There’s something special about a simple muffin recipe made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. These applesauce muffins are soft, moist, and warmly spiced with cinnamon.
They come together quickly in one bowl and are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or packing into lunch boxes. If you have a jar of applesauce on hand, this is an easy recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a homemade treat your family will love.
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Ingredient Notes for Applesauce Muffins
How to Make Applesauce Muffins
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare your muffin pan by spraying the vessels with nonstick baker’s spray, or by using muffin liners. Set aside.
- Whisk together in a medium bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt.
- To the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large bowl using a hand mixer, add the brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, butter, and vanilla. Mix together.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two increments.
- Mix well, until all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Using a large scoop, divide the batter between the 12 muffin vessels.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Do not open the oven door.
- Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes. (Oven temps vary, so watch the muffins at the end.)
- Muffins are done when they are lightly browned, and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Tips for the Best Applesauce Muffins
- Use unsweetened applesauce if possible. It gives you better control over the sweetness. That said, regular applesauce works just fine too. I’ve used both, so feel free to use whatever you have in your pantry.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the muffins dense instead of soft and tender.
- Check for doneness a little early. Every oven bakes differently, so begin checking the muffins a minute or two before the suggested baking time.
- Let the muffins cool for a few minutes. They continue to set as they cool, and the texture improves if you give them a short rest before serving.
- Store in an airtight container. Keep the muffins at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer. They thaw beautifully and taste just as fresh.
Easy Applesauce Muffin Variations
- Add chopped nuts. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch and extra flavor.
- Include raisins. A generous handful, or about 1/2 cup, adds natural sweetness and a soft, chewy texture.
- Use mini chocolate chips. Replace the raisins with 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a fun twist that children especially love.
- Add extra spice. A pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger gives these muffins even more warm flavor.
- Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream. Replace half of the melted butter with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream for an even more tender muffin. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. A light dusting on top of the batter before baking creates a delicate, slightly crisp topping.
Brown Sugar or White Sugar: Which Is Best?
Both brown sugar and granulated sugar work well in this applesauce muffin recipe, so the choice comes down to personal preference. Brown sugar adds a slightly richer flavor and produces muffins that are a bit more moist and dense. Granulated sugar creates a lighter texture and a more delicate sweetness. I’ve made these muffins both ways, and they always turn out delicious. If you only have one type of sugar in your pantry, use it with confidence.
Things I Use
- muffin/cupcake pan
- muffin tulip liners
- KitchenAid mixer
- large scoop
- set of Pyrex measuring cups
- wood measuring cups
Applesauce Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar or granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup applesauce
- 5 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare your muffin pan by spraying the vessels with nonstick baker's spray, or by using muffin liners. Set aside.
- Whisk together in a medium bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt.
- To the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large bowl using a hand mixer, add the brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, butter, and vanilla. Mix together.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two increments.
- Mix well, until all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Using a large scoop, divide the batter between the 12 muffin vessels.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Do not open the oven door.
- Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes. (Oven temps vary, so watch the muffins at the end.)
- Muffins are done when they are lightly browned, and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. A quick rating or comment is always appreciated, and helps other readers too.
If you enjoy simple apple recipes, there are plenty more to try. My apple bread is soft and full of fresh apple flavor, while applesauce bread with oats is another easy quick bread that comes together with pantry ingredients. For a warm dessert that’s especially good in the fall, my apple crumble is a family favorite with tender apples and a buttery topping.
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Hi Ann – I made these yesterday and they were delicious and not too sweet or heavy. Thankyou for your inspiring website and blog and the hard work that must go into making it so lovely. Kind regards Lee
Thank you for this lovely comment, and for the rating. I appreciate both more than you can know. XO
What an easy and yummy recipe!! My granddaughter was pleased that her little ones could enjoy a not too sweet, healthy treat! I plan to make this easy recipe again! Thank you for sharing!
I love the simplicity of your site.