Moist Applesauce Muffins with Warm Cinnamon Sugar Topping

These easy applesauce muffins are tender, made with pantry staples, and sure to become a family favorite.

These applesauce muffins are delicious!

These applesauce muffins are soft, moist, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or packing in a lunchbox. Made with unsweetened applesauce and common pantry ingredients, they have a tender crumb and warm cinnamon flavor.

They’re quick to prepare and kid-approved, making them an easy go-to when you want a comforting homemade treat without fuss.

Enjoy them plain, warm with a smear of butter, or alongside your afternoon coffee.

These are a close contender with my favorite Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins for a household hit.

Ingredients needed to make applesauce muffins

unsweetened applesauce
unsalted butter (melted)
milk
eggs
vanilla extract
salt
baking powder
all-purpose flour
cinnamon and nutmeg
sugar and brown sugar

How to make applesauce muffins

Step 1: Whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, stir together the sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, milk, and unsweetened applesauce.

whisking the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy to keep the muffins tender and moist.

adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients

Step 4: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or lightly grease the cups. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cups.

Tip: Parchment paper muffin liners are my favorite because nothing sticks to them.

Step 5: Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

applesauce muffin batter in the muffin tin

Transfer the muffins to a wire cooling rack and cool completely before storing. They’re delicious warm or cooled—try them with a little butter for extra indulgence.

The kitchen will fill with cozy apple and cinnamon aromas while these bake. Make a batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Applesauce Muffins FAQs

What does applesauce do in muffins?

Applesauce keeps muffins moist and can replace some or all of the fat in a recipe, while adding natural apple sweetness and flavor.

How do I store applesauce muffins?

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

What kind of applesauce do I use?

Plain unsweetened applesauce works best to control overall sweetness and keep the flavor fresh.

Can I freeze applesauce muffins?

Yes. Cool completely, wrap or store in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for 2–3 months.

applesauce muffin cut open with butter smeared on it

Applesauce Muffins

Perfectly soft and moist, these applesauce muffins make a wonderful snack or quick breakfast.

Prep: 10

Cook: 20

Total: 30

Servings: 12

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar

Instructions

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, stir together the sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and unsweetened applesauce.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined.
Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin.
Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Calories: 159kcal,
Carbohydrates: 26g,
Protein: 3g,
Fat: 5g

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