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Toddler Apple Muffins: Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins - Soft, Wholesome, and Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup finely grated apple (peeled if preferred; squeeze lightly to remove excess juice)
  • 1/3 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
  • 1/4 cup mild oil or melted butter (e.g., avocado oil, light olive oil)
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water, rested 5 minutes)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (for kids over 1 year; use maple syrup for under 1)
  • 1 cup quick oats or rolled oats pulsed a few times
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup very small diced apple, 1/4 cup raisins, or 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts (for older toddlers)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the applesauce, grated apple, milk, oil or butter, egg, vanilla, and maple syrup or honey until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, stir together the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leaveners evenly.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
  5. Fold in any optional add-ins, keeping pieces small for toddler-friendly bites.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Fill each about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the tops are set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.