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    Home » Snack recipes

    Healthy apple muffins

    September 25, 2017 by Caroline's Cooking

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    These healthy apple muffins are moist and packed with flavor, plus they're easy to make. A great grab and go snack. 

    Jump to Recipe
    healthy apple muffins on cooling rack with apples between and one split on plate

    This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page.

    We love apples at any time of year, but we get all the more excited during apple picking season. It's become a tradition for our family to go at least once each year.

    My eldest was already quite the pro at picking good ones last year so I can't wait to see both him and my younger one in action this year. It's just as well we all love eating apples to use up the haul we'll no doubt have.

    split open apple muffin in front of others on cooling rack

    While we all love to eat them just as they are, I have made my fair share of recipes using apples as well. Things like my sour cream apple cake and apple bacon cornmeal scones have become firm favorites, as you might imagine.

    Plus my more unusual ideas like caramelized apple and bacon jam crostini were an instant hit as well.

    apple muffin on plate in front of others and apple behind

    These healthy apple muffins are my latest way of using some in a bit of a treat and one we all instantly loved. Don't let the healthy description put you off: they are packed with flavor.

    Being hand-held bites, these muffins make a great snack or breakfast on the go. For us, they are ideal for that afternoon hungry time!

    apple picking

    These tasty muffins are made partly with almond flour and have some sliced almonds on top. The nuttiness really adds to the flavor as well as helping them be wonderfully moist.

    There's a double doze of apple, too, with both applesauce and grated apple. Between this and the little bit of maple syrup, you really don't miss the sugar.

    stages making healthy apple muffins

    How to make these easy healthy muffins

    You simply mix up the dry ingredients then toss the grated apple in them. Adding the apple to the dry ingredients helps to keep the pieces separated when you mix everything up.

    Then whisk together the wet ingredients and mix the two. It's a pretty runny mixture but don't worry, it works! Top with the sliced almonds and bake.

    These healthy apple muffins disappeared in no time in our house and I know we'll be making them again soon. Wonderfully moist, with fantastic apple flavors and a lovely crunch from the almonds on top. You'd never guess they were healthier, so go ahead, have another.

    apple muffins on cooling rack with one split open on a plate from overhead

    Looking for more healthier baking ideas? Try these:

    • Healthy apple oatmeal cookies
    • Sweet potato brownies (vegan and no refined sugar)
    • Healthy carrot and apple spice muffins.

    Plus get more snack recipes, both sweet and savory, in the archives.

    healthy apple muffins
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Healthy apple muffins

    Easy to make, full of flavor and pretty healthy too so all the more reason to enjoy!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time20 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8 muffins
    Calories: 177kcal
    Author: Caroline's Cooking
    SaveSaved!

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour 70g
    • ½ cup almond flour 60g
    • ¼ cup oat bran 28g
    • 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ apple coarsely grated
    • 1 egg
    • ¼ cup sour cream 60ml
    • 2 tablespoon milk
    • 3 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce 120ml, homemade best or else store bought
    • 2 tablespoon coconut oil melted, or melted butter
    • 2 tablespoon flaked almonds slivered almonds

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 375F/190C and line 8 muffin cases.
    • Measure out the whole wheat flour, almond flour, oat bran, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl and mix together. Grate the apple and add to the bowl, tossing so the apple is coated with the flour mixture. 
    • In a separate bowl/jug, add the egg, sour cream, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, applesauce and coconut oil. Mix them together well then add to the flour mixture. Mix until well combined but try not to overmix. 
    • Divide the mixture between the lined muffin cases and scatter a few flaked almonds on top of each. Bake for approx 20 minutes until a skwer inserted in the middle of one of the muffins comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before removing from casing/serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 168mg | Potassium: 223mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 1.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

    See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

    Try these other apple ideas:

    Apple Brickle Mini Tarts with Oatmeal Crust from The Freshman Cook
    Apple-Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal from Amy's Cooking Adventures
    Oatmeal Crusted Apple Stuffed French Toast from Jolene's Recipe Journal
    Apple Cobbler French Toast Casserole from Tip Garden
    Apple Fritter Yeast Bread from House of Nash Eats
    Creamy Maple Gouda Apple Soup with Pecan-Oat Granola from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
    Apple Bacon Turkey Burgers from Jonesin' for Taste
    Savory Apple Sausage Tart from The Crumby Kitchen
    Vanilla Brined Pork Chops with Applesauce  from Bear & Bug Eats
    Salted Caramel Apple Cake from Grumpy's Honeybunch
    Swedish Apple Oatmeal Pie with Vanilla Sauce from All That's Jas
    Cinnamon Apple Cider Sangria from The Redhead Baker

    Remember to pin for later!

    These healthy apple muffins are wonderfully moist, with fantastic apple flavors and a lovely crunch from the almonds on top. You'd never guess they were healthier. A delicious fall flavored snack.

    This post was originally shared as part of #Appleweek where sponsors provided a free giveaway and product to participating bloggers for recipe development.

    « Chocolate pumpkin pastry twists
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    1. Lizet says

      January 27, 2019 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      They look so delicious! I love baking with apples, the house always smells amazing! I've never been apple picking since we live in a country that does not grow them. But this year we are moving back to the US and I want to make sure we do some apple picking. I'm sure they taste a lot better right out of the tree 😍

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        January 27, 2019 at 10:13 pm

        Apple picking is a fun thing to do, and for me as much as anything is we manage to get varieties when we pick our own that aren't always in store. It's true, the flavor is that bit better being so fresh. But you can also get some great apples in store these days which especially when you are baking is absolutely fine.

        Reply
    2. Susan says

      January 26, 2019 at 11:05 am

      5 stars
      Yum! Perfect for our hectic mornings and my kids love anything apple! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        January 27, 2019 at 10:49 am

        Sounds perfect for you then!

        Reply
    3. Ramona says

      January 26, 2019 at 7:12 am

      Apple desserts are always my favourite. I will be making this today since I have some extra apples. Thank you for the inspo!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        January 27, 2019 at 10:49 am

        Great, hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Jacqueline Debono says

      January 25, 2019 at 12:03 pm

      Wow you have so many apple recipes on your blog! Now I know where to come for ways to use the apples we get from local farmers! These apple muffins are definitely on my to-make list!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        January 25, 2019 at 8:28 pm

        Ha, yes I guess I do! But we are big fans...hope you enjoy these and indeed, do come back for other ideas 🙂

        Reply
    5. Beth Neels says

      January 25, 2019 at 10:13 am

      5 stars
      I love adding apple sauce to baked goods! They turn out so moist and delicious! I can't wait to try these! I love the variety of flours!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        January 25, 2019 at 8:27 pm

        I agree, it works so well, and is healthy too. Enjoy these!

        Reply
    6. Mary Quinn says

      September 28, 2017 at 11:38 am

      Because of the recent weather I have a bunch of windfalls. This sounds like a good way not to waste my apples.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        October 01, 2017 at 7:42 am

        Absolutely, would be a great way to use them - enjoy!

        Reply
    7. Carlee says

      September 25, 2017 at 5:15 pm

      These look fabulous! What a perfect way to start the day and even better that they are healthier. What a great way to kick off AppleWeek!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        September 27, 2017 at 7:25 pm

        Thanks Carlee! I agree a tasty way to start the day.

        Reply
    8. Wendy Klik says

      September 25, 2017 at 1:53 pm

      A perfect, healthy breakfast or snack.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        September 27, 2017 at 7:25 pm

        Thanks Wendy, they would be great for both.

        Reply
    9. Camilla @ Culinary Adventures says

      September 25, 2017 at 12:30 pm

      These look delicious. We haven't made it to the orchards yet this year either. Soon!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking says

        September 27, 2017 at 7:24 pm

        Thanks Camilla, as long as we get there at some point!

        Reply
    Caroline's Cooking

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