Applesauce Muffins

These moist applesauce muffins are filled with cozy apple-cinnamon flavor and the perfect touch of sweetness. They’re super easy to make, and the cinnamon sugar topping adds that irresistible crunch that makes them taste bakery fresh. Each muffin bakes up soft, golden, and full of warm spice that’s perfect for any morning.

If you’re craving something comforting and simple, these applesauce muffins are just right. They have a fluffy texture, a moist crumb, and a light apple taste that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and nutmeg. The aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake feels like fall in every way.

The apple flavor is soft and cozy, while the brown sugar gives just enough sweetness without being too heavy. What makes these muffins extra special is how moist they stay. The applesauce keeps them perfectly tender, never dry or crumbly, so every bite tastes fresh and soft. It’s an easy, delicious win every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These applesauce muffins are everything you want in a quick homemade bake—easy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced.

Super moist texture: The applesauce and melted butter create a tender crumb that stays soft for days.

Rich flavor: A mix of brown and white sugar adds depth and caramel notes.

Warm spice blend: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring out that classic fall flavor.

No mixer needed: Everything comes together by hand in just one bowl.

Perfectly sweet: Using unsweetened applesauce keeps them balanced and not overly sugary.

Fun finish: The cinnamon sugar topping gives a donut-like crunch.

Here’s something I love doing: I use cinnamon applesauce when I want a little extra warmth and spice. It adds just the right touch without changing the recipe. And if you want to make them extra cozy, a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking gives them that bakery sparkle right on top.

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Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• ½ cup melted butter (unsalted)
• ½ cup white granulated sugar]
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (measured by spooning and leveling)
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it. I like to use paper liners because it makes cleanup so much easier and helps the muffins hold their shape.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and slightly glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce. Make sure the applesauce is unsweetened so the muffins don’t turn out overly sweet.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking the flour first helps it stay light and prevents clumps.

4. Bring It All Together

Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently stirring with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing—once you stop seeing streaks of flour, the batter is ready. The texture should be thick but scoopable.

5. Fill the Muffin Pan

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This will help them rise nicely with that perfect domed top.

6. Bake the Muffins

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I find that 375°F gives the muffins that perfect rise—just like Goldilocks said, not too low and not too high.

7. Dip in Cinnamon Sugar

Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. They should still be warm but not hot. Dip the tops in melted butter, then roll them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step gives them a sweet, slightly crunchy coating that’s so satisfying.

Tips & Variations

Use different applesauce: Try cinnamon-flavored applesauce for more spice or chunky applesauce for a bit of texture.

Healthier swap: Replace some butter with Greek yogurt or more applesauce for a lighter version.

Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts, raisins, or small apple chunks for extra flavor.

Make it whole grain: Use half whole wheat flour for a hearty, wholesome muffin.

Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a week.

I sometimes make a big batch and freeze them individually. Just reheat one in the microwave for 20 seconds, and it tastes freshly baked. If I’m making them for guests, I brush a little extra butter on top right before serving for that fresh-baked shine.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins taste amazing warm from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re also great for breakfast on the go or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. I love serving them with a little honey butter or cream cheese spread on the side.

For brunch, pair them with scrambled eggs or a fruit salad to make a complete meal. If you’re making them for a crowd, serve them in a basket lined with a cloth napkin—they look rustic and inviting that way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened applesauce?

You can, but it will make the muffins sweeter. If you do, reduce the sugar slightly to balance the flavor.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute melted coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter.

Why are my muffins dry?

You may have added too much flour or overmixed the batter. Make sure to spoon and level your flour and mix until just combined.

Can I add real apple pieces?

Absolutely. Fold in half a cup of finely chopped apple for more texture and flavor.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, these freeze beautifully. Let them cool, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw or warm them in the microwave before eating.

Do I have to add the cinnamon sugar topping?

It’s optional but highly recommended. The topping gives that delicious donut-like crunch and makes the muffins extra special.

Final Thoughts

These applesauce muffins bring all the cozy comfort of fall baking without any fuss. The warm spices, tender crumb, and sweet cinnamon sugar coating make them a treat for any time of day. They’re easy to make, even on busy mornings, and taste like something straight from a bakery.

I love that this recipe keeps things simple yet still feels indulgent. Whether you bake them for breakfast, brunch, or just to make your home smell amazing, they’re the kind of muffins that everyone will want seconds of.