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This applesauce coffee cake muffin recipe is a perfect addition to my collection of the best healthy muffin recipes. It uses wholesome ingredients like applesauce to keep things moist and flavorful, without all the added sugar. Packed with warm spices, chopped walnuts, and plump raisins, these muffins are bursting with fall flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth without guilt. Recipes that use applesauce are a delicious way to incorporate this healthy fruit puree into your baking. Applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture, making it a perfect substitute for oil or butter often found in traditional coffee cake recipes. So ditch the store-bought muffins and whip up a batch of these homemade healthy treats – your taste buds and your body will thank you.

And the best part? These apple coffee cake muffins are also gluten-free and dairy-free. So whether you have dietary restrictions or are simply looking for a healthier option, these muffins are perfect for you.

Enjoy them as a quick and easy breakfast on the go, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a delicious treat anytime you need a pick-me-up.

Ingredient List for this Applesauce Coffee Cake Muffin Recipe

To whip up a batch of these delightful muffins, you’ll need a simple pantry-friendly ingredient list. Wholesome staples like gluten-free flour, cozy fall spices, and naturally sweet applesauce. Plus, I’ve thrown in some chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch and plump raisins for a pop of sweetness and texture.

• 1 3/4 cup Gluten Free 1:1 Flour
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• optional – powdered sugar for dusting

Ingredients Tip and Substitutions

To personalize these muffins and ensure baking success, check out the handy ingredient tips and substitution suggestions.

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To keep this recipe gluten-free I am using 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of traditional all-purpose flour. 

For a touch of caramel sweetness with a potential health perk, this recipe uses coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is my go-to for all of my baking recipes. Compared to brown sugar or refined white sugar, coconut sugar boasts a lower glycemic index, meaning it may cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels.

Want to elevate your muffins to the next level?  Whip up a batch of my super easy applesauce recipe with fresh apples for a burst of fresh, from-scratch flavor. But don’t fret, your favorite store-bought applesauce works just as well in a pinch. This recipe is all about convenience, so grab what works best for you.

Make sure to check out my essentials for gluten-free baking to keep your pantry stocked with everything you need to bake delicious treats.

How to Make Applesauce Coffee Cake Muffins

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Next, in a large bowl combine the dry ingredients. Add the flour to the bowl and the coconut sugar. 

Then add the baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, cloves, and allspice.

Whisk to combine and set the flour mixture aside. 

Next, in a separate medium bowl, combine the applesauce and egg. 

Then add the water and coconut oil.

Stir to combine the wet ingredients.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry, and stir to combine. Then fold in the raisins and walnuts.

How Long to Bake Applesauce Muffins

Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners, and spoon the muffin batter into the muffin cups. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to ensure equal portions. 

Place the muffin pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the tops of the apple muffins are golden brown and they pass the toothpick test. 

​Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool. As the apple cinnamon coffee cake muffins cool in their no-stick parchment paper liners, they’ll gently release, making removal a breeze!

Healthy Applesauce Coffee Cake Muffins

For a lighter touch, ditch the crumb topping and dust the cooled muffins with a sprinkle of organic powdered sugar. Dusting the muffins with a sprinkle of powdered sugar offers a hint of sweetness that’s lighter than a cinnamon streusel topping or even a simple glaze. It also offers a visual contrast making your simple snack look fancier than it is.

These muffins are bursting with flavor thanks to plump, juicy raisins that add a burst of sweetness in every bite.  And for a delightful textural contrast, crunchy chopped walnuts are scattered throughout the batter, offering a satisfying surprise with each mouthful. Each muffin is packed with flavor and texture, and less sugar than pre-packaged snacks. Whip up a big batch and enjoy. 

Fun fact: coffee cake doesn’t actually contain coffee. But these muffins pair beautifully with your favorite cup of coffee for the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. The warm spices and touch of sweetness in this applesauce coffee cake muffin recipe will complement your morning coffee’s rich flavor, making it a match made in heaven.

This easy recipe for apple cinnamon muffins is the perfect treat for the fall season or any time of year. Enjoy these muffins fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, these muffins freeze beautifully! Simply let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer, ready to be enjoyed whenever a sweet tooth strikes.

More healthy muffin recipes:

• Healthy Banana Muffins with Applesauce
• Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins with Applesauce
• Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
• Pumpkin Protein Muffins

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