Nourishing Pumpkin Apple Oat Muffins
Delightfully moist and wholesome, these Pumpkin Apple Oat Muffins are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters in your family! Packed with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree, apples, and oats, these muffins provide a nutritious start to your day. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack, they are naturally low in fat and offer a deliciously sweet flavor without excessive sugar. For a delightful crunch, try topping them with your favorite granola or a cinnamon-brown sugar streusel. With their satisfying texture and rich flavors, these muffins keep little tummies full and happy all morning long!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
pumpkin puree
1 cup (canned or homemade)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup (store-bought or homemade)
water
1/4 cup
eggs
2 (large)
wheat flour
1 cup
whole oats
1/2 cup (rolled or quick)
baking powder
2 teaspoons
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
ground flax seeds
2 tablespoons
apple
1 cup (chopped and peeled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Grease and flour a standard muffin tin or line it with paper muffin liners for easy removal.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, applesauce, water, and eggs. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
4
In a separate bowl, blend the wheat flour, whole oats, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ground flax seeds together.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6
Gently fold in the chopped and peeled apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. If desired, sprinkle granola or a brown sugar streusel topping over the batter for extra flavor and texture.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nourishing Pumpkin Apple Oat Muffins?
They are moist and wholesome muffins made with pumpkin puree, apples, and oats, designed to be a nutritious breakfast or snack option.
Are these muffins healthy?
Yes, they are naturally low in fat and packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like pumpkin, flax seeds, and whole oats.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or your preferred plant-based egg alternative.
How should I store these muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze Pumpkin Apple Oat Muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze well. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
What kind of pumpkin should I use?
Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, either canned or homemade. Do not use pumpkin pie filling.
What type of oats are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for whole oats, which can be either rolled oats or quick oats.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
You can substitute the wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.
Which apples are best for baking in these muffins?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are ideal as they hold their shape well.
Do I need to peel the apples?
The recipe recommends peeling the apples before chopping them for a better texture, especially for toddlers.
What is the purpose of ground flax seeds in this recipe?
Flax seeds add healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, contributing to the nutritional profile of the muffins.
How long do these muffins take to bake?
Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Can I use something other than brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey, though liquid sweeteners may alter the consistency.
Can I add nuts to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and healthy fats to the recipe.
What toppings can I add to these muffins?
You can top them with granola or a cinnamon-brown sugar streusel before baking for extra flavor and texture.
Are these muffins suitable for toddlers?
Yes, they are toddler-friendly because they are soft, low in fat, and made with wholesome ingredients.
How do I know when the muffins are finished baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Can I make mini muffins instead?
Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin, but reduce the baking time to approximately 10-12 minutes.
Can I replace the applesauce with oil?
Yes, you can replace it with oil, but the applesauce is used specifically to keep the muffins moist while remaining low-fat.
What is the purpose of adding water to the batter?
Water helps hydrate the dry ingredients and oats without adding extra calories or fat.
Can I use milk instead of water?
Yes, substituting water with dairy or non-dairy milk will add a bit more richness to the muffins.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg for a warm, autumnal flavor profile.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice?
Yes, you can replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with about 1.5 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
How many muffins does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour works very well and further increases the fiber content of the muffins.
Is the batter supposed to be thick?
Yes, muffin batter with oats and pumpkin puree is typically thicker than standard cake or cupcake batter.
Can I make these sugar-free?
You can use a sugar-free sweetener substitute or simply rely on the natural sweetness of the apples and pumpkin.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Do I need to grease the muffin tin?
Yes, you should grease and flour the tin or use paper liners to prevent the muffins from sticking.
Why shouldn't I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins; you should stir only until the dry ingredients are just combined.