Looking for a guilt-free treat that is both satisfying and nutritious? These healthy apple muffins with oats are a perfect choice. Bursting with wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness, they make for a delicious breakfast or snack option. Packed with fiber, essential nutrients, and the delightful flavors of fresh apples, these muffins are a must-try for anyone seeking a healthier indulgence. Join us as we explore the delightful recipe for these apple muffins and discover the numerous reasons why they should be a part of your regular diet.
Healthy Apple Muffins with Oats Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup flaxseed meal
1/4 cup coconut sugar (or your preferred natural sweetener)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or your preferred oil)
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups grated apple (approximately 2 medium-sized apples)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Additional rolled oats for topping
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in the muffin recipe?
Yes, you can use quick oats instead of rolled oats in the muffin recipe. However, keep in mind that quick oats have a finer texture and may affect the final texture of the muffins slightly. Quick oats will absorb moisture more quickly, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly. If the muffin batter appears too dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of additional liquid (such as applesauce or milk) to achieve the desired consistency. Overall, the substitution of quick oats should work well in the recipe and still provide a delicious and nutritious outcome.
Making Healthy Apple Muffins with Oats Step by Step
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: rolled oats, whole wheat flour, almond flour, flaxseed meal, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser muffins.
Fold in the grated apple and chopped nuts (if desired) into the batter.
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Sprinkle additional rolled oats on top for added texture.
Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve these delicious apple muffins with a cup of tea or enjoy them on the go as a healthy snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer shelf life.
Can I substitute the almond flour with another type of flour in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute almond flour with another type of flour in the recipe. Almond flour has a unique texture and flavor, so the substitution may slightly alter the final result, but it can still be done. Here are a few alternative flours you can consider:
Whole Wheat Flour: This is a common substitute for almond flour. It provides a similar texture and adds a nutty flavor to the muffins.
Oat Flour: Made from ground oats, oat flour is a gluten-free option that can work well in this recipe. It contributes a slightly denser texture and a subtle oat flavor.
Spelt Flour: Spelt flour is an ancient grain flour that has a nutty taste and can be used as a substitute for almond flour. It may lend a slightly different texture to the muffins.
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: If you require a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute. Make sure it is a blend suitable for baking.
How long can I store the healthy apple muffins with oats?
Healthy apple muffins with oats can be stored for up to 3 days at room temperature. It is important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Here are some guidelines:
Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing them. If they are still warm, condensation can form, leading to a soggy texture.
Place the cooled muffins in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. This helps to retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Keep the container at room temperature in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
If you need to store the muffins for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to enjoy the stored muffins, thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in a microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup as a sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute honey for maple syrup as a sweetener in the healthy apple muffin recipe. Honey is a natural sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness and flavor to the muffins. When using honey as a substitute, keep in mind the following considerations:
Amount: The sweetness of honey can vary, so you may need to adjust the amount used. Start by using the same quantity of honey as specified for maple syrup in the recipe, and then taste the batter to see if it requires additional sweetness.
Moisture: Honey is slightly thicker and more viscous than maple syrup. It also contains moisture. You may want to reduce the amount of other liquid ingredients in the recipe (such as milk or applesauce) slightly to compensate for the added moisture from the honey. Alternatively, you can increase the dry ingredients slightly to maintain the desired consistency of the batter.
Flavor: Honey has its own distinct flavor, which will add a hint of floral and earthy notes to the muffins. Consider how this flavor will complement the other ingredients in the recipe.
Baking Temperature: Honey tends to caramelize and brown faster than maple syrup, so you may need to adjust the baking temperature or cover the muffins with foil to prevent excessive browning.
Healthy Apple Muffins with Oats Health Benefits:
High in Fiber: Oats and whole wheat flour provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, helps maintain a healthy weight, and promotes heart health.
Nutrient-Rich: Apples are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, which support overall well-being and boost the immune system.
Energy-Boosting: The combination of oats, whole wheat, and natural sweeteners provides a slow-release of energy, keeping you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
Heart-Healthy: The inclusion of flaxseed meal, nuts, and
Nutritional Value of Healthy Apple Muffins with Oats
Healthy Apple Muffins with Oats are not only delicious but also offer a range of nutritional benefits. Here’s a breakdown of their approximate nutritional value per serving (one muffin):
- Calories: Around 150-180 calories
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Protein: About 4-6 grams
- Fat: Around 6-8 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 3-4 grams
- Sugar: Approximately 6-8 grams, mostly from natural sources like apples and a small amount from sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Healthy Apple Muffins with Oats | Apple Muffins With Crumb Topping
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowls Use large mixing bowls to combine the dry and wet ingredients separately.
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons Precise measurements are crucial for baking, so have a set of measuring cups and spoons on hand to ensure accurate quantities of ingredients.
- 1 Grater A grater is necessary for grating the apples to achieve the perfect texture in your muffins.
- 1 Muffin Tin Use a whisk or fork to beat the eggs and combine the wet ingredients.
- 1 Cooling Rack Once the muffins are baked, you'll need a cooling rack to allow them to cool evenly and maintain their texture.
- 1 Whisk or fork Use a whisk or fork to beat the eggs and combine the wet ingredients.
- 1 Spatula or Wooden Spoon Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the batter and fold in the grated apples and any additional ingredients.
- 1 Toothpick A toothpick comes in handy for checking the muffins' doneness. Insert it into
- 1 Oven Preheat your oven to the specified temperature mentioned in the recipe.
- 1 Timer Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the batter and fold in the grated apples and any additional ingredients.
Ingredients
For Making Healthy Apple Muffins with Oats
Dry Ingredients
- 1 Cup Fashioned rolled oats
- 1 Cup Whole wheat flour
- ½ Cup Almond flour
- ¼ Cup Flaxseed meal
- ¼ Cup Coconut sugar
- 1 Tbsp Baking powder
- ½ Tbsp Baking soda
- ½ Tbsp Ground cinnamon
- ¼ Tbsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 Piece Large eggs
- ¼ Cup Unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ Cup Melted coconut oil
- ¼ Cup Maple syrup or honey
- 1 Tbsp Vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1½ Cup Grated apple
- ½ Cup Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Additional rolled oats for topping
Instructions
Making Healthy Apple Muffins with Oats Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: rolled oats, whole wheat flour, almond flour, flaxseed meal, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser muffins.
- Fold in the grated apple and chopped nuts (if desired) into the batter.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Sprinkle additional rolled oats on top for added texture.
- Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve these delicious apple muffins with a cup of tea or enjoy them on the go as a healthy snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer shelf life.
Video
Notes
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a pleasing flavor to the muffins.
- Grate the Apples Correctly: Use the larger holes of a box grater to grate the apples. This will result in small shreds that blend seamlessly into the muffin batter, adding moisture and flavor without overpowering the texture.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to denser muffins. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
- Fold in the Ingredients: When adding the grated apples and any optional ingredients like nuts, gently fold them into the batter. This helps distribute the ingredients evenly without overmixing.
- Use Rolled Oats for Texture: Incorporating rolled oats in the batter adds a delightful texture to the muffins. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pulse the oats a few times in a food processor before adding them to the batter.
- Allow the Muffins to Cool: After baking, let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps them retain their shape.
- Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store the cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them individually in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat in a microwave when ready to enjoy.
