This Underrated Pantry Ingredient Is Key to the Best Applesauce Muffins

Some muffins are really cupcakes in disguise but these muffins are wholesome and not overly sweet.

These muffins are naturally sweetened and have the most incredible soft, tender texture. Vicky Wasik/TNS

There are two types of muffins in the world: cupcakes masquerading as muffins, and those that are hearty, wholesome, and not overly sweet. Any time I have a hankering for the latter, these easy applesauce muffins are my go-to.

These applesauce oat muffins get their heartiness and soft, fluffy texture from a mix of all-purpose and whole-wheat flours and rolled oats. Plus, they’re naturally sweetened (thanks to the addition of maple syrup) and flavored with a mix of warm spices.

Key Ingredients in Applesauce Muffins

• Whole-wheat flour: Using a 50/50 blend of whole-wheat and all-purpose flour gives the muffins a heartier texture than using just all-purpose flour on its own.
• Rolled oats: Mixing a small amount into the batter keeps these muffins interesting with an extra-hearty, fun texture.
• Sprinkle more oats over top of the muffins before baking—it looks great and the oats pick up a great, toasty flavor in the oven.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Even though you’re using unsweetened applesauce, it still has lots of natural sweetness. It works to sweeten the muffins and adds moisture for a soft, tender texture.
• Neutral cooking oil: Oil adds fat, which keeps the texture of the muffins super tender.
• Maple syrup: Any type of pure maple syrup will work here. Using just 1/2 cup of this natural sweetener ensures muffins that are just sweet enough.
• Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is a natural partner to applesauce. This warm spice ensures these wholesome muffins have plenty of flavor.
• Ground cardamom: In addition to working well with cinnamon, this warm ground spice is also really great with apples.

What Does Adding Applesauce do to Muffins?

There are several benefits to mixing unsweetened applesauce into your muffin batter.

• It makes muffins incredibly moist and tender.
• It allows you to reduce the amount of fat in the recipe, while still yielding extremely soft and tender muffins. This recipe still calls for oil, although a lesser amount.
• It also lends sweetness to the muffins (yes, even the unsweetened stuff), reducing the amount of sweetener required.

Best Type of Applesauce to Use for Applesauce Muffins

You’ll want to use unsweetened applesauce—homemade or store-bought—for these muffins. If you plan to use homemade applesauce, stick with one that’s not too chunky.

Storing and Freezing Tips

The muffins will keep for up to five days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze quite well. Just be sure to store in an airtight container in the freezer, and they’ll keep for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw at room temperature ahead of time.

Applesauce Muffins

Makes 12 muffins