Healthy & Delicious Dairy-Free Apple Spice Muffins: Your Go-To Fall Breakfast!
Embrace the comforting essence of autumn with a fresh batch of these incredible Apple Spice Muffins! This recipe delivers a soft, moist, and tender texture, infused with warming spices and the delightful crunch of fresh chopped apples. What makes them even better? They are completely dairy-free and refined sugar-free, making them a perfect wholesome treat for anyone seeking healthier options without compromising on flavor.
There’s truly nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through your home, especially on a crisp fall morning. These muffins not only fill your kitchen with the cozy scent of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg but also offer a convenient and nourishing start to your day. They are an ideal grab-and-go breakfast or a wholesome snack to power you through the week, perfectly capturing the spirit of the autumn season.
Muffins frequently find their way onto my weekend baking list because they provide such a versatile and delicious option to have on hand. Whether it’s for a quick breakfast, a school lunchbox, or an afternoon pick-me-up, having a batch of homemade muffins makes life a little sweeter and a lot easier. Over the years, we’ve developed a few family favorites like these spelt banana muffins, these banana blackberry oatmeal muffins, and these healthy blueberry oatmeal muffins. Each one offers a unique blend of flavors and wholesome ingredients.
This year, with the bountiful harvest of apples and the arrival of cooler fall mornings, I felt inspired to create a new staple for our collection. These spiced apple oatmeal muffins quickly earned their spot as a top-tier, go-to recipe, combining the goodness of oats and apples with the convenience of a perfect muffin.
Why You’ll Adore This Apple Spice Muffin Recipe
These apple spice muffins aren’t just delicious; they’re thoughtfully crafted to offer maximum flavor with wholesome benefits. Here’s why this recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen:
- Naturally Sweetened & Refined Sugar-Free: Say goodbye to processed sugars! These muffins are gently sweetened with natural maple syrup and ripe mashed bananas. Even the applesauce used is unsweetened, ensuring a pure, clean sweetness that avoids sugar crashes and supports a healthier lifestyle.
- Perfectly Dairy-Free: For those with dairy sensitivities or following a dairy-free diet, this recipe is a dream come true. By substituting traditional butter with wholesome almond butter and using almond milk, these muffins offer a rich, moist texture and delicious flavor without any dairy products.
- Packed with Wholesome Ingredients: Made with nutritious whole wheat flour and hearty rolled oats, these muffins are more than just a sweet treat. They provide fiber and sustained energy, making them a wonderfully filling and satisfying option for breakfast or a hearty snack throughout your busy day.
- Effortless Preparation – No Special Equipment Needed: You don’t need fancy kitchen gadgets or an electric mixer for this recipe. Preparing these muffins is incredibly simple, requiring just two bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients, and a good old-fashioned whisk. It’s a straightforward process that anyone can master.
- Consistently Tender and Moist Texture: Thanks to the magical combination of applesauce and mashed banana, these muffins boast an incredibly soft, fluffy, and moist crumb every single time. These natural ingredients not only add sweetness but also contribute significantly to the muffins’ delightful texture, preventing them from drying out.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Apple Spice Muffins
Understanding the role of each ingredient helps in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at some essential components:
- Apples: You’ll need about 1 cup of finely chopped apples to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the muffins. For a balance of sweetness and tartness, I highly recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, as they hold their shape well during baking. However, feel free to use your favorite firm apple variety.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: This ingredient is crucial for adding moisture and natural sweetness without any refined sugars. Opt for unsweetened applesauce to maintain the refined sugar-free nature of the recipe. If you only have sweetened applesauce on hand, you may want to slightly reduce the amount of maple syrup to adjust for the added sweetness.
- Warming Spices: Instead of relying on a pre-made apple pie spice blend, this recipe allows you to control the intensity of each spice. We use a fragrant blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. This combination creates that quintessential cozy, autumnal flavor that makes these muffins so irresistible.
- Ripe Bananas: Mashed banana (approximately 1/2 cup) serves a dual purpose: it acts as a natural sweetener, complementing the maple syrup, and contributes significantly to the muffins’ moist and tender crumb. Make sure your bananas are ripe with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: A 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup provides a wonderful, deep natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apple and spices. If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup are generally good substitutes, though I’d recommend testing them in small batches if you’re concerned about flavor variations.
- Almond Butter: This recipe cleverly omits butter and oil, relying instead on 1/3 cup of natural almond butter to add healthy fats. This is key to achieving a light, tender texture and rich flavor. If almond butter isn’t available, natural peanut butter is an excellent substitute, offering a similar fat content and binding quality.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: I prefer unsweetened almond milk for its neutral flavor profile and creamy texture, making it ideal for this dairy-free recipe. Any unsweetened nut milk, such as cashew or oat milk, will work equally well. If dairy-free isn’t a strict requirement, regular dairy milk can also be used.
How to Bake Perfect Apple Spice Muffins: A Simple Guide
Crafting these delicious apple spice muffins is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a batch of perfectly baked, wholesome treats:
- Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan, or line it with paper muffin liners, ensuring your muffins won’t stick.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground allspice. Ensure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined for even leavening and spice distribution.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, unsweetened almond milk, room-temperature almond butter, maple syrup, large egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will lead to a more tender muffin.
- Fold in Apples: Carefully fold in the finely chopped apple pieces. Remember to reserve a small amount of chopped apple to sprinkle on top of the muffins before baking for a beautiful presentation.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 greased or lined muffin cups. For those beautiful, high muffin tops, aim to fill each cup almost to the very top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the reserved chopped apple pieces and the remaining 2 tablespoons of rolled oats over the top of the muffin batter in each cup.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The high initial temperature helps create that signature domed top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents sogginess.
Bake on 425F for 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Spice Muffins
This recipe has been specifically developed and tested using whole wheat flour, which contributes to the wholesome texture and nutritional profile of these muffins. While a 1:1 substitution of white flour for whole wheat flour sometimes works in other muffin recipes, it’s not always guaranteed, especially when dealing with larger quantities of flour or specific moisture ratios like in this recipe. Swapping to white flour might alter the texture, moisture content, and overall rise significantly, so for best results, I recommend sticking to whole wheat flour as specified.
For apple muffins, you want apples that are firm and crisp, as they will hold their structure better during baking and won’t turn to mush. If you prefer a sweeter muffin, Honeycrisp apples are an excellent choice due to their balanced sweet-tart flavor. For those who enjoy a more tart profile, Granny Smith apples work wonderfully. Other great varieties to consider include Braeburn, Cortland, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples. The key is a firm texture that can withstand the heat of the oven.
Peeling the apples is entirely a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a very smooth texture without any bits of apple skin, go ahead and peel them. However, apple skin contains valuable nutrients and fiber, and leaving it on also saves you a bit of prep time! When finely chopped, the skin usually softens nicely during baking and adds a lovely color and subtle texture to the muffins.
Because these muffins are incredibly moist due to the fresh applesauce and banana, they are best stored properly to maintain their freshness. At room temperature, they will last for about 1-2 days in an airtight container. For extended freshness, I highly recommend storing them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will remain delicious for 4-5 days. Always ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
Absolutely! These apple muffins freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping. Once the muffins have cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply defrost them at room temperature for a few hours, or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker thaw. They taste just as fresh when thawed!
Essential Tips for Baking Your Best Apple Spice Muffins
Achieving perfectly baked muffins every time is easy with a few key techniques. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your apple spice muffins turn out delicious and tender:
- Accurate Flour Measurement is Key: Baking is a science, and measuring flour correctly is crucial. Always use the “spoon and level” method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. If you scoop directly from the bag, the flour compacts, leading to too much flour, which can result in dry, dense muffins.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until they are just incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour excessively, which can make your muffins tough, chewy, and less tender. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly normal and actually preferable!
- Properly Filling the Muffin Pan: To achieve those beautiful, domed muffin tops, make sure to fill each muffin cup almost to the very top. Also, ensure your muffin pan is thoroughly greased (or use muffin liners) for easy removal. A well-greased pan prevents sticking and helps the muffins release cleanly.
- Room Temperature Ingredients for Best Blending: Warmer ingredients emulsify and incorporate much more smoothly and evenly into the batter. This is especially important for ingredients like almond butter, which is often stored in the fridge. Allow your almond butter, almond milk, and egg to come to room temperature so that the almond butter is soft and slightly runny, ensuring it mixes effortlessly with the other wet ingredients.
- Consider Your Muffin Pan Type: The color and material of your muffin pan can affect baking time and browning. This recipe was tested using a lighter-colored pan. If you’re using a darker metal muffin pan, your muffins may brown more quickly and potentially cook faster due to increased heat absorption. Keep an eye on them and adjust baking time slightly if needed.
Explore More Delicious Muffin Recipes
If you’re a muffin enthusiast, you’ll love these other wholesome and flavorful muffin recipes from our collection:
- Partridgeberry Muffins
- Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Muffins
- Raspberry Lemon Chia Buckwheat Muffins
- Coconut Mango Oatmeal Muffins
- Blackberry Lemon Overnight Oatmeal Muffins
- Wholesome Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
More Apple-Inspired Delights
If you have an abundance of apples or simply can’t get enough of their comforting flavor, be sure to check out these other apple-centric recipes:
- Decadent Apple Spice Cake with Buttercream Frosting
- Delicious Apple Cranberry Pomegranate Oatmeal Crisp
We hope you love these healthy and flavorful apple spice muffins as much as we do! If you bake this recipe, we’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments section below!
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Follow Crumb Top Baking on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook to stay updated with our latest delicious recipes and baking tips!
Print
Apple Spice Muffins
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
5 from 2 reviews
Author: Leanne
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Category: Breakfast
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Canadian
Description
These Apple Spice Muffins are the epitome of wholesome fall baking. They are crafted to be dairy-free and refined sugar-free, offering a deliciously soft and tender texture that melts in your mouth. Infused with a harmonious blend of warming autumn spices and chunks of fresh, crisp apple, they are the perfect healthy treat for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (spooned and levelled)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons rolled oats, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 3/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/2 cup mashed banana
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or another nut milk)
- 1/3 cup almond butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped apple
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F (220C) and generously grease a 12-cup muffin pan (or line it with muffin liners for easy cleanup).
- In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground allspice. Whisk well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, unsweetened almond milk, softened almond butter, maple syrup, large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly lumpy batter is perfect for tender muffins.
- Fold in the finely chopped apple, reserving a small handful of pieces to decorate the tops of the muffins.
- Evenly divide the batter among the 12 muffin cups. Fill each cup almost to the top to achieve tall, beautifully domed muffins.
- Top the batter in each cup with the remaining reserved apple pieces and sprinkle on the remaining 2 tablespoons of rolled oats for an inviting texture and appearance.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The initial high heat helps the muffins rise beautifully.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps them maintain their shape.
- Store these moist muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the fridge for 4-5 days for optimal freshness.
Notes
- For the best texture in your apple spice muffins, select firm and crisp apple varieties. Honeycrisp apples will lend a sweeter flavor, while Granny Smith apples will provide a pleasant tartness, complementing the spices beautifully.
- To ensure all ingredients blend seamlessly and contribute to a smooth batter, it’s recommended to bring your almond milk, almond butter, and egg to room temperature before you start baking. This is especially true for almond butter, which should be soft and slightly runny for easy mixing.
- It’s crucial not to overmix the muffin batter. Overworking the gluten in the flour can lead to tough, dense muffins instead of the desired light and airy texture. Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
- If you don’t have almond butter on hand, natural peanut butter makes an excellent 1:1 substitute, providing similar healthy fats and a delicious flavor profile.
- For those who do not require these muffins to be dairy-free, you can easily substitute the unsweetened almond milk with regular dairy milk without altering the recipe significantly.
- Be mindful of your muffin pan. Lighter-colored pans tend to bake more evenly, while darker pans can cause muffins to brown and cook more quickly. Adjust your baking time accordingly if using a dark pan.
- For more in-depth advice, ingredient details, and troubleshooting tips, refer to the sections above the recipe card. These provide additional suggestions for making this recipe a success every time.