muffins are one of my favorite foods these days. i love that they make for a quick, portable breakfast, an easy snack, or even (if served with a bit of ice cream or yogurt), a delicious dessert. while my favorite types of muffins are admittedly ones overflowing with chocolate or nutella, i try my best to eat slightly healthier than that most days. and these whole wheat apple muffins are absolutely scrumptious, with far less “guilt” than the dessert-type muffins I normally go for.
the recipe comes from vegetarian blogger (real-life friend) lesley eats – i’ve had a lot of success with her recipes, so i was confident that these would turn out deliciously. and you know what? they did! these muffins are wonderfully light, with a slightly sweet cinnamon-apple flavor, and a delightful bit of texture + heft from the apples + oats. oh, + the brown sugar topping? it bakes up wonderfully sweet + crunchy – soooo addictive. i’ve been eating at least 1 muffin a day since I baked them, which means I’m already down to my last few muffins. looks like it’s time to make another batch!
Whole Wheat Apple Oat Muffins
makes about 14 muffins, adapted from King Arthur Flour, as seen on Lesley Eats
ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed, divided into two 1/4 cups
1 large egg
1 cup (8 ounces) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large apples, peeled, cored, + chopped into small cubes (about 2 to 2 1/2 heaping cups), preferably Honeycrisps, Fujis or Galas – I used Galas.directions
preheat the oven to 450°F. grease + flour the cups of a muffin tin (or use muffin cup liners) + set aside.
mix together the flours, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, allspice + cinnamon, + set aside. in a separate bowl, cream the butter + sugars until fluffy. add the egg + mix well. add the milk + vanilla + mix again. then add the dry ingredients, mix + fold in the apple chunks with a spatula (by hand).
divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling to the top of the cup, sprinkling the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar on top (about 1 teaspoon per muffin). bake for 10 minutes, turn the heat down to 400°F, + bake for an additional 5 – 7 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. cool the muffins for 5 minutes in the tin, then remove them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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I keep seeing recipes for apple muffins – I think its a sign. I love your healthier version.
i think it’s a sign, too – you’ll have to try making them for you + the kiddos!
These look lovely!
Those sound great!
I need to steal your photos; your muffins and your pictures turned out beautifully! Which apples did you use? Right after you tweeted, I was at Trader Joe’s and saw Honeycrisp apples, which was a real surprise! It is well past Honeycrisp season.
So glad you liked these. I think they make a perfect breakfast. Which means I need to make some, too!
I use Gala apples (+ I just updated the recipe with your recommended apples + what I used – I meant to do that + forgot, so thanks for the reminder). Thank you SO much for sharing this awesome recipe – it’s truly been one of my favorite muffin recipes so far.
I love the giant dome on these muffins, they look awesome! I’m usually all about chocolate in my muffins too but apple-cinnamon is a great combo and definitely a little more guilt-free
I love the muffins, especially the delicious huge apple chunks. I think I should make a batch to eat the warm with a little bit of butter.
I’ve been serving mine slightly warmed up with a bit of butter, too – it’s a wonderful combination!
These look so good–and I love that they’re healthy, too. YUM!
I love muffins! They’re so perfect for breakfast on the go, and I love freezing the leftovers. Definitely need to give this whole wheat version a try – it’s been a while since I made muffins!
If I could, I would eat muffins everyday for breakfast but usually they aren’t so healthy. That is why I am loving this recipe! And the chunks of apple in the batter, yum!
How did you know I had a pile of apples that needed baking? These look so good…what perfectly domed tops! And like you, I could eat a muffin every single day. I adore them! Thank you for sharing, sweet friend!
well, isn’t that a lucky little coincidence. =) happy baking, friend!
I love apples + oats in bakes goods. These muffins look super yummy!
I love the chunks of apples in these. I love muffins too, Amy.
Yum!! My mom used to make apple muffins that I loved, and this recipe looks somewhat similar … but a bit healthier! 😉
I’m pretty sure I’d have ZERO self control around these muffins!
I would love these for breakfast 😀
Cheers
CCU
I love a muffin I don’t have to feel guilty about. This means I can eat 3? =) Great recipe.
I won’t tell anyone if you eat 3 of ’em in one sitting! =)
I love muffins and these look incredible! The crumble on top looks perfect!
Oh, this is LOVELY! This looks like something I must try. The recipe is great and I loved the picture!!
When it comes to muffins, I always go for the ones loaded with blueberries and only recently discovered how lovely they are with apples. These would make a splendid breakfast (and snack)!
Ooh, I love blueberry muffins, too. I can’t wait til local blueberries are in season here in Nashville this summer – I will be making TONS of blueberry muffins then! =)
Amy,
Your photos look yummy!
I’ve been on a soaked oatmeal kick for close to a year now, and I just don’t see it stopping any time soon. Too many variations to explore. Like apple!
Thanks!
I don’t think i’ve ever heard of soaked oatmeal, but you have me intrigued! Off to google it now… =)
I love that you don’t slack on the apple chunks in this muffin. They look wonderful and hearty. Yum!
These look so good, Amy! I love the big chunks of apples in these adorable muffins. Great recipe!
I love a good, hearty muffin! These look perfect stuffed with all of those apple chunks!
These look delicious! Perfect for breakfast or on-the-go
love the giant apple chunks in there!
can i have some for breakfast!!!
Such perfect looking muffins! They sound delicious too!
These are calling my name! Love all those apple chunks in there!
Those look so good!
Yummy muffins! Love that the apples are studded all through!
ps: Hope you are feeling well. xoxo
I’m feeling great, thanks so much, Kiran! Just getting more excited every day for our little lady to arrive … in less than 3 months!
These look so good ! I am in love with apple muffin’s and I like that you made this whole wheat version.
I love muffins. They are the perfect grab and go breakfast. I love that you have big chunks of apple in there. Looks good!
Ah you’ve taken me back to my childhood twice this week! First the Chop Suey (which we called Goulash) and now these muffins. My mom always made a mini-version of some muffins that seem very similar to yours. She called them “Little People Apple Muffins,” but lost the recipe years ago. I’m going to try this version!
Awww, “Little People Apple Muffins” is the cutest name ever! You’ll have to let me know how these compare to your mom’s!
This looks like a perfect way to start the day! Love the apple chunks in there.
mmmm, i love muffins and these look wonderful!!
Love the big chunks of apples in here!
This recipe is definitely a keeper. Muffins are always my favorites, and I love the idea of slightly healthier muffins. Can’t wait to try them!
I love muffins, but I never tried apple muffins before. Well, it’s time to change that!
Can’t wait for the little lady to arrive. Eeeps!
Me, too! =) !!!!
Happy Monday!
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