Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

Easy Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins are a tasty, healthy on-the-go breakfast! Made with oats, applesauce, peanut butter, maple syrup and cinnamon. Make a batch for busy mornings!

Apples and peanut butter and I go waaaaaay back.

I credit my mama for igniting this life long love affair. And today, we're turning this heaven-sent combo into apple baked oatmeal cups! Slather 'em in salty peanut butter and call it a GOOD day.

This is serious, you guys. You know there have been a whole slew lot of healthy oatmeal breakfast recipes on the blog, from the mega popular Banana Zucchini Oatmeal Cups and Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal to my Healthy Oatmeal Apple Waffles.

But these...these are certainly somethin' special.

How to make applesauce muffins

Simply whisk wet, whisk dry, and combine!

1. Whisk together applesauce, milk, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla.
2. Stir in oats, baking powder, spices salt. Fold in apple.
3. Pour into muffin tin and bake for 25 minutes. Dig in!

Key ingredients and substitutions

This recipe is pretty forgiving I've learned. Want more richness? Add a couple tablespoons of melted butter. Feeling crunchy? Add toasted walnuts or pecans. Craving sweeter? Use ½ cup maple syrup or omit for less sweet!

• applesauce: For apple flavor and lots of moisture, no oil required. Store bought or homemade works great.
• old fashioned oats: The base of this recipe is whole grain rolled oats. Don't use instant, quick, or steel cut here. Use certified gluten free if needed.
• maple syrup: A hint of my favorite sweetener so they're just a bit sweet! Honey also works.
• milk: Cow's, oat, almond, coconut, or whatever milk you fancy works here.
• peanut butter: For some good fat and flavor. Any nut butter works. I like salted.
• egg: For flavor, binding, and rise. Sub a flax egg for vegan.
• cinnamon: Plenty of spice for these muffins!
• apple: I love Honeycrisp, but Granny Smith or Gala would also be nice!

Dietary swaps

• Make it nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and oat or cow's milk instead of almond milk. (The muffins may turn green, which is a harmless reaction between the sunflower seed butter and baking powder.)
• Make it vegan: Omit egg and use a flax egg instead (1 tbsp ground flax mixed with 3 tbsp water).

Are oatmeal muffins kid-friendly?

Yes! Babies 9 months and up can enjoy these by simply omitting the salt and maple syrup. Be sure the apple chunks are soft enough so they don't present a chocking hazard. They're nice and moist for little ones!

They're also great for toddlers and kiddos.

Is oatmeal a healthy breakfast?

This Registered Dietitian says you betcha! Oatmeal is packed with filling fiber, unique phytochemicals, and energizing B vitamins. Whole grains are a splendid way to start the day, plus they're super accessible and affordable.

Slather on more nut butter for a more filling meal or pair with protein-rich scrambled eggs to round it out.

Storage tips

Store cooled leftover cups in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to five days. These make an amazing make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings!

How to freeze

Freeze cooled muffins in a freezer baggie for up to 3 months.

Craving more oatmeal? Don’t miss my other go-to recipes

• Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
• Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups
• Salted Chocolate Covered Oatmeal Bites
• Blueberry Oatmeal Snack Bars

Holler in the comments if you give these breakfast beauts a whirl!

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Photos by The Nutritious Kitchen.