Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Warm and Comforting Flavors: The combination of cinnamon and applesauce provides a classic taste that evokes the essence of fall.
Easy One-Bowl Preparation: With minimal cleanup, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for quick baking sessions.
Versatile Enjoyment: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Kid-Friendly: The sweet, spiced flavor appeals to both children and adults alike.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for convenient, on-the-go snacks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar
Canola or vegetable oil
Large egg
Cinnamon applesauce
Sour cream
Milk (whole milk preferred)
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon
Salt

For the Cinnamon & Sugar Topping:

Butter
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners and lightly spray them with cooking spray, or simply spray the pan well with cooking spray if not using liners.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and egg until the mixture is thick and well combined.
Add Additional Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the cinnamon applesauce, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract into the mixture, stirring until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Add all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined, ensuring no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.
Fill Muffin Cups: Scoop the batter into each muffin cup, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the tops are puffy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Topping: While the muffins are baking, melt the butter for the topping. In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Apply the Topping: Once the muffins are done baking, allow them to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then, dip the top of each muffin into the melted butter, followed by the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Serve: Enjoy the muffins warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

Yield: Approximately 12 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 17-20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking mix.
Vegan Adaptation: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free sour cream and milk alternatives.
Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Fruit Infusion: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh apples or raisins to the batter for a fruity twist.
Spice Mix-Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a deeper spice profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Place cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: Individually wrap muffins in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature. To enjoy warm, microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use unsweetened applesauce?

Yes, unsweetened applesauce works well and allows you to control the sweetness of the muffins.

2. What type of oil is best for this recipe?

Canola or vegetable oil is recommended, but melted coconut oil can be used for a subtle coconut flavor.

3. Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?

Yes, full-fat plain Greek yogurt is a suitable substitute for sour cream.

4. How can I make the muffins less sweet?

Reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the batter or omit the cinnamon-sugar topping.

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Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are the perfect fall treat, combining the warmth of cinnamon with the subtle sweetness of applesauce. These fluffy and moist muffins are topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, making them an irresistible snack or breakfast option.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners and lightly spray them with cooking spray, or generously grease the pan if not using liners.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and egg until the mixture is thick and well combined.
Add Additional Wet Ingredients: Stir in the cinnamon applesauce, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake: Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the muffins are puffed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare Topping: While the muffins are baking, combine the ⅓ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Apply Topping: Once the muffins are done, allow them to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then, dip the top of each muffin into the melted butter, followed by the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Serve: Place the coated muffins on a cooling rack to set. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These muffins freeze well. Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
Variations: For a less sweet option, omit the cinnamon-sugar topping. You can also add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.