Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Name: Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups spelt flour; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 cup unsweetened applesauce; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup diced apples (about 1 large apple)

Highlighted under: Fresh Cooking

I love starting my mornings with a healthy yet indulgent treat, and these Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins have become a favorite in our household. They are moist, flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients, making them the perfect breakfast or snack option. Each bite bursts with the sweetness of apples and the warm spiciness of cinnamon. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, I can whip up a batch quickly, ensuring we enjoy a balanced start to our day!

Created by

Nerissa Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:43:34.544Z

When I first experimented with making these Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins, I sought a way to enjoy a traditional favorite without all the guilt. After several trial and error rounds, I found the balance of applesauce and almond flour resulted in the perfect texture. Not only do they rise beautifully, but the flavor is vibrant, thanks to fresh apples and aromatic cinnamon. I was pleasantly surprised by how much my kids loved them too!

I also learned that letting the batter sit for a few minutes before baking allows the flavors to blend better. Using a combination of spelt and oats in place of regular flour adds fiber and a nutty flavor that is irresistible. It’s a simple recipe, but I guarantee they’ll disappear quickly!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Moist and fluffy texture that’s hard to resist
Packed with wholesome ingredients for a nutritious boost
Easily customizable with nuts or dried fruit to suit your taste

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The spelt flour contributes a nutty taste while also being easier to digest compared to regular wheat flour. Almond flour adds moisture and richness, ensuring that your muffins remain fluffy, while rolled oats provide structure and a wholesome feel, making every bite satisfying.

Sweetness is key in baked goods, and using honey or maple syrup not only sweetens the muffins but also keeps them moist. When combined with unsweetened applesauce, which acts as a natural binder, you’ll find these muffins are tender yet hold together beautifully. This balance of wet and dry ingredients is crucial for achieving that delightful texture.

Baking Techniques for Perfect Muffins

When mixing the batter, it's essential to combine the ingredients just until moistened. Overmixing can lead to tougher muffins, which is not what we want! A gently stirred batter will create those moist, fluffy muffins that you’ll enjoy. Be on the lookout for visible flour spots disappearing when you mix – this ensures you've combined them adequately without being too vigorous.

When it comes to baking, preheating your oven is non-negotiable. A properly heated oven will give your muffins the right rise and a soft crumb. Keep an eye on the baking time; muffins are ready when their tops are golden, and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. If there's any wet batter clinging to it, give them a few more minutes.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you begin:

Ingredients

2 cups spelt flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup diced apples (about 1 large apple)

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your muffins:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the spelt flour, rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the honey, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine everything

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.

Bake

Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your fresh-baked muffins warm or store them in an airtight container.

Pro Tips

For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped walnuts or raisins into the batter before baking.

Storing and Freezing

These Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins store well for a week in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them where they can last up to ten days. If you’d like to enjoy them later, these muffins freeze beautifully. Place them in a resealable bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months.

To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for ten minutes. This will refresh their texture and warmth, allowing you to enjoy them as if they were just baked.

Customizations and Variations

Feel free to customize these muffins to suit your taste or dietary needs. Add-ins like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or dried fruits (like cranberries or raisins) can add texture and extra flavor. For a more decadent version, consider stirring in chocolate chips or a dash of nutmeg for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can cut down on the honey or maple syrup by one-third without compromising too much on sweetness, thanks to the applesauce. Alternatively, you can swap the applesauce for mashed ripe bananas for a different fruit flavor, keeping everything moist and delicious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use all-purpose flour instead of spelt flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour; however, the nutritional benefits will differ.

→ How can I store these muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I make these muffins nut-free?

Absolutely! You can replace almond flour with more spelt flour or use a suitable gluten-free flour blend.

→ What other fruits can I add?

Feel free to experiment with different fruits like blueberries or diced pears for a unique twist!