Healthy Applesauce Oat Muffins are made from scratch with simple ingredients including rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, and whole wheat flour. They make the perfect healthy snack and they’re freezer-friendly, too!
Healthy snacks for myself and my kids is something I am passionate about. I keep my freezer stocked with healthy snacks including; Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bites, Banana Bran Muffins, and Easy Homemade Fruit Pops.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, I’m always on the look-out for healthy snack ideas for my kids. Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite healthy snack ideas. My kids particularly love muffins, and I like to make big batches and freeze them. They’re also great for adding to their lunches.
Some of my favorite healthy muffins include:
- Banana Bran Muffins
- Greek Yogurt Double Chocolate Muffins
- Healthy Banana Oat Muffins
- Skinny Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
The original recipe for these came from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe several years ago. I’ve probably made them a hundred times over the years– it’s such a fantastic recipe! The only tweaking I’ve done it to make more batter. I’ve found her original recipe only makes about 10 large muffins, so I’ve adjusted the ingredients to make a full dozen!
Holy cow are these Applesauce Oat muffins delicious, and the fact that they’re healthy makes me completely obsessed with them. And most importantly, my kids love them. Like LOOOVVEEE them. They make a great snack for the entire family.
How to Make Healthy Applesauce Muffins:
- Stir together oats, applesauce, milk, egg, vanilla, butter and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and cranberries or raisins.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups.
- Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.
Are Muffins Healthy?
Muffins are not usually considered to be healthy, but they can be healthy. It totally depends on the ingredients. As a general rule, homemade muffin are healthier than their store bought counterpart because they don’t contain the added ingredients and preservatives that are found in store bought muffins.
What makes these muffins healthy is that they’re nutrient dense. They are made with applesauce in place of oil or an extra egg, whole wheat flour in place of white flour, and whole grain rolled oats that contribute added fiber and protein.
Storing and Freezing Muffins:
Store muffins at room temperature, in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.
To freeze muffins, first allow them to cool completely. Then place them in a freezer safe resealable bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, remove them from the freezer and allow them to come to room temperature. You can also microwave one frozen muffin for about 20 seconds.
Check out these healthy snack ideas:
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Applesauce Oat Muffins
Video
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 Tablespoons butter , melted (or coconut oil)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins , or craisins, or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, applesauce, milk, egg, vanilla, butter and sugar.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and cranberries or raisins.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the applesauce mixture. Stir just until combined (don't overmix!)
- Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Don't over-bake or the muffins will be dry. Remove them to a cooling rack. Cool completely before freezing in a ziplock freezer bag.
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?!
RATE and COMMENT below! I would love to hear your experience.
I originally shared this recipe December 2015. Updated July 2019.
Altair says
I had some homemade applesauce I needed to use up, and I’m so glad I found this recipe! The muffins were absolutely delicious! 😁
Cendra says
I added chunks of apple with the peel on and 1/3 cup salted caramel chips and they were divine! Soaking the oatmeal was the secret to success. My family loves them!
Mary says
Very tasty and moist. I’ve added it to my virtual cookbook.
Nims says
what can i substitute coconut oil or butter with? will 4 tablesppons of olive oil work?
Lauren Allen says
Yes, although I would recommend canola or vegetable oil instead!
Kelly says
I’ve done olive oil and I don’t think it changes the taste at all. Delicious!
Audrey says
These are delicious. Not a bit dry. I did not add any fruit or chocolate chips and they were great just plain like that.
Nancy says
I never leave a review but these are fabulous!!! I followed the recipe exactly but I did add chopped walnuts. So delicious with a cup of coffee! Thank you for the recipe!
Jo says
I replaced whole wheat flour with AP flour and used coconut oil instead of butter. Also reduced the sugar to 1/4 cup. The recipe yield exactly 12 muffins and they were just so fluffy and moist. Thumbs-up!
Olivia says
Hands down the best healthy muffin I have EVER made! These are so moist and delicious with a light apple flavour. I have tried so many different healthy muffin recipes and this one turned out the best, no complications whatsoever. Thank you for sharing it!!
Isabel says
I followed recipe directions exactly as for once I had all ingredients. Very good, moist. I make applesauce every summer so am always looking for healthy recipes to use it. I will freeze them for breakfasts.
Robin J Knight says
I don’t have old fashioned rolled oats but I do have steel cut and quick oats. What would be best for these muffins?
Lauren Allen says
Quick oats will work 🙂