Applesauce Muffins are the perfect blend of sweetness and moisture, making them an ideal treat for breakfast or a snack. These delightful muffins are made with unsweetened applesauce, which adds a natural sweetness and helps keep them incredibly moist. Each bite bursts with the warm flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, making this recipe a favorite in my kitchen. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Muffins
There are countless reasons to fall in love with these moist applesauce muffins. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. Secondly, using applesauce not only enhances the flavor but also reduces the need for excessive sugar and fat, fitting perfectly into a healthy applesauce muffins recipe. Additionally, they are versatile enough to be adapted into various flavors, including cinnamon applesauce muffins or applesauce banana muffins. These muffins also freeze well, so you can enjoy them anytime!

Ingredients for Applesauce Muffins
Gather these items:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
How to Make Applesauce Muffins Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Set aside.
- Step 2: Combine the butter and sugar in a bowl. Beat with a hand-held mixer until the sugar is dissolved. Add the applesauce and vanilla extract and stir to combine. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well with the hand mixer after each addition.
- Step 3: Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the butter-egg mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Step 4: Divide the muffin batter between the paper liners, filling each up to ¾ full. Top the muffin batter with brown sugar. Bake the muffins for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Best Applesauce Muffins
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure the butter has cooled down to avoid scrambling the eggs when added.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep your muffins light and fluffy.
- For variations, try incorporating applesauce oatmeal muffins or gluten-free applesauce muffins by swapping out the flour.
- These muffins can be topped with nuts for added texture and flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Applesauce Muffins
There are many tasty ways to enjoy applesauce muffins. They are delightful on their own or served warm with a pat of butter. You can also top them with applesauce muffin toppings like cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweeter treat. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
How to Store and Reheat Applesauce Muffins
To keep your moist applesauce muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applesauce Muffins
What’s the secret to perfect Applesauce Muffins?
The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and not overmixing the batter. This keeps your muffins light and fluffy while enhancing their flavor.
Can I make Applesauce Muffins ahead of time?
Yes! These muffins are great for meal prep. You can make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy access throughout the week.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Applesauce Muffins?
Common mistakes include overmixing the batter, which can lead to dense muffins, and not measuring the flour correctly. Always use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
Variations of Applesauce Muffins You Can Try
There are plenty of variations to explore! You can make applesauce bran muffins for added fiber, or try vegan applesauce muffins by substituting the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Experimenting with spices like ginger or adding dried fruit can also elevate the flavor.
For more delicious recipes, check out Baked Pears with Feta and Honey or Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies. If you’re looking for a savory option, try Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta.
Print
Delicious Applesauce Muffins for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light and moist, these applesauce muffins are easy and delicious! They’re packed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and unsweetened applesauce, topped with extra sugar for a crunchy finish.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Set aside.
- Make the batter. Combine the butter and sugar in a bowl. Beat with a hand-held mixer until the sugar is dissolved. Add the applesauce and vanilla extract and stir to combine. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well with the hand mixer after each addition.
- Add the dry ingredients. Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the butter-egg mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Bake the muffins. Divide the muffin batter between the paper liners, filling each up to ¾ full. Top the muffin batter with brown sugar. Bake the muffins for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 242
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
