Homemade Applesauce Oat Muffins

In the charming kitchens of small-town America, baking is more than just a routine—it’s a tradition. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air is reminiscent of the warmth and comfort that comes from shared family recipes. Among the many cherished treats, Applesauce Oat Muffins hold a special place.

These muffins, with their light and fluffy texture, combine wholesome ingredients like oats and walnuts, bringing a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to every bite. Ready in less than thirty-five minutes, this recipe uses pantry staples to create a quick and satisfying breakfast or snack. Let’s dive into this small-town-inspired creation and discover why these muffins are a favorite in every household.

Course : Breakfast/Snack

Cuisine : American

Prep Time : 15 minutes

Cook Time : 20 minutes

Servings : 12 muffins

Calories : 259 kcal per muffin

Ingredients :

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ⅓ cups all-natural unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions :

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Cups

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high initial temperature helps create a beautifully domed top on your muffins.
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin: Line a standard 12-count muffin tin with baking cups. Using paper liners not only makes the muffins easier to remove but also ensures they remain moist and intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of allspice, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. These spices add a warm, aromatic flavor to the muffins, reminiscent of cozy autumn days.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

4. Beat the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 large eggs until they are well combined. This creates a light, airy structure for your muffins.
5. Incorporate the Remaining Wet Ingredients: Add 1 ⅓ cups of all-natural unsweetened applesauce, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and ½ cup of brown sugar to the eggs. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The applesauce provides natural sweetness and moisture, while the brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like depth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

6. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to incorporate. It’s crucial not to overmix at this stage; just stir until the flour is moistened.
7. Add Oats and Walnuts: Fold in ½ cup of rolled oats and ½ cup of chopped walnuts. The oats lend a chewy texture, while the walnuts provide a delightful crunch, enhancing the muffin’s overall texture.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

8. Spoon the Batter: Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them almost to the top. This ensures a nice, full muffin once baked.
9. Initial Baking: Bake the muffins at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This initial high heat will help the muffins rise quickly.
10. Reduce the Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for an additional 11-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. This gradual temperature reduction allows the muffins to bake evenly without becoming dry.
11. Cooling: Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Muffins

• Measuring Flour Accurately: To avoid dense muffins, measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. This prevents packing the flour too tightly, which can result in a heavier batter.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher muffins with a gummy texture.
• Use Paper Liners: Opt for unbleached chlorine-free baking cups to prevent muffins from sticking to the pan. Liners also make cleanup a breeze and keep your muffins fresh.
• Nuts Variety: Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, or pistachios for a unique twist.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Keep your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm muffins, simply microwave them for 15-20 seconds. This quick reheating brings back the freshly-baked taste and texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)

• Calories: 259 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 27mg
• Sodium: 144mg
• Potassium: 101mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g
• Vitamin A: 50 IU
• Vitamin C: 0.4mg
• Calcium: 46mg
• Iron: 2mg

Conclusion :

These Applesauce Oat Muffins are more than just a delightful treat; they are a testament to the charm and simplicity of small-town baking. Each muffin is packed with the goodness of oats and walnuts, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying them as a breakfast option or a snack, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this recipe brings the warmth of home-baked goodness right to your table. Enjoy the taste of small-town America with every bite!

Author : Marie-claude