These apple sauce muffins are soft, moist, and naturally comforting, with a gentle sweetness and a wholesome texture. Made with Greek yogurt and oats, they are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a light dessert, offering a balanced option that feels both cozy and nourishing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These muffins are easy to prepare and come together with simple pantry ingredients. Applesauce keeps them moist without relying on excessive oil, while Greek yogurt adds tenderness and a subtle richness. Oats provide a hearty texture, making these muffins satisfying without feeling heavy. They are also versatile and easy to adapt to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups (180 g)
Rolled oats – 1 cup (90 g)
Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
Fine salt – ¼ teaspoon
Unsweetened applesauce – 1 cup (240 g)
Plain Greek yogurt – ½ cup (120 g)
Honey – ⅓ cup (110 g)
Neutral vegetable oil – ¼ cup (60 ml)
Eggs – 2 large
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, Greek yogurt, honey, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the batter should be thick but uniform.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 standard muffins.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes
Variations
You can add finely chopped apples for extra texture and fresh fruit flavor. A handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds works well for added crunch. For warmer spice notes, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin.
Storage/Reheating
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm a muffin in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven until just heated through.
FAQs
Can I make these muffins without honey?
Yes, you can replace the honey with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce, but the muffins will be less sweet and slightly denser.
Are these muffins suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely. The combination of oats, yogurt, and applesauce makes them filling and well-suited for a morning meal.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats will work, though the texture will be slightly softer.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, once cooled, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
How do I keep the muffins from drying out?
Avoid overbaking and store them in a tightly sealed container to retain moisture.
Can I use flavored Greek yogurt?
Plain yogurt is best, but lightly flavored yogurt can be used if it complements apple and cinnamon.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
You can substitute the Greek yogurt with a thick plant-based yogurt alternative.
What oil works best in this recipe?
A neutral oil such as sunflower or canola oil works best to keep the flavor balanced.
Can I reduce the oil?
You may reduce the oil slightly and replace it with extra applesauce, though the muffins may be a bit less tender.
How can I tell when the muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready.
Conclusion
Apple sauce muffins with Greek yogurt and oats are a simple, comforting bake that delivers great flavor with minimal effort. They are easy to customize, store well, and make a reliable option for busy mornings or relaxed afternoons. With their soft crumb and gentle sweetness, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
These apple sauce muffins are soft, wholesome, and gently sweet, made with Greek yogurt and oats for added protein and texture. Perfect for breakfast or snacks, they’re quick to prepare and easy to customize.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (90 g) rolled oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon fine salt
1 cup (240 g) unsweetened applesauce
½ cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt
⅓ cup (110 g) honey
¼ cup (60 ml) neutral vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, combine applesauce, Greek yogurt, honey, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender.
Add-ins like chopped apples, nuts, or raisins can be folded into the batter.
Use paper liners or grease well to prevent sticking.
