Apples have their own lore around my house, because we have a scraggly apple tree waaaaaay at the top of a rock pile in our backyard. We didn’t even know it was there until two years after moving in, when my adventurous nephews discovered it one fall. Now, with the hushed ring of a prophecy, we remind our impatient kids when the apples will be ready to pick: “When the leaves turn yellow and red, we’ll climb to the top of the rock hill, and pick the apples.”
So something about that first chill in the air makes us want to fill the house with the smell of cinnamon and baked apples. These Cinnamon Sugar Applesauce Muffins are soft, fluffy, and full of that cozy apple spice flavor that makes everyone gravitate toward the kitchen. They’re lightly sweet, packed with fiber-rich apples and whole grains, and balanced with a little protein, so they feel like a treat but actually hold up as a real snack.
I made a batch right before we left on a grown-ups-only trip, thinking they’d last my kids through the week with their grandparents. Apparently they were gone within a day or so. Consider that my kids’ official stamp of approval. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a busy stretch or just want your house to smell like fall, these are the muffins to reach for.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Applesauce Muffins (makes 24 muffins)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- Pinch of nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 2/3 cup applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup yogurt (flavored or unflavored, I used peach)
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fold In
- 1/2 cup shredded apple
Topping
- Cinnamon sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions for Cinnamon Sugar Applesauce Muffins
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: both flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.
- In a medium bowl, combine the wet ingredients: applesauce, egg, yogurt, avocado oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and blend together until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the shredded apple.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar. Bake for 13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 5–10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Cinnamon Sugar Applesauce Muffins
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: both flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.
- In a medium bowl, combine the wet ingredients: applesauce, egg, yogurt, avocado oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and blend together until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the shredded apple.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar. Bake for 13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 5–10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave for 15–20 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stirring until just combined keeps the muffins soft and fluffy.
- The cinnamon sugar topping gives a bakery-style finish and a little crackle on top. Don’t skip it.
- Shredded apple adds moisture and natural sweetness, so use a crisp, juicy variety if you can.
- These are a great make-ahead snack. Bake a double batch and stash some in the freezer for busy weeks.
Nutrition Info (per 2 muffins):
135 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated), 19 g carbs (1 g fiber, 4 g added sugar), 4 g protein
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Applesauce Muffins
- Soft, fluffy, and full of cozy apple spice flavor
- Lightly sweet with just 4 g of added sugar per serving
- Made with whole grains and fiber-rich apples
- Warm fall spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes
- Great for making ahead
- Freezer-friendly for easy batch prep
FAQs
Can I make these Cinnamon Sugar Applesauce Muffins dairy-free?
Yes. Use a dairy-free yogurt in place of the regular yogurt.
What kind of yogurt works best?
Any yogurt works here, flavored or unflavored. I used peach, but plain, vanilla, or apple would all be lovely.
Can I make standard-sized muffins?
Yes. Bake in a standard muffin tin for approximately 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Do I need to peel the apple?
No. The shredded apple softens right into the batter, skin and all, adding a little extra fiber.
Can I use a different oil?
Yes. Any neutral oil works in place of avocado oil, or you can use melted butter.
Do these freeze well?
Very well. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag and thaw as needed, which makes them perfect for meal prep.
More Healthy, Kid-Friendly Snacks You’ll Love
- Banana Strawberry Mini Pancake Donuts with Yogurt Frosting
- Carrot & Raisin Mini Muffins (High Fiber, Kid-Friendly)
- Mango Chia Seed Pudding (High-Protein, Meal Prep Friendly)
- 5-Ingredient Banana Bread Mini Muffins (Flourless & Gluten-Free)
- Strawberry Thumbprint Brownie Bites (High-Fiber + Kid-Friendly)
- Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Muffins (High Protein)
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