Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins Tasty and Healthy Snack

August 20, 2025 by Natalie

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a delicious and healthy snack? Look no further! These Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins are perfect for breakfast or a midday treat. They are easy to make and use simple, wholesome ingredients like rolled oats and applesauce. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the recipe, plus share tips for customization and storage. Get ready to enjoy a nutritious snack that’s both tasty and satisfying!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole wheat flour
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

These ingredients come together to create a delicious and healthy snack. Rolled oats give the muffins a hearty texture. Unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar brings a rich flavor, while eggs provide structure. Vegetable oil keeps the muffins light and fluffy. Vanilla extract adds a warm aroma that makes your kitchen smell great.

In the dry mix, baking powder and baking soda help the muffins rise, while cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients. You can boost the muffins by adding walnuts or pecans for crunch. Raisins or dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness and chewy texture.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to bake a batch of these tasty muffins!

Jump to Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the muffin tin. You can use paper liners or grease it lightly.
In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of rolled oats with 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the oats soften and blend well.
After 10 minutes, add 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the oat mixture. Whisk everything together until it is smooth and fully combined.

Dry Ingredient Mixing

In a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if it’s not perfectly smooth.
Fold in 1 cup of whole wheat flour until it is fully incorporated. If you want, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, and/or 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for extra flavor.

Baking Process

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This allows space for the muffins to rise.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.
After baking, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your tasty and healthy snack!

Tips & Tricks

Making the Perfect Muffins

To bake the best applesauce oatmeal muffins, start by mixing the wet ingredients well. Combine the rolled oats and applesauce first. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This softens the oats. Next, add brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until everything blends smoothly.

Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. This includes baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix; just combine until you see no dry spots. This helps the muffins rise well.

Customization Options

Feel free to get creative with flavors! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunch. Dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, gives a sweet burst. If you want a twist, try adding chocolate chips instead.

For dietary swaps, you can use gluten-free oats and flour. For a vegan option, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. This keeps the muffins moist and tasty.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins pair well with yogurt or a cup of tea. Spread a little butter or cream cheese on top for extra flavor.

To keep muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. They stay good for up to a week at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap each muffin in plastic wrap for best results.

Variations

Dietary Variants

Gluten-free adaptation

To make these muffins gluten-free, swap whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that works for baking. You can also add a bit of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together. This simple change keeps the muffins tasty without gluten.

Vegan version

For a vegan twist, replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let this sit for five minutes to thicken. Use vegetable oil as is, and keep the applesauce. This way, you still enjoy moist muffins without eggs.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding spices or extracts

Want to boost flavor? Feel free to add more spices like ginger or cardamom. You can also mix in a splash of almond extract or maple extract. These little tweaks can make a big difference in taste.

Fruit substitution ideas

Applesauce is great, but you can try other purees. Use mashed bananas or pumpkin puree instead. Each fruit gives a unique flavor while keeping the muffins moist. You can also mix in fresh fruit like blueberries or diced apples for added texture.

Seasonal Variations

Fall-inspired additions

In the fall, add chopped apples and walnuts for a cozy treat. You can also sprinkle in some pumpkin spice. This makes the muffins perfect for chilly mornings and autumn gatherings.

Spring fruit mix-ins

As spring arrives, mix in fresh strawberries or raspberries. These berries add a burst of color and flavor. They make the muffins bright and cheerful, perfect for a spring brunch or picnic.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storage

To keep your applesauce oatmeal muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. You can choose a plastic container or a glass jar. If you stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking and keeps them intact.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing muffins is easy. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. For thawing, just leave them at room temperature for a few hours. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds to warm them up.

Shelf Life and Freshness

These muffins last for about a week at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they may last up to two weeks. Check for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or mold. If they feel dry or crumbly, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your tasty and healthy snack while they are fresh!

FAQs

Common User Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats. The texture will be softer. This change may make muffins more moist but can affect the overall structure.

How can I make these muffins less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, cut the brown sugar by half. You can also replace it with unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the moisture without extra sugar.

What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?

For a vegan muffin, use flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.

Recipe Troubleshooting

What to do if muffins are too dry?

If your muffins are dry, add a splash of applesauce. You can also try adding a little more oil. This should help restore moisture.

Tips if batter is too thick or thin

If your batter is too thick, add a bit of milk or water. If it’s too thin, mix in a bit more flour. Adjust until you reach a good consistency.

Nutritional Information

Overview of nutritional benefits

These muffins are packed with fiber from oats and whole wheat flour. Applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture without added fat. Nuts give healthy fats and protein.

Serving size and calorie count

One muffin is a serving. Each muffin has about 150 calories. This makes them a healthy snack choice for any time of the day.

In this post, we explored a simple muffin recipe. We reviewed ingredients, detailed preparation steps, and discussed tips for perfect baking. You learned ways to customize flavors and variations for dietary needs. Additionally, we covered storage methods to keep your muffins fresh.

These muffins are not just delicious; they fit into many diets. Experiment with the ingredients to make them truly yours. Enjoy baking and delight in your tasty creations!

$- 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup whole wheat flour - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans - Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries These ingredients come together to create a delicious and healthy snack. Rolled oats give the muffins a hearty texture. Unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar brings a rich flavor, while eggs provide structure. Vegetable oil keeps the muffins light and fluffy. Vanilla extract adds a warm aroma that makes your kitchen smell great. In the dry mix, baking powder and baking soda help the muffins rise, while cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients. You can boost the muffins by adding walnuts or pecans for crunch. Raisins or dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness and chewy texture. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to bake a batch of these tasty muffins! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the muffin tin. You can use paper liners or grease it lightly. - In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of rolled oats with 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the oats soften and blend well. - After 10 minutes, add 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the oat mixture. Whisk everything together until it is smooth and fully combined. - In a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. - Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; it's okay if it's not perfectly smooth. - Fold in 1 cup of whole wheat flour until it is fully incorporated. If you want, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, and/or 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for extra flavor. - Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This allows space for the muffins to rise. - Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. - After baking, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your tasty and healthy snack! To bake the best applesauce oatmeal muffins, start by mixing the wet ingredients well. Combine the rolled oats and applesauce first. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This softens the oats. Next, add brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until everything blends smoothly. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. This includes baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don't overmix; just combine until you see no dry spots. This helps the muffins rise well. Feel free to get creative with flavors! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunch. Dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, gives a sweet burst. If you want a twist, try adding chocolate chips instead. For dietary swaps, you can use gluten-free oats and flour. For a vegan option, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. This keeps the muffins moist and tasty. These muffins pair well with yogurt or a cup of tea. Spread a little butter or cream cheese on top for extra flavor. To keep muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. They stay good for up to a week at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap each muffin in plastic wrap for best results. {{image_2}} Gluten-free adaptation To make these muffins gluten-free, swap whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that works for baking. You can also add a bit of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together. This simple change keeps the muffins tasty without gluten. Vegan version For a vegan twist, replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let this sit for five minutes to thicken. Use vegetable oil as is, and keep the applesauce. This way, you still enjoy moist muffins without eggs. Adding spices or extracts Want to boost flavor? Feel free to add more spices like ginger or cardamom. You can also mix in a splash of almond extract or maple extract. These little tweaks can make a big difference in taste. Fruit substitution ideas Applesauce is great, but you can try other purees. Use mashed bananas or pumpkin puree instead. Each fruit gives a unique flavor while keeping the muffins moist. You can also mix in fresh fruit like blueberries or diced apples for added texture. Fall-inspired additions In the fall, add chopped apples and walnuts for a cozy treat. You can also sprinkle in some pumpkin spice. This makes the muffins perfect for chilly mornings and autumn gatherings. Spring fruit mix-ins As spring arrives, mix in fresh strawberries or raspberries. These berries add a burst of color and flavor. They make the muffins bright and cheerful, perfect for a spring brunch or picnic. To keep your applesauce oatmeal muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. You can choose a plastic container or a glass jar. If you stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking and keeps them intact. Freezing muffins is easy. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. For thawing, just leave them at room temperature for a few hours. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds to warm them up. These muffins last for about a week at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they may last up to two weeks. Check for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or mold. If they feel dry or crumbly, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your tasty and healthy snack while they are fresh! Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, you can use quick oats. The texture will be softer. This change may make muffins more moist but can affect the overall structure. How can I make these muffins less sweet? To reduce sweetness, cut the brown sugar by half. You can also replace it with unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the moisture without extra sugar. What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version? For a vegan muffin, use flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. What to do if muffins are too dry? If your muffins are dry, add a splash of applesauce. You can also try adding a little more oil. This should help restore moisture. Tips if batter is too thick or thin If your batter is too thick, add a bit of milk or water. If it’s too thin, mix in a bit more flour. Adjust until you reach a good consistency. Overview of nutritional benefits These muffins are packed with fiber from oats and whole wheat flour. Applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture without added fat. Nuts give healthy fats and protein. Serving size and calorie count One muffin is a serving. Each muffin has about 150 calories. This makes them a healthy snack choice for any time of the day. In this post, we explored a simple muffin recipe. We reviewed ingredients, detailed preparation steps, and discussed tips for perfect baking. You learned ways to customize flavors and variations for dietary needs. Additionally, we covered storage methods to keep your muffins fresh. These muffins are not just delicious; they fit into many diets. Experiment with the ingredients to make them truly yours. Enjoy baking and delight in your tasty creations!$