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You are here: Home / Course / Breads / Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins (Gluten-Free Option)

Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins (Gluten-Free Option)

By: Melissa Erdelac · On: January 8, 2020 · Updated: August 9, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links.
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applesauce muffin pin

Easy Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins recipe are the perfect healthy way to start the day! Traditional or gluten-free applesauce muffins are extremely moist and flavorful with applesauce, banana, oats, and cinnamon. Learn how to make oatmeal muffins with applesauce, along with the best variations, mix-ins, and expert baking tips!

a stack of two applesauce muffins on a white plate

Applesauce oatmeal Muffins Recipe

If you open our freezer on any given day, you will find stashes of muffins. With four kids to get off to school, I need plenty of quick and nutritious gluten-free breakfasts!

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Store bought muffins are not an option due to their expense, excess sugar, and empty calories. Making homemade applesauce muffins with oatmeal keeps breakfasts affordable and healthy. 

Weekly my kitchen transforms into the muffin factory, so muffin recipes need to be easy to throw together. The ingredients are simple and quickly mix together in minutes.

A warm batch of moist, homemade muffins can be made, start to finish, in less than 30 minutes! Since they require no peeling, grating, or dicing of apples, it’s as simple of dumping ingredients in a bowl, mixing and baking.

While I love the ease in which I can make them, my family kids loves the cinnamon apple flavor with a hint of banana. Plus, they are easily adapt to gluten-free applesauce oatmeal muffins using my favorite gluten-free flour, without anyone detecting any difference!

Besides learning how to make muffins with applesauce and oatmeal, read on to learn my favorite variations, storing and freezing tips, plus many more expert baking tips for perfectly rounded, fluffy muffins!

What Makes these Muffins Healthy?

You wouldn’t know by their indulgent taste, but these muffins are actually good for you! They contain less calories and sugar than a typical muffin, but are still amazingly irresistible!

  • They contain no oil or butter and mashed banana replaces the fat. 
  • A reduced amount of sugar is used.
  • Oats builds structure in the muffin while adding more fiber and protein.
  • Easily adapt into gluten free or dairy free muffins (see below for modifications)
  • Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture, flavor, and additional fiber.

How to Make Applesauce oatmeal Muffins recipe

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

dry ingredients in a bowl.
Mix together the dry ingredients.
wet ingredients in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients.

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stirring the wet and dry ingredients together.
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry.
trigger scoop dropping muffin batter into tins.
Use a trigger scoop to quickly and evenly divide the muffin batter.
  1. First, mix together the dry ingredients, like oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, together in a large bowl. 
  2. In a separate bowl whisk together all the ingredients that make these muffins exceptionally moist, like applesauce, mashed banana, egg, and milk.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir to combine. Divide the batter in the muffin pan, filling almost to the top. To quickly and evenly portion out muffins use a trigger ice cream scoop. It is the perfect size with no mess! 
  4. Bake in a 400ºF oven to bake quicker and yield a more domed top. They take about 15 minutes to bake, but I always check with a toothpick inserted into the center.
  5. Cool the muffins in the muffin pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing them to cool completely.  

How to Make Gluten-Free Applesauce Muffins

To make a gluten-free recipe, substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten free baking flour. I use and highly recommend Cup4Cup gluten free flour because the taste most mimics regular flour. 

Also be sure to use oats that are certified gluten free. This means they were processed in a dedicated facility that doesn’t share equipment with wheat products. 

Using gluten free baking flour usually requires a few minutes longer baking time. Check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the muffin. It should come out clean and dry.

If you love this recipe, try gluten-free apple cinnamon muffins or gluten-free apple bread as well!

Can I Make this Recipe Even Healthier? 

Yes! There are easy ways to modify oatmeal applesauce muffins to make it even healthier.

To incorporate more whole grains, swap out the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Whole wheat muffins contain more fiber, vitamin content, and reduce blood sugar level spikes. 

Add more healthy fat to the muffins by replacing the mashed banana with 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. This will increase the calories slightly in each muffin, but lower the carbohydrates.

Lastly, instead of 1/2 cup brown sugar use an unrefined sugar, such as sucanat. Alternatively, reduce the amount of sugar to 1/3 cup or 1/4 cup.  

an applesauce oatmeal muffin broken up with other muffins around

Dairy-Free Adaptation

Since this recipe does not contain butter they are easy to make dairy-free. In place of the milk, use a preferred non-dairy milk, such as soy, oat, coconut, or almond milk.

Please note if you need to make dairy-free gluten-free muffins, do not use Cup4Cup gluten-free flour because it contains milk powder.

Storing and Freezing tips

Muffins don’t stick around long at our house, so I often make a few batches at a time to freeze. 

Make sure the muffins have completely cooled before freezing. If they are warm they will create condensation and ice crystals will form. This leaves baked goods soggy and alters the texture upon thawing.

If you plan on freezing longer than 4 weeks, I recommend wrapping each muffin in plastic wrap and storing them in a ziplock freezer bag.

If you plan on enjoying them more quickly, cool the muffins and transfer in a single layer to a freezer safe ziplock bag. Lay the bag flat so the muffins do not become misshapen before freezing completely. 

They may also be stored at room temperature in an airtight container up to 3 days. Refrigeration is not recommended because it will dry them out. 

Variations and modifications

The possibilities for applesauce oatmeal muffins are endless. Use this recipe to make so many different versions!

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins 
  • 2/3 cup chopped bananas
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Optional Toppings:

  • Sprinkle on turbinado sugar (also known as raw cane sugar) before baking.
  • Streusel topping: Combine 1/4 cup quick oats, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle on muffin tops before baking.
  • Combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle on before baking.
  • Crumb topping: In a small bowl mix together 3 tablespoons flour, 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Use a fork to mix in 3 tablespoons softened butter. Sprinkle over muffin tops and bake. 

Expert baking Tips

  • To make mini muffins, reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake 10 minutes. This will yield 36 mini muffins.
  • Any applesauce may be used – cinnamon applesauce, homemade applesauce, or any variety of store bought.
  • Since these muffins don’t contain a lot of fat, they will stick to the muffin cups. Make sure to spray muffin tins or insides of liners.
  • For spiced applesauce muffins use 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
  • If you don’t have a ripe banana on hand, replace it with 3 tablespoons canola or coconut oil. 

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a applesauce muffin half with melted butter on top

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a stack of two applesauce muffins on a white plate

Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins (Gluten-Free Option)

Easy Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins recipe are the perfect healthy way to start the day! Traditional or gluten-free applesauce muffins are extremely moist and flavorful with applesauce, banana, oats, and cinnamon. Learn how to make oatmeal muffins with applesauce, along with the best variations, mix-ins, and expert baking tips!
4.35 from 29 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 12
Author: Melissa Erdelac

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour regular or gluten free
  • 1 ½ cup quick cooking oats (use certified gluten free for gluten free muffins)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 mashed ripe banana (or substitute 3 tablespoons oil)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400ºF. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray. If using muffin cups, spray the insides of muffin cups with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl stir together flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
    1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour,1 ½ cup quick cooking oats,½ cup packed brown sugar,1 teaspoon baking powder,¾ teaspoon baking soda,1 teaspoon cinnamon,½ teaspoon salt
  • In a separate bowl whisk together applesauce, mashed banana (or oil), egg, milk, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to the bowl with flour ingredients. Stir until thoroughly combined, but be careful to not overmix.
    1 cup unsweetened applesauce,1 mashed ripe banana,1 egg,½ cup milk,1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Divide the muffin batter among the muffin tins, filling almost to the top. TIP: To easily and evenly divide muffin batter I like to use a trigger ice cream scoop.
  • Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and place the muffin tin on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Gently remove muffins from the pan and allow to cool completely on wire rack.
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Recipe Notes

Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins 
  • 2/3 cup chopped bananas
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
 
Optional Toppings:
  • Sprinkle on turbinado sugar (also known as raw cane sugar) before baking.
  • Streusel topping: Combine 1/4 cup quick oats, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle on muffin tops before baking.
  • Combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle on before baking.
  • Crumb topping: In a small bowl mix together 3 tablespoons flour, 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Use a fork to mix in 3 tablespoons softened butter. Sprinkle over muffin tops and bake. 
 
Gluten-Free Applesauce Muffins
Substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten free baking flour. I use and highly recommend Cup 4 Cup gluten free flour because the taste most mimics regular flour. 
Additional recommended gluten free flours are Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour or King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour. 
Also be sure to use oats that are certified gluten free. 
Using gluten free baking flour usually requires a few minutes longer baking time. 
 
Dairy Free Option
In place of the milk, use a preferred non-dairy milk, such as soy, oat, coconut, or almond milk.
Please note if you need to make dairy free and gluten free muffins, do not use Cup 4 Cup gluten free flour because it contains milk powder.
 
Recipe adapted from Taste of Home.

Nutrition

Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 179mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 52IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Breakfast
Categories: Baking Breads Breakfast Christmas Dairy Free Easter Fall Freezer-Friendly Gluten Free Healthy(ish) Mother’s Day Muffins Quick and Easy Recipes Snacks Spring Summer Vegetarian Winter
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tannis says

    May 23, 2023 at 1:06 PM

    These are excellent! My teenager has disliked all the muffins I’ve made until these ones – they ate 3!
    I added mini chocolate chips and used Anita’s GF flour. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Melissa Erdelac says

      May 23, 2023 at 1:56 PM

      Thanks so much for sharing! So glad they even won over your teenager!
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply
  2. Julie J Rose says

    November 25, 2022 at 2:23 PM

    I made these this morning as written, adding 1/2 cup chopped pecans, and they are SO good. I ate two right away and struggled not to eat more. Very easy to throw together and I almost always have everything on hand (except bananas). I will definitely be making these often!

    Reply
    • Melissa Erdelac says

      November 26, 2022 at 9:13 AM

      Hi Julie,
      I appreciate you taking the time to let me know! Nothing beats warm muffins from the oven!
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply
  3. Kathy says

    November 9, 2022 at 5:40 AM

    This is my favorite muffin! I added raisins and pecans. I did freeze some of them for about a month. After a brief warming n the microwave they made a wonderful breakfast-as good as fresh!

    Reply
    • Melissa Erdelac says

      November 9, 2022 at 11:31 AM

      Hi Kathy!
      Thank you so much and those additions sound absolutely fantastic! Thanks for taking the time to let me know!
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply
  4. Amie says

    February 6, 2022 at 2:14 PM

    My toddler loves these muffins!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      February 6, 2022 at 3:10 PM

      Thank you, Amie! I’m so glad!
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply
  5. imsen says

    February 2, 2022 at 7:29 AM

    They were very good and I felt I was being so healthy!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      February 2, 2022 at 2:16 PM

      So glad to hear!
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply
  6. W hewett says

    July 8, 2021 at 3:40 PM

    These are terrific! Second time I’ve made them, thanks for a great recipe! You sure about the calorie count?? Too good!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      July 9, 2021 at 1:38 PM

      Hello!
      Yes, the calorie count is correct if you make 12 muffins. Since there is applesauce and banana in the muffins, there isn’t a need to add a lot of oil. So, good for us, they are pretty healthy!
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply
  7. Farrah Chinderle says

    March 4, 2021 at 12:17 PM

    Made a double batch today (full size and mini) with fresh blueberries and chopped walnuts. I used WW flour. Delicious!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      March 4, 2021 at 1:56 PM

      Hi Farrah, So glad! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply
  8. Karen says

    February 17, 2021 at 10:24 AM

    I used almond flour instead of all purpose flour and used Greek yogurt instead of mashed banana. So moist and delicious! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      February 17, 2021 at 11:34 AM

      Oh, I’m so glad to hear this, Karen! I’m glad the almond flour worked well in the recipe too. I’ll give it a try next time 🙂
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply
  9. Danielle says

    August 11, 2020 at 7:45 AM

    How many ww points would these be? I made them GF last night and they are delish!!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      August 12, 2020 at 9:37 AM

      Hi Danielle,
      I’m not sure exactly, but I plugged the nutritional info into a WW calculator I found online and it said 6. That seems pretty high to me, but I’m not an expert on that! Glad you enjoyed them!
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply
  10. Mary says

    August 3, 2020 at 5:40 PM

    I made these with some fresh blueberries – easy to make and delicious! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      August 4, 2020 at 6:45 PM

      So glad you enjoyed them, Mary. Thanks for writing!
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply

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