Moist & Wholesome Apple Walnut Muffins
Enjoy a delightful treat with these Moist & Wholesome Apple Walnut Muffins, crafted to be both delicious and nutritious. Utilizing the natural sweetness of apple juice concentrate and the moistness of buttermilk, these muffins are a perfect guilt-free snack. Each bite bursts with fresh Granny Smith apples and crunchy walnuts, making them ideal for breakfast or as a wholesome afternoon pick-me-up. With no added fat or sugar, these low-fat muffins are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a healthy lifestyle. Thanks to member *mikekey* for the valuable improvements that ensure these muffins strike the perfect balance between lightness and flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
baking soda
1 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon
ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
oat bran
2 tablespoons
large eggs
2 (beaten)
apple juice concentrate
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (frozen and thawed)
buttermilk
1/3 cup
small Granny Smith apples
2 (peeled, cored, and chopped)
walnuts
1/3 cup (chopped)
small Granny Smith apple
1 (peeled, cored, cut into 12 thin slices)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Grease a 12-cup standard muffin pan or line with paper liners.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and oat bran. Mix well and set aside.
4
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, thawed apple juice concentrate (1 cup plus 2 tbsp), and buttermilk until well combined.
5
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
6
Fold in the chopped Granny Smith apples and walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup approximately two-thirds full.
8
Arrange a thin apple slice on top of each muffin before baking.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the muffins are lightly golden on top and spring back when lightly pressed.
10
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Moist & Wholesome Apple Walnut Muffins healthy?
These muffins are healthy because they contain no added fat or sugar, utilizing the natural sweetness of apple juice concentrate and the moisture from buttermilk and fresh apples.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe relies on 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of thawed apple juice concentrate to provide natural sweetness instead of refined sugar.
What type of apples should I use for these muffins?
The recipe recommends using Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor and firm texture, which holds up well during baking.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
You should preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the muffins.
How many muffins does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to fill a standard 12-cup muffin pan.
What is the role of buttermilk in this recipe?
Buttermilk is used to provide moisture and a tender crumb without the need for added oils or butter.
Should the flour be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the 2 cups of all-purpose flour should be sifted before being combined with the other dry ingredients.
How long do the muffins need to bake?
The muffins typically bake for approximately 25 minutes until they are lightly golden and spring back when pressed.
What spices are used to flavor the muffins?
The flavor profile includes ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg, each added in 1/4 teaspoon measurements.
Do I need to grease the muffin pan?
Yes, you should either grease the muffin pan or use paper liners to prevent sticking.
What is the purpose of adding oat bran?
Two tablespoons of oat bran are added to enhance the nutritional profile and add a wholesome texture to the muffins.
How should the apple juice concentrate be prepared?
The apple juice concentrate should be frozen and then completely thawed before measuring out the 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons required.
How do I check if the muffins are done?
The muffins are finished when they are lightly golden on top and spring back when you lightly press the center.
Should I add the apple slices before or after baking?
A thin apple slice should be arranged on top of each muffin batter cup before placing them in the oven.
How long should the muffins cool after baking?
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
How should the Granny Smith apples be prepared for the batter?
Two small Granny Smith apples should be peeled, cored, and chopped before being folded into the batter.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs, which should be beaten before mixing with other wet ingredients.
What happens if I over-mix the batter?
Over-mixing can lead to tough muffins, so you should stir gently until the dry ingredients are just combined.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the sweetness and spice flavors.
Can I use these muffins for breakfast?
Absolutely, these wholesome muffins are described as ideal for breakfast or as a nutritious afternoon snack.
Who is credited with helping improve this recipe?
The description credits member mikekey for providing improvements that perfected the balance of lightness and flavor.
How much baking soda is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of baking soda as the leavening agent.
Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?
While walnuts are specified, you could likely substitute pecans or almonds if desired, though the flavor profile will change.
How full should the muffin cups be filled?
You should fill each muffin cup approximately two-thirds full with the batter.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is tagged as healthy muffins, apple muffins, walnut muffins, low fat, and quick breads.
Is this a good recipe for fall?
Yes, the combination of apples, cinnamon, and walnuts makes it perfect for celebrating fall flavors.
What are the wet ingredients in this recipe?
The wet ingredients consist of beaten eggs, thawed apple juice concentrate, and buttermilk.
Does this recipe include oil?
No, this is a low-fat recipe that does not use any oil or butter.
What is the preparation for the apple topping?
One small Granny Smith apple should be peeled, cored, and cut into 12 thin slices to top the muffins.