Gluten Free Apple Muffins

Indulge in the wholesome goodness of our gluten-free apple muffins, carefully crafted with a blend of gluten-free flour and Greek yogurt, enriched with the goodness of flaxseed for that extra fiber punch. These delectable treats are not just a source of great taste but also provide a nutritious option for your little ones, ideal for a quick breakfast, an after-school energy boost, or a guilt-free dessert.

Packed with juicy apples, these muffins are a beloved choice for both kids and parents alike. Discover the joy of savoring these apple-infused delights, which boast a lower sugar content, adaptability to suit your preferences, and can be effortlessly whipped up using pantry essentials. While baking, your home will be enveloped in the delightful scent of cinnamon and apples, beckoning everyone to the kitchen.

Preparing these muffins is a breeze, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. Involve your children in the kitchen and watch them relish the experience of crafting muffins from scratch. Even the youngest sous chefs can partake by stirring the batter, sprinkling cinnamon, and adding diced apples.

Our apple muffin recipe employs common ingredients you likely already have, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience. Gather your supplies beforehand, follow the straightforward instructions, and explore our recipe variations below to tailor these muffins to your family’s unique tastes.

For more delicious muffin recipes, check out Spinach Muffins with Banana and Blueberries, Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins, and Healthy Banana Muffins – they have all been kid-approved!

Ingredients

• 2 cup plain Greek yogurt, we like Fage 2%
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, may use light brown
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 3 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 medium apple, peeled and diced

How To Make Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins

With the Greek yogurt and applesauce in this muffin recipe, the end result is a moist muffin boosted with protein and packed with flavor. The addition of diced apples adds just the right sweetness. In 4 simple steps, the muffins are prepped and ready to bake!

Preheat the oven

Start by preheating the oven to 425°F. Then, spray the muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent these muffins from sticking to the pan.

Whisk the wet ingredients

Next, whisk together the Greek yogurt, applesauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and almond extract in a large bowl.

Blend the dry ingredients

Setting the wet ingredients aside, blend the flour, flax seeds, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium-sized bowl.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until almost combined as over mixing can result in a chewy and tough muffin. Slowly, add the diced apples to the muffin batter. Stir until just incorporated. Then, scoop into the muffin tin.

Bake

Bake at 425°F for 8 minutes then turn the temperature down to 350°F and bake for an additional 7 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Pro Tip: Cooking at a high temperature at first helps the muffins have a nice domed appearance once cooked. The initial high heat creates a rapid rise during the first few minutes of cooking.

Tips and Substitutions

• Spray the muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray as this works best. You can use muffin liners, but without oil these muffins tend to stick to the liner.
• Fill each muffin tin 3/4 full with batter to prevent the muffins from spilling over the edge.
• Peel the apples before dicing and mixing them into the batter.
• Grate the fresh apple vs chopping to add shredded apple to the batter.
• Use any store-bought applesauce variety or made a homemade batch of homemade applesauce.
• Swap the whole wheat flour for white whole wheat flour if preferred.
• Add dried fruit – cranberries, apricots, cherries, blueberries, raisins or golden raisins to the batter when the apples are mixed in.
• Mix in nuts such as pecans, walnuts or slivered almonds when the apples are added.
• Stir in finely shredded raw carrots and/or zucchini into the batter for an easy way to get more veggies into your kids.

FAQ

Storage Instructions

To ensure your gluten-free apple muffins stay fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. After baking, allow the muffins to cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag, ensuring they are completely at room temperature to prevent condensation. You can also line the container with parchment paper or place paper towels between the muffin layers to prevent sticking and maintain their moisture. Store the container in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry or cupboard. These muffins will stay moist and flavorful for up to 2-3 days at room temperature.

For longer storage, consider refrigerating them for up to a week or freezing them for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven to enjoy the same freshly baked taste and texture.

More Easy Apple Recipes

• Apple Cinnamon Pancake Recipe
• Brussels Sprout Apple Salad
• Butternut Squash Soup with Apple
• Easy Sautéed Apples
• Canning Applesauce