Oatmeal Muffins
Baking

Oatmeal Muffins

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Finding quick breakfast options that everyone actually wants to eat can feel like an impossible task, especially on busy mornings when you’re trying to get kids ready for school. These applesauce oatmeal muffins offer a great solution. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also nutritious, kid-friendly, and freezer-friendly. They make an ideal breakfast or snack for both adults and children, and can be prepped ahead of time for the week. The applesauce and oats make them a healthier option compared to typical muffins, while still providing a tasty treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 egg

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1/4 cup oil (canola or vegetable)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup applesauce

  • 1 tablespoon oats (optional, for topping)

Directions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the muffin tin by spraying with nonstick spray or lining with paper liners.

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well.

  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and add 1 cup applesauce. Stir gently until combined, making sure not to overmix.

  5. Fill Muffin Tins: Scoop the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup two-thirds full. Optionally, sprinkle some oats on top of each muffin.

  6. Bake and Cool: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Nutrients (Per entire recipe):

  • Calories: 800-900

  • Protein: 15-20 g

  • Fat: 30-35 g

  • Carbohydrates: 120-130 g

Why Choose Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins?

There are countless muffin recipes out there, but applesauce oatmeal muffins stand out for several reasons. First and foremost, they are much healthier than traditional muffins. The inclusion of applesauce and oats makes them a fiber-rich choice, which is essential for digestive health and can keep you feeling full longer. Additionally, applesauce adds a natural sweetness to the muffins, allowing you to reduce the amount of added sugar.

Oats, known for their high fiber content, bring several health benefits to these muffins. They help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and are an excellent source of energy. Combined with the applesauce, the oats contribute to a texture that is moist yet light, ensuring these muffins aren’t dry like many store-bought alternatives.

Furthermore, the ingredients in this recipe are easily accessible and affordable, making it an excellent option for families on a budget. Whether you’re a parent looking to provide a nutritious breakfast for your kids or simply someone who wants a quick, tasty snack, these muffins are an excellent choice.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing

One of the greatest advantages of these applesauce oatmeal muffins is how well they lend themselves to meal prep. If you’re someone who likes to plan meals ahead of time, these muffins can be prepared in bulk and stored for future use. The recipe is simple, and the ingredients are easy to store in your pantry. After baking the muffins, simply allow them to cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can thaw the muffins at room temperature or pop them into the microwave for a quick heat-up. This makes them a perfect option for busy mornings when you don’t have the time to cook from scratch. Just grab a muffin, and you’re good to go. This ability to freeze and reheat muffins makes them a convenient choice for anyone who needs an easy breakfast option without sacrificing nutrition or taste.

Health Benefits of Applesauce and Oats

The combination of applesauce and oats in this muffin recipe isn’t just for taste; it also provides significant health benefits. Applesauce is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin C, which is crucial for immune health and skin maintenance. Additionally, apples are high in dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

Oats, on the other hand, are a heart-healthy choice. They contain soluble fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Moreover, oats are a slow-digesting carbohydrate, meaning they provide sustained energy without causing spikes and crashes in blood sugar. The fiber content in oats also promotes satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer. This can be especially beneficial if you’re trying to control your appetite throughout the day.

Kid-Friendly and Nutritious

When it comes to feeding kids, getting them to eat healthy can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. However, these applesauce oatmeal muffins are both nutritious and delicious, making them a fantastic option for children. The mild sweetness of the applesauce appeals to kids’ taste buds, while the texture of the muffins is soft and easy for younger children to chew.

Moreover, the recipe is free of artificial preservatives and additives commonly found in store-bought baked goods. By making your own muffins at home, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring that your kids are eating something wholesome and nourishing. These muffins are not only a healthy choice for breakfast but also serve as a great snack that you can feel good about giving your children.

A Versatile Breakfast or Snack Option

While these muffins are perfect for breakfast, they are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a midday snack or something to take with you to work, applesauce oatmeal muffins make a fantastic choice. Their portable size makes them easy to pack in lunch boxes or carry along for road trips and busy days.

In addition to being a quick and easy snack, these muffins can be paired with other nutritious options to create a more filling meal. For instance, you can serve them with a side of yogurt or a piece of fruit for added vitamins and protein. This versatility allows you to tailor the muffins to your needs, whether you’re looking for a light snack or a more substantial meal.

Customization Tips for Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

Although the basic recipe for applesauce oatmeal muffins is delicious as is, it can easily be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. If you like a bit of extra flavor, consider adding a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apples to the batter before baking. These additions will enhance the natural sweetness and texture of the muffins while providing additional nutrients.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can be added to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting flavor. You can also experiment with the type of oats you use. While old-fashioned oats are typically used in this recipe, quick oats can be substituted for a slightly finer texture.

If you’re looking to reduce sugar intake, you can substitute the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe to account for the added moisture from the liquid sweetener.

Conclusion

In conclusion, applesauce oatmeal muffins are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a healthy, quick, and easy breakfast or snack option. With their combination of nutritious ingredients like oats and applesauce, these muffins provide numerous health benefits without sacrificing taste. They are kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic addition to any household. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week ahead or simply looking for a wholesome snack, these muffins deliver on both flavor and nutrition. So, next time you’re in need of a breakfast solution, give these applesauce oatmeal muffins a try—you won’t regret it!

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