Best Applesauce Muffin Recipe Ever

by Beat Bake Eat

This easy applesauce muffin recipe is the only one you’ll need. It yields muffins that are soft, moist, and packed with applesauce flavor. Perfect for Fall or anytime of the year!

Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe Ever - The best easy one bowl recipe for moist applesauce muffins made with oil, perfectly sweetened, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. | Beat Bake Eat

Recipe updated on March 28, 2020.

Reasons why this is The Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe Ever:

  • Easy to make
  • Comes together in one bowl
  • Perfectly spiced and sweetened
  • Packed with flavor
  • Uses a whole cup and a half of applesauce!

If you love baking with applesauce or if you just love applesauce in general, you definitely need to try these! You won’t be disappointed.

Sweetened Applesauce vs. Unsweetened Applesauce

Sweetened applesauce is usually sweetened with corn syrup. This recipe calls for unsweetened applesauce but if you only have the sweetened kind on hand I recommend that you reduce the granulated sugar to 1/3 cup and the brown sugar to 1/4 cup, packed.

Applesauce Muffins with Oil

I didn’t use butter for this recipe because I didn’t want it overpowering the applesauce and also, oil provides more moisture.

Plus, have you ever tried applesauce muffins with coconut oil?! One of the best and most underrated flavor combinations, hands down. If you have coconut oil on hand please do give it a try in this recipe but if you don’t, plain ole vegetable will work too.

Since these muffins contain no butter, no milk, and no dairy in general, they’re dairy-free! Hooray!

Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe Ever - The best easy one bowl recipe for moist applesauce muffins made with oil, perfectly sweetened, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. | Beat Bake Eat

Why so much baking soda?

I know that there is an alarming amount of baking soda in this recipe however it is the perfect amount. Don’t worry, the muffins don’t turn out tasting like baking soda at all!

Remember, both the applesauce and brown sugar are acidic ingredients so therefore they are able to neutralize it, resulting in perfectly risen muffins without a metallic aftertaste.

Why are the insides of the muffins pink?

Do not be frightened! The muffins may appear pink on the inside because of the applesauce. I’m not exactly sure how or why this happens but I believe that it’s due to skin being left on some of the apples causing the applesauce to turn pink when cooked or baked. Or it could just be a natural reaction that happens when the applesauce is out in the open for a long time.

Whatever the reason may be, rest assured that the muffins are perfectly safe to eat.

Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe Ever - The best easy one bowl recipe for moist applesauce muffins made with oil, perfectly sweetened, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. | Beat Bake Eat

This recipe uses both sugars because applesauce muffins with brown sugar are really delicious. Trust me, that tiny bit of molasses from the brown sugar does wonders for the flavor in this recipe.

For even more flavor these muffins are spiced with a healthy dose of cinnamon and some nutmeg. It’s only right for muffins with applesauce to have some spice.

And by the way they taste so amazing warm! They smell like Fall but delicious recipes like this one are great all year round.

More Applesauce Muffin Recipes:

Mini Applesauce Muffins
The bite-sized version of this recipe!
Mini Applesauce Muffins - Moist bite-sized cinnamon applesauce muffins made with oil, lightly sweetened, and dairy-free. An easy recipe with simple ingredients that kids and toddlers love! | Beat Bake Eat

Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins
An amazing flavor combo you have to try!
Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins - Moist pumpkin apple muffins made with oil, brown sugar, and no dairy. Easy to make, ready in 30 minutes, and perfect for a Fall breakfast for snack! | Beat Bake Eat

Sour Cream Applesauce Muffins
These muffins are soft, rich, and flavorful thanks to the sour cream.
Sour Cream Applesauce Muffins  - Moist bakery style apple cinnamon muffins made with sour cream, oil, unsweetened applesauce, and brown sugar. An easy, simple, one bowl recipe. | Beat Bake Eat

Healthy Oatmeal Applesauce Muffins
Whole wheat, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and low in fat.
Healthy Oatmeal Applesauce Muffins - These low fat whole wheat muffins made with quick oats are easy to make and so delicious. Perfect for a low calorie breakfast or snack! | Beat Bake Eat

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Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe Ever - The best easy one bowl recipe for moist applesauce muffins made with oil, perfectly sweetened, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. | Beat Bake Eat

Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe

Beat Bake Eat
This easy applesauce muffin recipe is the only one you’ll need. It yields big bakery style muffins that are soft, moist, and packed with applesauce flavor. Perfect for Fall or anytime of the year!
4.85 from 70 votes

Click the stars to rate!

Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Breakfast
Servings 12 Muffins
Calories 165 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 tablespoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 2 eggs (room temp if using coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Line muffin pan with muffins liners and set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine both sugars, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  • Add the applesauce and mix well (mixture should be completely smooth).
  • Beat in the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  • Add the flour and mix until incorporated. Do not over mix!
  • Scoop the batter into the muffin pan filling the cups to the top.
  • Bake for 20 – 21 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs.
  • Cool in pan 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack (or large plate if you don't have a rack) to continue cooling.
  • Serve warm or cooled completely.

Notes

  • Can I use sweetened applesauce? Yes, simply reduce the granulated sugar to 1/3 cup and the brown sugar to 1/4 cup, packed.
  • Why do the eggs need to be at room temperature if I'm using coconut oil? This is so that the oil does not revert to its solidified state. Solid coconut oil tends to run out of the batter during baking and pool at the bottom of the muffins. I learned this from experience!
  • Can I replace the oil with extra applesauce? You can replace half of the oil with extra applesauce. Replacing all of the oil yields dry muffins with a gummy texture. I've tested it myself.


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Keyword applesauce muffins with oil, how to make applesauce muffins, unsweetened applesauce muffins recipe
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95 comments

Lola June 2, 2022 - 12:55 pm

This is most delicious MISTAKE I have ever made! The picture showed a sprinkle of Oatmeal and I assumed Oatmeal ingredient. I am gluten free and used 1 C ground oat flour and 2 C regularOatmeal. I had 2 C of applesauce so I used it up. I was unsure if muffins would work so I baked it 30 min at 350 in glass 11” x 7” pan and sprinkle top with broken Walnuts. We all loved it. Very apple flavor better than my Chopped Apple cake recipe.

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Beat Bake Eat September 27, 2023 - 7:58 pm

I love it when people have accidental successes.

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Anonymous June 12, 2022 - 4:46 pm

My family loves these. I make them at least twice a week. My husband who is not a fan of sweets is a fan of these.

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Beat Bake Eat September 27, 2023 - 7:56 pm

I love it when we convert the non-sweet tooth people.

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Morgan August 31, 2022 - 11:40 am

The best applesauce muffins I’ve ever made. These are SO moist and SO good. The whole family approves! Great recipe! Thank you!

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Kirsten October 25, 2022 - 4:06 pm

I love this recipe! I always use my homemade prune sauce instead of applesauce so that it keeps my little kids regular. And it’s actually super tasty with the prunes. Bonus, they end up looking like chocolate muffins.

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Beat Bake Eat September 27, 2023 - 7:32 pm

That’s such a good idea. I’ve never thought to use that. Perfect, children love chocolate anything. Thanks for the tip.

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Dianne November 19, 2022 - 4:15 pm

My favorite muffin recipe and it goes together quickly before breakfast!

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Beat Bake Eat September 27, 2023 - 7:27 pm

Yes, agreed!

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Anonymous May 8, 2023 - 12:26 am

I just made these with some apples we picked from our tree and stewed, and oh my word they were SO good! Light, fluffy and amazing flavour!

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Beat Bake Eat September 27, 2023 - 6:15 pm

Your stewed apples probably made them even more delicious!

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Sheila May 28, 2023 - 1:49 am

I just made the applesauce muffins. Really nice and soft. Had to cook for an extra six minutes. Next time I will substitute half the cinnamon with ginger, hubby loves ginger.

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat September 27, 2023 - 6:05 pm

Ouu, sounds lovely. I love ginger too. All ovens vary.

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Anonymous May 28, 2023 - 1:42 pm

I had fermented homemade applesauce in my fridge & found your recipe to use sauce so as not to waste it. My husband said … best muffins I ever ever made. …. so moist.

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat September 27, 2023 - 6:04 pm

Thank you, thank you. I’ve never heard of fermented applesauce before. Interesting.

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Anonymous July 15, 2023 - 6:37 pm

Delicious recipe!! I added mixed nuts and raisins. I also didn’t have baking soda on hand so I added baking powder but very delicious!!

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat September 12, 2023 - 10:55 pm

Nice, I’ve been meaning to try these with some raisins added in. Glad they turned out great for you despite the lack of baking soda.

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Anonymous December 15, 2023 - 10:51 am

Husband is diabetic. Made these with zero sugar substitute for both sugars. Was awesome. Husband loved them.

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Beat Bake Eat December 15, 2023 - 11:27 am

That’s great! What substitute did you use?

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Jean January 8, 2024 - 4:03 pm

Tried this recipe today using a jar of homemade applesauce a friend gave me. I only used nutmeg since we have a family member allergic to cinnamon. These are delicious.

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Beat Bake Eat January 8, 2024 - 5:11 pm

Thank you, Jean! I’m so happy they turned out great.

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B May 12, 2024 - 11:31 pm

Absolutely, delicious!! I had to save it because my family begs me to make it again and again!! Thank you!!

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Bianca July 17, 2024 - 10:51 am

This is my go to favorite recipe! My whole family loves it and my brother in law always bugging for when I make it. I don’t make it in to cupcakes but a loaf. Same delicious taste. Takes a bit longer to bake but it is worth the wait!! Thank you!! Too delicious!!!

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Anonymous July 17, 2024 - 5:57 pm

Very good muffins!

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Anonymous October 2, 2024 - 10:27 am

OMG they are so delicious will surely make them again came out great even to forgot to use nutmeg still taste great thank you

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Cindy October 25, 2024 - 8:55 pm

Delicious! I only got 11 muffins though

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Anonymous November 23, 2024 - 10:57 am

Moist, full of flavor, highly recommend. And they were so easy!

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