I’m all about healthy snacks and desserts, and these healthy apple muffins are one of my go-tos when I feel like baking something quick and cinnamon-y.
They come together super quickly, bake in only about 20 minutes, and, despite the word healthy, they taste amazing. Think soft, just-sweet-enough, lightly spiced muffins that feel good to eat but don’t compromise on flavor.
This is the kind of recipe you can make on a Sunday afternoon and snack on all week. They’re perfect for breakfasts, lunchboxes, or that “just one more bite” moment after dinner.
How to Make Healthy Apple Muffins (Step-by-Step)
Start by mixing your dry ingredients in one bowl:
Wholemeal flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together your coconut sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Once that’s smooth, add in the milk and eggs and mix again until combined.
Now bring the wet and dry together – fold the dry mix into the wet, add in your chopped apples (finer pieces work best here!), and stir until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are totally fine!
Note that the batter will be on the thicker side, but that’s okay as it helps the muffins hold their shape and moisture.
Spoon the batter into your muffin tin and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake at 175°C for about 20 minutes, but keep an eye on them! All ovens are different: some run hotter, and these can go from golden to too-done quickly if left unattended. I usually check mine around the 17-minute mark.
If you prefer a crispier top, start your oven at 220°C and bake on high heat for the first 5–7 minutes, then reduce the heat to 175°C for the remaining time. This helps get that bakery-style golden top.
Optional upgrade:
Sprinkle a tiny bit of sugar on top before baking if you want a slightly caramelized finish. Coconut sugar works great here, or raw sugar if that’s what you have.
Why I Love These Muffins
- Really easy recipe: Just a couple of quick steps and you’re done!
- Made with wholemeal flour + oats, so they’re actually satisfying and make for a perfect snack
- Lightly sweetened with coconut sugar, which gives them a nice caramelly taste
- Easy to customize with things like nuts or dried fruit and throw together whenever you’ve got a lonely apple or two lying around
- Great for snacks, breakfast, or freezing for later
📌 Healthy Apple Muffins (Recipe Card)
Makes: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Bake Time: ~20 minutes
Category: Snack/Breakfast
Freezer Friendly
Ingredients
- 1½ cups wholemeal flour
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk (any kind – dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup chopped apple (small pieces – about 2 small apples or 1 medium)
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- Small pot or bowl for melting the butter
- Muffin tin + paper liners
- Spoon or ice cream scoop for portioning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, coconut sugar, and vanilla. Add in the milk and eggs, and mix until smooth.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet, add the chopped apples, and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick so don’t overmix.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Optional: Start at 220°C for 5–7 minutes, then reduce to 175°C for the remainder to get a crispier top. - Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or store for later.
