Are you looking for a quick and easy breakfast or snack that's both delicious and nutritious? Look no further! These Oatmeal Apple Muffins are the perfect solution. Bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon and apples, these muffins are wonderfully moist and satisfying, making them a fantastic addition to your healthy meal repertoire. They’re perfect for busy mornings, packed lunches, or an afternoon pick-me-up. This recipe offers a simple homemade cooking experience, even for beginner bakers. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until just combined.
Step 4: Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just moistened. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Add Apples & Nuts (optional): Fold in the diced apples and optional nuts.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
Step 7: Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Apple Muffins:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Use ripe apples: Ripe apples will give you the best flavor and moisture.
- Add a sprinkle of sugar on top: Before baking, sprinkle a little extra granulated sugar on top of the muffins for a delightful crunch.
- Store properly: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Make it healthier: Substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, or use maple syrup instead of some of the sugar.
- Add dried fruit: Incorporate raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for added sweetness and texture.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
These Oatmeal Apple Muffins are a delicious and easy-to-make treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Enjoy this simple recipe for healthy meals and delicious dishes! They’re sure to become a family favorite, offering a quick dinner idea or a satisfying addition to any meal plan. They’re a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver on both taste and nutrition. Try them today and experience the delightful combination of warm spices and juicy apples in every bite!