Apple muffins are a delightful and guilt-free treat perfect for fall. These muffins use the natural sweetness of fruits while substituting traditional flour and fats with fruit pulp to make a low-calorie treat with great flavor and a fantastic mouth feel.
Cinnamon and nutmeg give these muffins their quintessential fall flavor while eliminating the need for extra sweeteners. Diced apples make for a great crunchy texture. They can be prepped in just minutes and enjoyed for days!
Why you should try this recipe
Apple muffins are my favorite, so much so that I almost make this recipe by eye. The three main reasons why I make them so often are:
1. Portability: These apple muffins are a perfect grab-and-go snack or dessert, making them an excellent choice for busy lifestyles. Whether you’re heading to work, school, or a picnic, these muffins are a hassle-free, mess-free option.
2. Healthier Alternative: Unlike traditional calorie-laden desserts, these muffins harness the natural sweetness of apples and low-calorie sweeteners. The inclusion of whole wheat flour and oats adds fiber and nutrients.
3. Quick and Easy: Making these muffins is a breeze, requiring minimal equipment and effort. Prep time is just minutes, and they’ll be ready to eat in about a half hour!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 muffins
3 WW points per Muffin.
Ingredients
· 2 large red apples (e.g., Pink Lady or your preferred variety)
· 5 packets of sweetener (e.g., sucralose – you can adjust the amount to taste)
· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
· 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
· ½ cup water, 120 ml
· 1 cup (110 g) whole wheat flour
· ½ cup (45 g) rolled oats
· 1 egg
· 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
Instructions for making Apple Muffins
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. Peel, core, and finely dice the two large apples. Set them aside for later.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (110 g) of whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup (45 g) of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
4. In another bowl, beat 1 egg and add 5 packets of sweetener (adjust to your preferred level of sweetness) and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the muffins tough.
6. Gently fold the finely diced apples into the muffin batter. Ensure an even distribution of apple pieces.
7. Portion the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about 3/4 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise while baking.
8. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, your healthier Apple Muffins are ready to enjoy.
Variations and substitutions
1. To add a burst of natural sweetness and texture, fold a handful of raisins into the muffin batter. You can also sprinkle a few extra raisins on top of the muffins before baking for added visual appeal.
2. For a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor, consider incorporating chopped nuts into the muffin batter. Pecans or walnuts work beautifully with the apple-cinnamon combination. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts to the batter for a satisfying nutty twist.
Tips and Tricks Section for Making Apple Muffins
1. Fill Muffin Cups to 3/4 Full: This leaves room for the muffins to rise and develop their characteristic domed tops while baking. Avoid overfilling, as it can cause the muffins to spill over and stick to the pan.
2. Get Creative with Liners: Have some fun with your muffin liners! Choose colorful or themed liners to match special occasions or holidays.
3. Make extra and freeze: After baking and cooling, individually wrap them with plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bags to prevent freezer burn. Properly frozen, they can stay fresh for up to 3 weeks.
4. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The sweetness of these muffins can be easily adjusted to create muffins that are as sweet or as plain as you desire.
Related Recipes
Apple Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 large red apples, e.g., Pink Lady or your preferred variety
- 5 packets of sweetener, e.g., sucralose – you can adjust the amount to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- ½ cup water, 120 ml
- 1 cup 110 g whole wheat flour
- ½ cup 45 g rolled oats
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
- Peel, core, and finely dice the two large apples. Set them aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (110 g) of whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup (45 g) of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
- In another bowl, beat 1 egg and add 5 packets of sweetener (adjust to your preferred level of sweetness) and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the muffins tough.
- Gently fold the finely diced apples into the muffin batter. Ensure an even distribution of apple pieces.
- Portion the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about 3/4 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise while baking.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, your healthier Apple Muffins are ready to enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
