Easy Applesauce Muffins

These Applesauce Muffins are deliciously moist and full of cinnamon flavor. No peeling or chopping required, just an easy mix-and-bake recipe anyone can do!

by Theo Lindqvist · June 25, 2026

For even more fall flavor, check out these applesauce recipes: Slow Cooker Applesauce, Applesauce crisp, or Applesauce Fritters.

I’ve been making these simple applesauce muffins for years, and they never disappoint! They make a great snack for school lunches or as an afternoon snack.

Unlike a lot of bakery muffins with a long list of ingredients, these use wholesome ingredients and taste so much better than anything you can buy at the grocery store!

What you’ll love about this Applesauce Muffins Recipe

• PERFECTLY MOIST – The apple sauce keeps these muffins tender and never dry, even the next day.
• SIMPLE INGREDIENTS – Made with healthy ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• QUICK BREAKFAST – Perfect for busy mornings when you need something grab-and-go.

You’ll need the following ingredients to make these apple & cinnamon muffins:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated white sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Applesauce- use unsweetened homemade applesauce, or store-bought applesauce.
• Milk
• Avocado oil – You can use any neutral oil you prefer.
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce since the muffins already have sugar added. The best applesauce gives you lots of apple flavor.
• Don’t Over mix: The key to tender homemade muffin texture is mixing just until combined, lumpy muffin batter is totally okay!
• Flour Options: You can substitute white whole wheat flour or oat flour for even healthier muffins.

Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 12-cup muffin pan with paper muffin liners or spray with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the topping: In small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: In large bowl, whisk together flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg to combine flour mixture.

Step 4: In medium-sized bowl (separate bowl), whisk together applesauce, milk, oil, egg and vanilla until well combined.

Step 5: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir with wooden spoon just until combined. Don’t over mix; batter should be slightly lumpy.

Step 6: Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

Step 7: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping evenly over muffins.

Step 8: Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack in single layer to cool completely.

Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Over mixing can make the muffins tough.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap in plastic wrap for longer storage.

Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked taste.

Freezing: These freeze great for up to 3 months, Wrap individually and thaw at room temperature.

ADDITIONS:

• Toppings: Add a crumb topping instead of cinnamon sugar for variety.
• Spices: Try apple pie spice for more complex flavor in these healthy applesauce muffins.
• Ad Ins: If you wanna add a fresh apple or even chocolate chips, do it!

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Oil: Use coconut oil or olive oil instead of vegetable oil for different flavors.
• Sugar: Try brown sugar or coconut sugar for deeper flavor, or pure maple syrup for natural sweetness.
• Eggs: Use flax eggs or egg replacer for vegan, or just egg whites for lighter texture.
• Flour: A gluten-free flour mix works instead of white flour. Use freshly milled flour for whole grains.

Why are my muffins dense?

This usually happens from over mixing the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and don’t worry about lumps.

Can I make oatmeal applesauce muffins instead?

Yes! Add 1/2 cup oats to the full recipe for extra texture and nutrition.

Are these suitable for school lunches?

Absolutely! These make perfect easy recipes for meal prep and kids love them.

How do these compare to other muffin recipes?

These are similar to banana muffins, carrot muffins, or healthy pumpkin muffins but with a unique apple flavor that apple lovers adore!

These apple muffins are perfect on their own, but they’re also great with a smear of almond butter.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I’m excited for you to try these Applesauce Muffins! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do! Find us on IG + TikTok: @littlechefwithin