| |

Healthy Apple Muffins Recipe

Avatar photoByMia
Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a naturally sweet, wholesome treat that practically melts in your mouth, you’re in for a real delight. This Healthy Apple Muffins Recipe is one of those magical finds that I can’t stop making, especially when apples are in season. With a perfect balance of moist texture, fruity bursts, and just a hint of cinnamon, these muffins will quickly become your go-to breakfast or snack. Trust me, they’re as nutritious as they are delicious, and I can’t wait to share every step and secret with you!

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Wholesome Ingredients: Using whole wheat flour, applesauce, and Greek yogurt makes these muffins as healthy as they are tasty.
  • Perfectly Moist: I always appreciate how the duo of grated and diced apples keeps the texture wonderfully moist and soft.
  • Naturally Sweet: Maple syrup and apples provide natural sweetness, so you don’t need loads of refined sugar.
  • Easy and Versatile: You can tweak this recipe easily for vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free needs without losing any flavor.
A round wooden plate on a white marbled surface holds a split muffin showing its soft, light brown crumb mixed with small white and slightly green apple pieces inside. To the right, a green apple sits partially in frame, and a striped white and dark blue cloth is partly visible beneath the plate and muffin tray corner. The muffin has a slightly golden crust with a rough texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Healthy Apple Muffins, healthy apple muffins recipe, wholesome apple muffins, nutritious apple muffin ideas, apple muffin breakfast this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Healthy Apple Muffins Recipe play a crucial role in delivering moistness, flavor, and structure. Plus, you’ll love how easy they are to find at your local store or farmer’s market.

Flat lay of a small pile of white whole wheat flour, a small heap of ground cinnamon, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small mound of diced fresh apple cubes, a small mound of freshly grated apple, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden melted coconut oil, a small white ceramic bowl with amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy plain Greek yogurt, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth applesauce, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl containing raw turbinado sugar, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Healthy Apple Muffins, healthy apple muffins recipe, wholesome apple muffins, nutritious apple muffin ideas, apple muffin breakfast
  • White whole wheat flour or whole wheat flour: Provides fiber and a warm, nutty flavor without being too dense.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help your muffins rise beautifully.
  • Ground cinnamon: The perfect spice that marries so well with apples and adds warmth.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors overall.
  • Grated apple: Infuses moisture right into the batter – I usually squeeze out excess juice or the batter gets too wet.
  • Diced apple: Adds delightful apple chunks, giving bursts of fresh flavor and texture.
  • Melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil: Keeps the muffins tender; coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note.
  • Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners that enrich flavor without the added processed sugar.
  • Eggs: Important for structure and a bit of richness – room temperature eggs mix better.
  • Plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and tang, making muffins super soft; full-fat works best for richness.
  • Applesauce: Uses natural fruit sweetness and keeps things moist.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances other flavors to make every bite special.
  • Turbinado sugar: The coarse sugar sprinkled on top gives a fun little crunchy finish.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Healthy Apple Muffins Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with tweaks that keep it fresh depending on what’s in my pantry and who I’m baking for — and you’ll find that experimenting is part of the fun!

  • Vegan Option: I’ve tried replacing eggs with flax eggs and swapped yogurt for vegan buttermilk, which works beautifully for a plant-based treat.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Using non-dairy milk with vinegar ‘buttermilk’ and coconut oil instead of butter lets me serve these to folks with sensitivities.
  • Flavor Boosts: Sometimes I throw in a handful of chopped walnuts or raisins for added texture and natural sweetness.
  • Spice It Up: If you’re a spice lover like me, sprinkle in some nutmeg or a dash of ginger to deepen the flavor profile.

How to Make Healthy Apple Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Get Baking

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (or 325°F if you’re using honey) so it’s nice and hot when your muffins are ready to bake. If you’re using a non-stick muffin pan like mine, you can skip greasing—but if not, a quick spray or butter to coat the cups saves you clean-up later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Apples

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Then fold in the grated apple—make sure to squeeze out some juice if it’s super wet, or your batter might turn out too soggy—and the diced apple chunks. This combo gives your muffins that irresistible juicy texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the melted coconut or olive oil with the maple syrup first; it helps avoid syrup clumping. Then beat in your eggs (room temperature is best), followed by Greek yogurt, applesauce, and vanilla extract. If your coconut oil starts to firm up after adding cooler ingredients, a quick 30-second heat in the microwave will solve that—just don’t overdo it!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and gently stir with a big spoon just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix! It’s okay to have a few lumps—that’s how you avoid dense muffins. The batter will be thick, but don’t let that throw you off.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups, then sprinkle the tops with that lovely turbinado sugar. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 13-16 minutes—look for golden tops and a clean toothpick to check doneness. If you’re baking with honey, bake at 325°F for about 23-25 minutes instead.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the tin briefly before transferring to a cooling rack. The scent alone will probably have you reaching for one immediately—I know I always try to wait, but it’s hard!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Healthy Apple Muffins Recipe

  • Control Moisture: I always squeeze extra juice from the grated apple before mixing, avoiding soggy batter and ensuring perfect texture.
  • Don’t Overmix: Stir batter just until moist; overmixing makes muffins tough, and you want them tender and fluffy.
  • Use Room Temperature Eggs: It helps the wet ingredients blend smoothly, giving a consistent batter.
  • Watch Baking Time: Muffins can quickly overbake, especially with honey, so check them early to keep them moist and soft.

How to Serve Healthy Apple Muffins Recipe

Healthy Apple Muffins Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I often top these muffins with a little extra sprinkle of turbinado sugar before baking for that perfect crunch. When serving, a light spread of softened butter or a drizzle of honey can take them over the top, especially for brunch guests.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea. For a fuller breakfast, I like to serve them alongside Greek yogurt with fresh berries or a small bowl of oatmeal for a comforting start to the day.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve arranged these muffins in a tiered stand with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices, which always gets compliments. Wrapping individual muffins in rustic parchment paper tied with twine also makes a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover muffins stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. After that, I move them to the fridge to keep them fresh longer—up to 4 days—which has never compromised their texture or flavor.

Freezing

Freezing these muffins is a game-changer for busy weeks. I wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months, making it easy to thaw a quick breakfast anytime I want.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to unwrap a muffin and microwave it for 20-30 seconds or warm it briefly in a toaster oven. This brings back their soft, just-baked feel—try it with a little butter spread on top; you’ll thank me!

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?

    Absolutely! While whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, you can swap it for all-purpose flour for a lighter muffin. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly different—less dense and a bit softer.

  2. How do I make this Healthy Apple Muffins Recipe vegan?

    Great question! Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and swap Greek yogurt with vegan buttermilk—made by mixing 1½ teaspoons vinegar with ½ cup non-dairy milk. Rest it for 5 minutes before adding. This keeps the muffins moist and tender.

  3. What’s the best apple variety to use?

    I prefer firmer varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith—they hold up well during baking and add a nice tartness that balances the sweet maple syrup. But feel free to use your favorite apple—each type brings something a little unique.

  4. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

    Yes! I’ve had success swapping the flour with gluten-free all-purpose blends from brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Apple Muffins Recipe is genuinely close to my heart—it’s simple, nourishing, and has never failed to bring smiles around my kitchen table. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast, an easy after-school snack, or a crowd-pleasing bake sale item, these muffins have got you covered. So grab your apples, get mixing, and make your home smell like pure comfort; I promise you’ll be glad you did!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Healthy Apple Muffins Recipe

4.5 from 55 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 to 16 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 to 31 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and healthy apple muffins made with whole wheat flour, fresh apples, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. These muffins are moist, flavorful, and perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack. They can easily be adapted to vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, or gluten-free diets.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Fruit

  • 1 cup grated apple (lightly squeezed if wet)
  • 1 cup apple diced into ¼” cubes

Wet Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup maple syrup or honey*
  • 2 eggs, preferably at room temperature
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or any variety)
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (raw sugar), for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease all 12 muffin cups with butter or non-stick spray if needed, though a non-stick pan may not require this.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Add grated apple (squeezed if wet) and diced apple, then stir gently to incorporate.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk melted coconut oil (warm if solidified) together with maple syrup. Beat in the eggs thoroughly, then add Greek yogurt, applesauce, and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix gently with a large spoon until just combined; the batter will be thick and may have a few lumps—do not overmix.
  5. Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the batter among the 12 muffin cups. Sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar to add a subtle crunch and sweetness.
  6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 13 to 16 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Store: Transfer the muffin tin to a cooling rack and let muffins cool completely. Store leftover muffins covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerated for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • If using honey, reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake muffins for 23 to 25 minutes to prevent over-browning.
  • To make vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and yogurt with vegan buttermilk (1½ tsp vinegar + just under ½ cup non-dairy milk, rested for 5 minutes). Alternatively, use more applesauce but be aware it may not fully neutralize baking soda bitterness.
  • To make dairy-free: Use the vegan buttermilk substitute as described.
  • To make egg-free: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
  • To make gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend from brands such as Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour that works well as a substitute.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
Avatar photo

Hey there, I’m Mia Miller, the foodie behind MealsByMia.com! I’m on a mission to make cooking COOOL and GOOOOD for everyone, sharing easy, fun, and totally scrumptious recipes, so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Similar Posts