Healthy Apple Muffins

These apple muffins are a healthier take on a classic treat. Instead of refined sugar, they are naturally sweetened with applesauce and honey. A moderate amount of butter keeps them rich without going overboard, and fresh apples are folded in for extra moisture and flavor. If you are looking for a sweet treat, you give this healthy apple muffins recipe a try!

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 applesauce
• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 small apples grated
• 1 small finely diced apple
• Cream Cheese Drizzle:
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients I used:

Healthy Apple Muffins Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, melted butter, honey, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract.

Sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Fold in the grated apple and diced apple.

Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the cream cheese frosting, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.

Drizzle the cooled muffins with the cream cheese frosting.

Healthy Apple Muffin Tips

Do not overmix the batter—overmixing can lead to dense muffins.

Use room temperature ingredients, such as eggs and milk, for better mixing and a higher rise.

Don’t forget to grease your muffin pan or use baking liners to prevent sticking.

Start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out completely clean, the muffins may be overbaked.

Remove the muffins from the pan after 5 minutes. Leaving them in too long can trap steam and make them soggy.

For the cream cheese frosting, make sure the cream cheese is completely softened or the frosting will become lumpy. If it is too lumpy, try microwaving it in 10-20 second increments.

Storage Tips

• Room temperature: store in an airtight container lined with a paper towel for 1-2 days.
• Fridge: Store in an airtight container or wrapped individually with plastic wrap for up to 4-5 days..
• Freezer: Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

If you enjoyed this apple muffin recipe, you might also like my mango dipped chocolate stick recipe.

Mango Dipped Chocolate Sticks