Delicious & Healthy Apple Muffins: Your Go-To Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Refined Sugar-Free Fall Treat!
These Healthy Apple Muffins are the quintessential Fall breakfast, a delightful treat, or a satisfying snack. Crafted with only real food ingredients, they are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from refined sugars, yet they burst with all the warm, comforting flavors that define the season! This post contains affiliate links for products I’m truly passionate about.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Bob’s Red Mill. As always, all opinions are 100% mine. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Confessions of a Fit Foodie possible.
Table of Contents
Why These Healthy Apple Muffins Are a Must-Try
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked apple muffins filling your home, especially as the crisp air of autumn rolls in. These aren’t just any muffins; they are a beacon of wholesome deliciousness, designed to fit into a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste. Our Healthy Apple Muffins are not only incredibly flavorful but also cater to common dietary needs by being entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. Whether you’re seeking a quick breakfast on a busy morning, a guilt-free treat with your afternoon tea, or a satisfying snack for the kids, these muffins hit all the right notes.
Made with simple, real food ingredients, they embody comfort and health in every bite. The natural sweetness of apples combined with warm spices creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to an autumn orchard. My family, especially my kids, absolutely adores these, and I’m confident yours will too!
The Perfect Fall Flavor: Apple vs. Pumpkin
Recently, I conducted a fun poll on social media, asking my amazing community to pick their favorite fall flavor: pumpkin or apple. To my delightful surprise, the apple fans showed up in full force! While pumpkin spice often dominates the fall narrative, it was clear that a significant number of you crave more apple-infused goodness, and I am absolutely here to deliver. Honestly, I’m passionate about all delicious recipes and seasonal flavors, but the enthusiastic response for apple recipes truly motivated me to perfect these unbelievably yummy apple muffins. Get ready to fall in love!
Muffin recipes are a huge hit on the blog, and for good reason—they’re easy, versatile, and perfect for meal prep. We already boast popular recipes like Healthy Banana Oatmeal Blender Muffins, Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins, Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins, and Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins. Now, these healthy gluten-free apple muffins are proudly joining this beloved collection! My children devoured these, and I truly cannot wait for all of you to experience their deliciousness firsthand.
A Flour Power Partnership: Baking with Bob’s Red Mill
Achieving the perfect texture in gluten-free baking can sometimes be a challenge, but with the right ingredients, it’s absolutely achievable. For these Healthy Apple Muffins, I relied on my go-to flour: Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. This particular blend is a game-changer for gluten-free recipes because it’s specifically formulated to mimic the properties of traditional wheat flour, allowing for a seamless 1:1 substitution in many recipes. This means you get a consistently spot-on perfect texture every time, which is crucial for fluffy, moist muffins.
I’ve experimented with numerous gluten-free flours over the years, but Bob’s Red Mill remains the brand I trust and return to time and again. It ensures these muffins are safe for my gluten-free kiddo and produces a result so delightful that even those who aren’t gluten-free won’t notice the difference. This partnership allows me to create delicious, inclusive recipes that everyone can enjoy.
Key Ingredients for Your Healthy Apple Muffins
Dry Ingredients for Healthy Apple Muffins:
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour: As mentioned, this is my absolute favorite for its reliable performance and perfect texture. It’s the secret to achieving that soft, tender crumb in our gluten-free muffins.
- Cinnamon: Could it truly be an apple muffin without cinnamon? This warm spice is non-negotiable, bringing out the inherent sweetness of the apples and adding that signature cozy Fall aroma and flavor that we all love. Apples and cinnamon truly are a match made in heaven.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: While optional, a touch of pumpkin pie spice adds another layer of delightful complexity and a hint of extra Fall warmth to these muffins. It’s a subtle but wonderful addition that really elevates the flavor profile. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can easily substitute with allspice or simply omit it.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents are crucial for giving our muffins their beautiful rise and light, airy texture. I use both to ensure the perfect lift. A little tip: always check the freshness of your baking soda and baking powder. They tend to lose their potency over time, so replacing them every few months ensures the best baking results.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is essential in baking; it doesn’t just add flavor, but it also balances and enhances the sweetness from the apples and maple syrup, preventing the muffins from tasting flat.
- Raw Sugar (with an optional dash of cinnamon) for topping: This is a little bakery-style secret! A sprinkle of raw sugar on top before baking creates a delightful slightly crunchy crust, adding an extra layer of texture and sweetness. My daughter says it makes them taste like they came from a fancy bakery (which, from her, is the highest compliment!). Adding a dash of cinnamon to this raw sugar mix gives them an extra special “apple cider donut” vibe that is simply irresistible.
The Star of the Show: Fresh Apples!
And of course, you can’t have apple muffins without plenty of fresh, crisp apples! I personally swear by Honeycrisp apples for this recipe. Their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, along with their firm texture, makes them ideal for baking. When cut into small chunks, they offer a delightful burst of juicy apple in every bite, much like a miniature apple pie surprise within your muffin. This textural contrast is simply divine.
If you have particularly picky eaters in your household, or if you prefer a smoother texture, you can certainly grate your apples into finer pieces. However, both my daughter and I agree that the small, tender chunks provide a superior experience, adding a lovely bite and concentrated apple flavor.
Pro Tip for Fruit in Muffins: Have you ever baked muffins with fruit only to find all the fruit sinking to the bottom? To prevent this common baking mishap, try this simple trick: instead of folding your apples directly into the wet batter, mix the chopped apples into the dry ingredients first. Coating the fruit with a light layer of flour helps it suspend evenly throughout the batter during baking, ensuring those delicious chunks stay perfectly distributed in your muffins!
Wet Ingredients for Healthy Apple Muffins:
Here’s what you’ll need to whisk into your dry flour and apple mixture:
- Oil: For a moist and tender muffin, we use a healthy fat. You have a few great options here: melted coconut oil, avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil. I personally opt for avocado oil as it has a very neutral flavor profile that won’t overpower the apples and spices, and it’s full of healthy fats. Coconut oil also works wonderfully and adds a very subtle richness.
- Maple Syrup: To keep these muffins refined sugar-free, we sweeten them naturally with pure maple syrup. I find maple syrup offers a rich, warm sweetness that complements apples beautifully, often preferring it over honey in my baked goods for its distinct flavor and consistent texture. However, if you’re in a pinch, honey can be swapped, though it might slightly alter the flavor profile.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A staple in almost any sweet baked good, pure vanilla extract adds a lovely aromatic depth that enhances all the other flavors in the muffin, making them taste even more comforting and delicious.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder and contribute to the structure and moisture of the muffins. They help create that perfect fluffy texture. While I haven’t personally tested it for this specific recipe, I believe flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) could work as a vegan alternative if you’re looking to make these muffins entirely plant-based.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: This ingredient is fantastic for adding natural sweetness and moisture without extra fat. It helps keep the muffins wonderfully tender. Feel free to use either homemade unsweetened applesauce or a good quality store-bought version; both will yield excellent results.
Step-by-Step: How to Bake These Perfect Apple Muffins
Baking these wholesome apple muffins is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps for a batch of warm, fragrant treats:
- Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin: First things first, preheat your oven to a precise 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating, get your 12-space muffin tin ready. I highly recommend using parchment liners – they are truly a lifesaver, ensuring absolutely nothing sticks and making cleanup a breeze!
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your wet ingredients. Start by whisking the oil and maple syrup together until well combined. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Apples: In a separate, larger mixing bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice (if using), baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Once these are well-mixed, add your finely diced apples. Gently fold the apples into the dry mixture, ensuring each piece is lightly coated with flour. This critical step helps prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of your muffins. Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and often lead to a more tender muffin!
- Fill and Top: Evenly divide the muffin batter among the 12 prepared cupcake tins. For that extra special bakery touch and “apple cider donut” feel, sprinkle the tops of the muffins generously with the raw sugar (and optional dash of cinnamon).
- Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack. Then, take a deep breath and inhale the incredible aroma before you take that first glorious bite!
Choosing the Best Apples for Baking
While almost any apple will technically work in these muffins, selecting the right variety can significantly enhance their flavor and texture. For optimal results, you’ll want to look for apples that are both sweet and firm, holding their shape well during baking without turning mushy. Here are some of my top recommendations:
- Honeycrisp: My personal favorite! Honeycrisp apples offer a fantastic balance of sweet and tart, and their crisp texture holds up beautifully in the oven, providing delightful little bursts of apple in every bite.
- Fuji: Known for their sweetness and firm flesh, Fuji apples bake exceptionally well. They impart a lovely, mellow sweetness to the muffins.
- Gala: These apples are mildly sweet and have a slightly floral note. They are firm enough to maintain their structure, making them a great choice for baking.
- Pink Lady (Cripps Pink): With a wonderful sweet-tart flavor and a firm, crisp texture, Pink Lady apples are another excellent option that will add complexity and a pleasant chewiness to your muffins.
- Granny Smith (for a tart twist): If you prefer a more tart flavor to balance the sweetness of the muffin, you could mix in some Granny Smith apples, or use them exclusively. Just be aware they are quite tart, so you might want to adjust the maple syrup slightly to your preference.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Can I freeze these Gluten Free Apple Muffins?
Absolutely, and I highly recommend it! These muffins are perfect for meal prepping. Making a double batch is a fantastic idea, allowing you to stash some away for those moments when cravings strike or when you need a quick, healthy breakfast on the go. To freeze them, ensure the muffins are completely cooled, then place them in an airtight container, a reusable silicone stasher bag, or a freezer-safe ziplock bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without losing their quality. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply thaw it on the kitchen counter at room temperature, pop it in the fridge overnight, or for a faster option, a quick zap in the microwave will warm it right up!
How to store freshly baked muffins?
If you plan to eat them within a few days, store these healthy apple muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For a slightly longer shelf life, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure they are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation which can make them soggy.
Flour Alternatives for Every Diet
While this recipe is specifically designed to be gluten-free using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour, I understand that not everyone needs or wants to bake gluten-free. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility when it comes to flour choices:
- For Gluten-Free Bakers: Stick with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour for guaranteed success and delicious texture, as it’s formulated to be a direct replacement for wheat flour.
- For Non-Gluten-Free Bakers: If gluten isn’t an issue for you, you can easily substitute the gluten-free flour with Bob’s Red Mill Whole Wheat Flour using a perfect 1:1 ratio. This will introduce more whole grains and a slightly nuttier flavor, while still keeping the muffins incredibly wholesome.
- Using Oat Flour: Another fantastic alternative is Oat Flour. It also works great as a 1:1 substitute in this recipe, adding extra fiber and a hearty, wholesome texture to your muffins. Ensure your oat flour is certified gluten-free if that’s a dietary requirement.
Each of these options will yield delicious results, allowing you to customize these healthy apple muffins to suit your dietary preferences perfectly.
More Healthy Apple Recipes to Savor This Fall
If you’re anything like me, once you start with apples, you can’t stop! Here are some other favorite healthy and delicious apple recipes to enjoy throughout the Fall season:
- Instant Pot Apple Crisp | Gluten-free Apple Crisp
- Caramel Apple Dip | Caramel Apple Nachos
- Gluten Free Apple Tart
- Baked Apples
- Gluten Free Stuffing with Sausage + Apple
- Instant Pot Apple Butter | The Foodie and The Fix
Thank you Bob’s Red Mill for sponsoring this post. It means so much to me to work with brands that I love and use in my kitchen every day!
Healthy Apple Muffins [Gluten Free + Dairy Free] Recipe Card
Healthy Apple Muffins [Gluten Free + Dairy Free]
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Parchment Liners
Ingredients
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil, avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil (I used avocado oil)
- ½ cup maple syrup ⅓ cup for WW
- 2 eggs room temp
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 ¾ cup of Bob’s red mill 1-1 gluten free baking flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice can sub all spice or omit
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups finely diced apples (¼ inch chunks or less) no need to peel – I LOVE honeycrisp for these
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar with optional dash of cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425. Line a 12 space muffin tin with parchment liners.
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In a medium sized bowl, beat oil and maple syrup together, then beat in eggs. Add in applesauce and vanilla and set aside.
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In a larger mixing bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Fold apples into dry mixture and coat evenly. Stir wet ingredients into the dry and incorporate well.
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Divide muffin batter into prepared cupcake tins. Sprinkle tops of muffins with raw sugar.
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Cook for 14-16 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
21 Day Fix: 1/2 YELLOW, 1/4 PURPLE, 1 TSP, 2 sweetener TSP (per muffin)
WW: 6 points (per muffin) [Calculated using avocado oil, and 1/3 cup maple syrup]
Nutrition