.

Sometimes I invite the kids to help and they make a mess with applesauce dripping down their fingers and flour on their noses but it is the funniest thing to watch because they get so excited stirring the batter and licking the spoon and even when we spill a little milk or drop a nut they giggle and it becomes a memory that sticks with me and the muffins always come out soft and warm and sweet and the kitchen feels alive with laughter and little happy chaos.

I like to experiment sometimes and add tiny surprises like a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top or a few chocolate chips hiding inside because it makes biting into one a little adventure and the kids love guessing what is inside and I love seeing their eyes light up when they find the hidden bits and even if it isn’t perfect it tastes amazing and reminds me that the best part is enjoying it together and not worrying too much about the mess or the uneven shapes.

Ingredients

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped apples (optional)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Ingredients notes

all-purpose flour makes the muffins soft and fluffy
baking powder helps the muffins rise and get tall
baking soda works with applesauce to make the muffins light
salt brings out the flavor in the muffins
ground cinnamon gives a warm sweet taste
ground nutmeg adds a little spicy flavor
unsweetened applesauce keeps the muffins moist and sweet without sugar
vegetable oil makes the muffins soft and tender
brown sugar makes the muffins sweet and a little caramel flavor
egg helps everything stick together and makes them fluffy
vanilla extract gives a yummy smell and flavor
milk makes the batter smooth and easy to mix
chopped apples give extra apple taste and little chewy pieces
chopped nuts add crunch and taste

how to make applesauce muffins ?

step 1: prepare the oven and pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F or 180°C so it is nice and warm when you are ready to bake then line a muffin tin with paper liners to keep the muffins from sticking and make cleanup easy.

step 2: mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon and nutmeg until they are all combined this helps everything mix evenly later on.

step 3: mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl stir together the applesauce vegetable oil brown sugar egg and vanilla extract until smooth then add the milk and mix gently so everything blends together.

step 4: combine wet and dry ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in small portions and stir slowly until just combined do not overmix or the muffins may be tough then fold in the chopped apples and nuts if you are using them.

step 5: fill the muffin cups

Spoon the batter evenly into the paper liners filling each about two-thirds full so the muffins have room to rise without spilling over.

step 6: bake the muffins

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean then remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

step 7: cool and serve

Let the muffins cool completely so they are easier to eat then enjoy with a glass of milk or pack in lunch boxes for a yummy snack.

Kitchen equipment needed

Oven
Muffin tin
Paper muffin liners
Medium mixing bowl
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire rack

Storage options

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to one week you can also freeze them for up to two months by wrapping individually and placing in a freezer-safe bag then thaw before eating.

Variations for applesauce muffins

You can add raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness or use pumpkin puree instead of applesauce for a different flavor you can also top them with oats or streusel for a crunchy texture or replace half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

FAQs

What is applesauce muffins made of?

Applesauce muffins are made of flour applesauce sugar eggs oil milk and a mix of baking powder and baking soda with cinnamon nutmeg and optional apples or nuts.

What does applesauce muffins taste like?

Applesauce muffins taste soft and sweet with a gentle apple flavor a little spice from cinnamon and nutmeg and a moist texture that melts in your mouth.

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Yes you can use sweetened applesauce but reduce the sugar slightly in the recipe to avoid making the muffins too sweet.

Can I make applesauce muffins gluten-free?

Yes you can use a gluten free flour blend instead of all purpose flour and the muffins will still be soft and tasty.

Can I use oil other than vegetable oil?

Yes you can use canola oil or melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor but keep the same amount.

How do I make the muffins more moist?

Using applesauce and not overmixing the batter helps keep the muffins moist you can also add a little extra milk if the batter feels too thick.

Can I add chocolate chips to applesauce muffins?

Yes chocolate chips are a fun addition fold them in gently with the apples and nuts before baking.

How long do applesauce muffins stay fresh?

Muffins stay fresh for about three days at room temperature one week in the fridge and up to two months in the freezer.