Healthier Apple Spice Muffins
There’s something comforting about a muffin that smells like warm apples, cozy spices, and weekend mornings. These Healthier Apple Spice Muffins bring together whole grains, oats, fruit, and just the right touch of sweetness—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or packing into lunchboxes.
What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is. A few simple ingredients, little prep, and a reminder to mix gently (your muffins will thank you!) are all it takes to bring these soft, flavorful treats to life.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
- Lightly sweet and warmly spiced
- Made with whole-wheat flour, oats, apples, and bananas
- Moist and tender thanks to applesauce and ripe bananas
- Great for meal prep and kid-friendly
- Smells like the best parts of fall—any time of year
Making Healthier Apple Spice Muffins
First, preheat oven to 350°F, and either lightly grease or line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Next, in a large bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in the brown sugar, applesauce, egg, and vanilla until combined.
Then, in a separate bowl, mix together the whole-wheat flour, baking powder, salt, apple pie spice, and baking soda.
Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture. Stir gently, mixing only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. (Overmixing can make the muffins tough.)
Next, fold in the oats and diced apples.
Lastly, spoon the batter into the muffin cups and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Little tiny crumbs are ok, too.
Once out of the oven, let them cool a few minutes in the pan, but then remove them to cool completely on a wire rack.
The Result
Soft, fragrant, and filled with warm apple flavor, these muffins feel wholesome and satisfying without being heavy. They’re a lovely way to use ripe bananas and extra apples—and a delicious option for breakfasts on the go.
While still warm, (and nobody’s watching) I highly recommend you try one with some butter. You deserve a treat after giving it your effort.
What to Serve With These Healthier Apple Spice Muffins
While perfectly scrumptious on their own, these muffins pair beautifully with:
- Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a protein-boosted breakfast
- Fresh fruit like berries, orange slices, or a simple fruit salad
- A warm drink such as coffee, chai, or hot apple cider
- Nut butter (almond, peanut, or sunflower) spread on a warm muffin
- Scrambled eggs, a veggie omelet, or a Tortilla Wrapped Omelet for a more filling brunch
- A simple green smoothie (such as my Blueberry Banana Smoothie) for a light and balanced meal
They also make a great grab-and-go snack on their own, but now I’m repeating myself.
If you tried and love this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating on the recipe card and consider leaving a comment below. Thank you so much.
Healthier Apple Spice Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 bananas)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole-wheat flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. apple pie spice
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup fresh apple, diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a muffin pan or use 12 cupcake liners.
- In large bowl, mix together banana, brown sugar, applesauce, egg, and vanilla.
- In separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, apple pie spice, and baking soda.
- Stir flour mixture gently into banana mixture, mixing only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. (Overmixing can make the muffins tough.) Fold in oats and diced apples.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared muffin cups and bake for 18 – 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with tiny crumbs. Let muffins cool in pan for a few minutes, then remove to cool completely on wire rack. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Healthier Apple Spice Muffins
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