Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins Recipe

Introduction

These Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are the perfect quick-prep treat for busy mornings or a cozy snack. The applesauce keeps them incredibly moist while the warm cinnamon spice fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. If you love apple desserts, you might also enjoy this easy homemade Apple Crumble or these Caramel Apple Cupcakes with caramel frosting.

Ingredients

These Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins come together with simple pantry staples, creating a wonderfully moist texture and warm spice aroma that fills your kitchen.

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups applesauce (sweetened)
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Context: These Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins come together about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups thoroughly. Measure out all your ingredients, including the applesauce, to ensure a smooth baking process.

Step 2 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisking ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout your Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins batter.

Step 3 — Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, combine the applesauce, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to blend them until the mixture is smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve.

Step 4 — Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixtures together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and will result in tender muffins.

Step 5 — Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. An ice cream scoop works well for this to ensure uniform size and easy cleanup.

Step 6 — Add Topping and Bake

If desired, sprinkle the tops with a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet, crunchy crust. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes.

Step 7 — Check for Doneness

The Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are done when the tops are golden and spring back lightly when touched. For an accurate test, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8 — Cool the Muffins

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set and makes them easier to remove without breaking.

Step 9 — Serve and Store

Enjoy your Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Nutritional Information

Calories	185
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	6g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	180mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole wheat flour — Adds fiber and nutrients while maintaining a hearty texture in your Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins.
• Oat flour — Provides a gluten-free option with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the applesauce.
• Greek yogurt — Boosts protein content and creates a moist, tender crumb when replacing some oil or butter.
• Coconut sugar — A lower glycemic alternative to refined sugar that adds caramel notes to your muffins.
• Almond milk — Creates dairy-free Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins with a subtle nutty flavor.
• Flax eggs — Perfect for vegan versions, adding binding power without altering the spiced apple flavor.
• Reduced salt — Cut sodium by half without compromising taste, letting the cinnamon and applesauce shine.
• Protein powder — Replace up to ¼ cup flour for a high-protein boost in your morning muffins.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair warm Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a comforting breakfast.
• Serve these Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins alongside yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced brunch or snack.
• Bring these muffins to a potluck or bake sale—they’re easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Enjoy Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins as an after-school treat with a glass of cold milk.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a simple dessert presentation.
• Pack them in lunchboxes—these moist Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins stay fresh and delicious for hours.

For a festive touch, sprinkle the tops with a little extra cinnamon sugar before baking, or serve them on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, homemade feel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the batter. Fix: Gently fold until just combined to keep your Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins tender and light.
• Mistake: Using cold ingredients. Fix: Bring eggs and applesauce to room temperature for better emulsification and even baking.
• Mistake: Incorrect flour measurement. Fix: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense, dry muffins.
• Mistake: Skipping the muffin liners or grease. Fix: Always line or grease the pan well to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Mistake: Overfilling the muffin cups. Fix: Fill each cup only ⅔ full to allow proper rising without spilling over.
• Mistake: Underbaking or overbaking. Fix: Use a toothpick test—it should come out clean for perfectly baked Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins.
• Mistake: Using expired baking powder. Fix: Check the freshness date to ensure your muffins rise properly and don’t turn out flat.
• Mistake: Not adjusting for applesauce sweetness. Fix: Taste your applesauce first; reduce added sugar if it’s sweetened to avoid overly sweet muffins.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes or microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Proper storage keeps these Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins moist and flavorful while ensuring food safety.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy baking these delicious Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins as much as we do! For another wonderful apple treat, try our Carrot Apple Zucchini Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting. Please leave a comment with your results, and don’t forget to subscribe for more easy recipes!

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FAQs

Can I use homemade applesauce in these Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins?

Yes, homemade applesauce works perfectly. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to store-bought, unsweetened applesauce for the best results in your Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins.

How should I store these muffins to keep them fresh?

Store cooled Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Can I make these muffins without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute each egg with a flax egg or ¼ cup of additional applesauce. This substitution works well to maintain moisture in your Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins.