These one‑bowl apple muffins are naturally sweetened and made with whole grains, chopped and grated apple, and applesauce. They’re lightly sweet, moist, and absolutely delicious.
Baking on the weekend has been a habit of mine for years. Back in college I started preparing one or two main dishes and a healthy baked good each weekend, and that simple routine has stuck with me through law school. Baking calms me, and I love freezing extras to enjoy later or to share when friends visit.
My regular rotation includes easy energy bites, chocolate banana peanut butter muffins, baked oatmeals, and other naturally sweetened treats — including these healthy apple muffins.
These muffins are exactly what I want from an apple muffin. They use whole wheat flour and are sweetened with honey. The recipe calls for both grated and diced apple plus applesauce, so the apple flavor is strong. Chopped walnuts add a pleasant crunch.
The muffins have a fluffy crumb and stay moist thanks to applesauce and mashed banana. They’re wonderful fresh from the oven, and I like to freeze leftovers. When I want one later, I slice a frozen muffin in half, add a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey, and warm it in the oven.
Best Apples for Baking
For baking, choose apples with a firm texture so they keep their shape and add good flavor. Granny Smith are a classic choice because their tartness balances the sweetness in baked goods. Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and Pink Lady also work well in muffins and other baked recipes.
I hope you enjoy these healthy apple muffins!
If you try these muffins, feel free to leave a comment or share a photo on Instagram by tagging @livbane — I’d love to see!
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Healthy Apple Muffins
20 minutes
15 minutes
35 minutes
12 muffins
198kcal
Liv
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups white whole wheat or regular whole wheat flour (I’ve also used sprouted spelt flour)
- 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (or apple pie/pumpkin pie spice)
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt (full‑fat preferred)
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled and grated (lightly press some juice out)
- 1 medium apple, diced into very small cubes
- 1 small banana, mashed well (adds moisture & sweetness; optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium or large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, mix the applesauce, honey, yogurt, and eggs. Add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just to combine. Stir in the melted coconut oil or butter and vanilla until incorporated.
- Fold in the grated apple, diced apple, mashed banana, and chopped nuts. Stir gently — do not overmix. The batter will be thick.
- Spray a 12‑cup muffin pan with cooking spray and divide the batter among the cups. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Allow muffins to cool for about 15 minutes, then loosen the edges with a knife and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Freeze any extras for up to 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition
|
Calories: 198kcal
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Carbohydrates: 29g
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 9g
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Sugar: 14g
Source: adapted from Cookie + Kate and Peas & Crayons (recipe modified by adding banana and nuts, reducing honey, omitting added sugar, and increasing spices).
Other healthy apple recipes you’ll love:
Healthy Apple Crisp
Cinnamon Skillet Apples
Easy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal