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    Hummusapien » Recipes » Breakfast » Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

    ★★★★★ from 9 reviews

    Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

    Published Nov 1, 2021 · Modified Oct 12, 2022 · by Alexis Joseph · 41 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    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!

    up close apple oatmeal muffins

    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!
    unbaked apple oatmeal in muffin tin

    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).
    apple muffins on tray

    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.

    apple muffin with bite taken out

    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!

    Print
    clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
    up close apple oatmeal muffins

    Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins Recipe

    ★★★★★ 5 from 9 reviews
    • Author: Alexis Joseph
    • Prep Time: 10 mins
    • Cook Time: 25 mins
    • Total Time: 35 mins
    • Yield: 12 cups 1x
    • Category: Breakfast
    • Method: Oven
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    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!


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
    • 1 cup milk of choice (I used unsweetened vanilla almond)
    • ¼ cup natural salted peanut butter (or almond butter)
    • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 2 ½ cups old fashioned oats
    • 1 tbsp baking powder
    • 2 tsp cinnamon
    • ¼ tsp nutmeg
    • ¼ tsp fine sea salt (use ½ tsp if peanut butter is not salted)
    • 1 medium apple, diced small

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350F. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray.
    2. In a medium mixing bowl, add applesauce, almond milk, peanut butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract and stir until well mixed.
    3. Add oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until combined, being careful not to over-mix. Fold in diced apple.
    4. Spoon mixture evenly into muffin tin, filling the tins to the very top. Bake for 25-27 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean. Let cups cool for at least 15 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Notes

    VEGAN: Sub a flax or chia egg.

    Keywords: applesauce oatmeal muffins

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

    Photos by The Nutritious Kitchen.

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Penny says

      January 11, 2022 at 8:09 pm

      These are awesome! I’ve swapped out the apple for blueberries or even banana. Love them!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        January 12, 2022 at 4:52 pm

        Wahoooo thanks, Penny! Love the sound of these with bloobs.

        Reply
    2. Penny says

      December 05, 2021 at 4:38 pm

      Delicious!! Just took these out of the oven. I know what I’m having for breakfast this week.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 06, 2021 at 11:05 am

        Amazing, thanks Penny!

        Reply
    3. Allison says

      November 05, 2021 at 12:22 am

      I was craving a fall “pastry” to have with an afternoon cup of coffee and these muffins were the perfect answer! I was out of vanilla extract and had to supplement the little applesauce I had with a mashed banana but they still turned out great. Will definitely make again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        November 15, 2021 at 12:23 am

        That sounds perfect, thanks a ton Allison!

        Reply
    4. Kori Daniel says

      November 04, 2021 at 4:00 pm

      These were so fun and easy to make, and they are tasty! I put on my Christmas tunes, set out my ingredients, and in no time they were baking. I had to bake mine a little longer, and some are still a little wet on the bottom. My fault for not evenly distributing the liquid throughout the muffin tin. I love that they are not overly sweet and will be fantastic as is, with more pb, in a yogurt bowl, and with cottage cheese!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        November 05, 2021 at 11:25 am

        Awww how fun is this scene! Thanks for the tips, Kori!

        Reply
    5. Nic says

      November 03, 2021 at 9:30 pm

      Love these!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Nikki says

      November 03, 2021 at 9:12 pm

      I just had one of these made by Alexis and it was BOMB! So moist (sorry for those of you who don’t like that word, it’s absolutely necessary in this case) and perfectly sweet!! I will be making these for my husband and myself as well as making a small batch for my baby boy sans the maple syrup and salt!

      Reply
    7. Kate says

      November 03, 2021 at 3:56 pm

      Thanks for this recipe! I'm looking forward to trying it. If I wanted to omit any sort of nut butter, would you recommend replacing it with another 1/4 of applesauce, or with something else? (I can't do nuts, but I also don't like sunflower seed butter when it's been cooked).

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        November 03, 2021 at 5:28 pm

        Hey Katie! I'd suggest tahini if you don't like sunbutter or use 2 tbsp oil/melted butter instead.

        Reply
    8. Dylan says

      November 03, 2021 at 11:18 am

      Great recipe to whip-up for a quick breakfast or snack!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Kelly says

      November 02, 2021 at 11:48 pm

      These are so good!! I can’t wait to make them again for the entire family 😚

      Reply
    10. Dylan says

      November 01, 2021 at 2:57 pm

      So good, these are great for a quick breakfast!

      Reply
    11. laura says

      September 12, 2021 at 5:34 pm

      These were amazing, the whole family enjoyed them and the entire batch was gone in minutes. Will be making these regularly for the kids snacks. Thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 13, 2021 at 9:20 pm

        Awww, thank you Laura! I need to remake these!

        Reply
    12. caitlin says

      November 21, 2018 at 3:49 pm

      Hey - this recipe looks great for Thanksgiving brunch!!! One question: would peanut butter work instead??? Thanks in advance!!! xx

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        November 21, 2018 at 3:51 pm

        Sure—they’ll just have a peanut butter flavor!

        Reply
    13. caitlin says

      November 21, 2018 at 3:49 pm

      Hey - this recipe looks great for Thanksgiving brunch!!! One question: would peanut butter work instead??? Thanks in advance!!! xx

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        November 21, 2018 at 3:51 pm

        Sure—they’ll just have a peanut butter flavor!

        Reply
    14. Laura says

      February 16, 2018 at 12:51 am

      This is a wonderful recipe especially for those who are allergic to eggs, dairy and are going gluten free! For sure this is a keeper recipe. Very easy recipe for those grab and go breakfast mornings. Thanks again for sharing such a great recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        February 16, 2018 at 9:06 am

        Of course! I’m so glad you liked them 🙂

        Reply
    15. Laura says

      February 16, 2018 at 12:51 am

      This is a wonderful recipe especially for those who are allergic to eggs, dairy and are going gluten free! For sure this is a keeper recipe. Very easy recipe for those grab and go breakfast mornings. Thanks again for sharing such a great recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        February 16, 2018 at 9:06 am

        Of course! I’m so glad you liked them 🙂

        Reply
    16. Mary says

      December 05, 2017 at 7:01 am

      A shame you are spruiking protein powder - there's never been a case of protein deficiency in the western world. The opposite is most likely true. I will try these without the protein powder.

      Reply
    17. Mary says

      December 05, 2017 at 7:01 am

      A shame you are spruiking protein powder - there's never been a case of protein deficiency in the western world. The opposite is most likely true. I will try these without the protein powder.

      Reply
    18. Dana says

      June 10, 2017 at 6:24 am

      Can peanut butter be used instead? Thank you!!

      Reply
    19. Dana says

      June 10, 2017 at 6:24 am

      Can peanut butter be used instead? Thank you!!

      Reply
    20. Jessica says

      May 31, 2017 at 4:27 pm

      Do l need to make any changes if l leave out the protein powder?

      Reply
    21. Jessica says

      May 31, 2017 at 4:27 pm

      Do l need to make any changes if l leave out the protein powder?

      Reply
    22. Karen says

      February 04, 2017 at 10:00 am

      Can you provide the nutritional information for the Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal Cups? Thank you!

      Reply
    23. Karen says

      February 04, 2017 at 10:00 am

      Can you provide the nutritional information for the Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal Cups? Thank you!

      Reply
    24. annie says

      January 27, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      lol i'm lovin your description of the cartoon character reaction. We like to call it "a-oooo-gah" at our house.

      These cups look wonderful. My fella keeps those pre-packaged oatmeals in his desk and it kind of annoys me. So many additives and sugars and what have you. But so far, i haven't come up with a good alternative......until now! I could make a big batch at the start of the week and keep them in the freezer. Wonderful.

      Reply
    25. annie says

      January 27, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      lol i'm lovin your description of the cartoon character reaction. We like to call it "a-oooo-gah" at our house.

      These cups look wonderful. My fella keeps those pre-packaged oatmeals in his desk and it kind of annoys me. So many additives and sugars and what have you. But so far, i haven't come up with a good alternative......until now! I could make a big batch at the start of the week and keep them in the freezer. Wonderful.

      Reply
    26. Janet says

      January 26, 2017 at 11:55 am

      They look delicious! Do the probiotics in the protein powder stand up to the oven heat?

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 27, 2017 at 9:56 am

        it depends on the strain, but that is a good question! I'll do some research!

        Reply
    27. Janet says

      January 26, 2017 at 11:55 am

      They look delicious! Do the probiotics in the protein powder stand up to the oven heat?

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 27, 2017 at 9:56 am

        it depends on the strain, but that is a good question! I'll do some research!

        Reply
    28. Sam @ Hygge Wellness says

      January 26, 2017 at 10:46 am

      Yum! Definitely making these this weekend. Thanks, Alexis!! : )

      Reply
    29. Sam @ Hygge Wellness says

      January 26, 2017 at 10:46 am

      Yum! Definitely making these this weekend. Thanks, Alexis!! : )

      Reply

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    Well HELLO there, pal! I'm Alexis. Welcome to Hummusapien, a fantastical food blog brimming with nourishing (always delish!) recipes from a Registered Dietitian plus life tidbits to inspire you to live your most joyful, balanced life. Grab a super hot cup o' joe and let's get cookin'.

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