Healthy Flourless Apple Cinnamon Muffins

These muffins are a delicious and healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re packed with apple and cinnamon flavor, and made without flour, oil, or refined sugar, making them a great option for those following a gluten-free or low-sugar diet.

Why You’ll Love These Muffins:

• Healthy Indulgence: Made with wholesome ingredients and free of flour, oil, and refined sugar, these muffins offer a guilt-free way to enjoy a sweet treat.
• Bursting with Apple Flavor: Diced apples add a delightful sweetness and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
• Warm Cinnamon Spice: Ground cinnamon infuses the muffins with a warm and inviting flavor, reminiscent of classic apple treats.
• Gluten-Free and Refined Sugar-Free: Perfect for those following dietary restrictions.

Building Your Healthy Muffin Magic:

• Oat Base: Rolled oats provide a source of fiber and structure, while also contributing to a satisfyingly chewy texture (use certified gluten-free oats if necessary).
• Almond Flour: This nut flour adds a touch of protein and healthy fats, creating a naturally gluten-free base.
• Warm Spices: Ground cinnamon brings a warm and inviting depth of flavor to the muffins.
• Baking Essentials: Baking soda helps the muffins rise, while salt enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Sweet Apples: Diced apples are the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a delightful textural contrast.
• Applesauce Moisture: Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness without refined sugar.
• Maple Syrup (or Honey): A touch of maple syrup or honey adds sweetness, with maple syrup being the vegan option.

Ready to Bake Up Some Healthy Goodness? Here’s a basic outline:

Ingredients (makes about 12 muffins):

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats if necessary)
  • ½ cup almond flour (ground almonds)
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 medium apple (about 1 ½ cups), diced

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, applesauce, and maple syrup (or honey).
4. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Gently fold in the diced apple.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• For extra moisture, add a mashed banana to the batter.
• Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a flavor variation.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Additional Notes:

• This recipe is naturally gluten-free due to the use of almond flour and rolled oats. If you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid contamination.
• Maple syrup or honey can be used as a sweetener. Honey is not vegan, so if you are following a vegan diet, stick with maple syrup.
• The amount of baking time may vary slightly depending on the size and shape of your muffin tin.