Our apple oatmeal muffins are a wholesome and satisfying treat that combines nourishing oats, fresh apples, flavorful cinnamon and, nutmeg. They are good both for breakfast and as a snack for kids and adults. This apple oatmeal muffin recipe is quick and simple to prepare.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
The recipe uses quick-cooking oats, but you can also use old-fashioned oats. The texture may be slightly different, but it will work too.
How do I ensure my muffins are fluffy and not dense?
To ensure your apple oatmeal muffins are fluffy and not dense, you should follow some rules in cooking:
- Measure out your ingredients correctly;
- Don’t over-mix the batter;
- Bake them in a preheated oven, but don’t overbake.
How do I store the muffins?
Place leftover apple oatmeal muffins in an airtight container or a plastic bag and store them for up to 4 days at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Simple Apple Oatmeal Muffins
Ingredients
For the muffins:
- 1 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled, cored, and chopped apples, about ½-inch dice
For the oatmeal crumb topping:
- ¼ cup quick-cooking oats
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners or grease with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine quick-cooking oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together unsweetened applesauce, whole milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour combined wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Don’t overmix the batter or gluten will develop and the muffins will turn out dense.
- Add peeled, cored, and chopped apples. Gently fold in.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared 12 paper liners or greased muffin tin.
- Prepare the oatmeal crumb topping. In a small bowl, combine quick-cooking oats, light brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle on top of each muffin.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center, if it comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly in a muffin tin. Then, transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for applesauce?
You can use mashed bananas, pureed pears, or plain or Greek yogurt. These substitutions will add the same moisture as applesauce. The recipe calls for using unsweetened applesauce, but you can use the sweetened one. Just remember to reduce the amount of sugar in this case.
Can I make these muffins without eggs?
Yes, there are a few ways to make these muffins without eggs. The best way is to use applesauce instead of an egg. Substitute an additional 1/4 cup of applesauce and 1/2 tsp of baking powder for one egg. Also, you can substitute an egg with mashed bananas, a flax egg, or Greek yogurt.
Can I add nuts or other fruits?
Yes, you can. Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or to the oatmeal crumb topping.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
To make these apple oatmeal muffins gluten-free you can use gluten-free flour in substitution 1:1.