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No Sugar Apple Muffins – Naturally Sweet, Soft, and Cozy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 cups peeled, finely chopped apples (about 2 small, sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup neutral oil (avocado, light olive, or canola)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional but brightens flavor)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour (or use all all-purpose if preferred)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy), as needed for batter consistency
  • Optional toppings: extra chopped apples, unsweetened shredded coconut, or chopped nuts

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
  2. Whisk wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, oil, applesauce, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth and glossy.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, whole-wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Fold together: Add the dry mixture to the wet. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. If the batter seems very thick, stir in 2–3 tablespoons milk. Do not overmix.
  5. Add apples: Fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed. The batter should be thick but spoonable.
  6. Fill the cups: Divide the batter among the muffin wells, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle optional toppings if desired.
  7. Bake: Place on the center rack and bake 16–20 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool: Let muffins cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Cool at least 10 more minutes before eating for the best texture.