Looking for a wholesome, naturally sweet treat without any refined sugar? These Apple-Cinnamon Oat Muffins are bursting with fiber-rich oats, fresh apples, and the warm scent of cinnamon. They make a perfect on-the-go breakfast or a satisfying snack, and you’ll feel great knowing they’re entirely free of added sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional, but adds extra fiber)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 medium apple, finely chopped
- ½ cup milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or another neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a standard muffin tin with paper liners, or lightly greasing it with oil. In a medium bowl, combine the applesauce and mashed banana, stirring until smooth. This fruit mixture serves as the natural sweetener—no refined sugar needed!
Next, sift the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, flaxseed (if using), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center of these dry ingredients, then pour in the fruit mixture along with the chopped apple, milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
Gently fold everything together until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so stir only until you no longer see dry patches of flour. Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Place the tin on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Once done, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
These high-fiber muffins are a fantastic option for anyone looking to cut back on sugar while still enjoying a comforting baked treat. The sweetness comes entirely from fruit, making them suitable for those watching their sugar intake or trying to boost their daily fiber consumption. If you’d like more spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. You can also swap out the apple for pears or chopped berries to add variety. However you choose to make them, these Apple-Cinnamon Oat Muffins will be a nutritious, flavorful favorite in your kitchen.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
