If you are looking for an easy, delicious snack option, these apple cinnamon muffins are for you! Prepare them ahead of time to have on-the-go, or pair with a protein source such as Greek yogurt to have for breakfast. By replacing some of the added sugar with applesauce, these muffins are a great option if you are looking to reduce your sugar intake, without compromising on taste
Reduced Sugar
Did you know that over half of Canadians exceed the recommendations for added sugar intake? It is recommended that individuals eat less than 10% of calories from added sugar. This would be about 48g or 12 teaspoons for a person eating a standard 2000 calorie diet. Making most foods from home can be a great way to manage sugar intake, as it gives you more control in how much sugar is being added to your food.
To reduce added sugar when baking, try swapping out some of the sugar with unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or dried fruit. This will also add a boost of fibre and nutrients, such as vitamin C or potassium. Try experimenting with different recipes to see how you can make a healthier option at home! Remember, added sugar is still important for the taste and texture of most baked goods, so don’t remove it entirely.
An Easy Snack
Baking a big batch of muffins can be an easy way to keep tasty snacks on hand. Muffins can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. You can easily freeze half the batch, to extend their freshness, reduce food waste, and have a convenient snack at any time. Having frozen snack options are helpful in reducing the need to purchase snacks, and to reduce decision fatigue after a long week. You can also freeze quick loaves (such as banana or zucchini bread), scones, or focaccia, which maintain their quality and freshness after reheating.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Serves: 12 muffins
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 mins
Difficulty: 2/3 – Medium
Ingredients
-
Apples:
- 2 cups diced apples
- 2 tsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
-
Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup apple sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line muffin tin with liners.
- In a bowl, mix apples, flour, and cinnamon until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix remaining flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- With a stand mixer or electric mixer, cream the butter with the sugar. Add the applesauce. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well before adding the second egg.
- Combine the butter with the flour mixture and milk. Fold in the diced apples.
- Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, until about ⅔ full. Bake approximately 20-30 minutes, until golden brown. If you insert a toothpick in the middle and it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.
- Allow to cool for approximately 10 minutes before eating.
Want to learn more about how a dietitian can help you towards your health goals? Check out our Registered Dietitian page for more info and how to book. Our dietitian is located in Victoria BC if you prefer in-person appointments, otherwise they are available virtually for anywhere.
- Fisher, J. (2019). The 10 baked goods I love to freeze. The Kitchn. https://www.thekitchn.com/the-x-baked-goods-i-almost-always-have-in-the-freezer-216413
- Liu, S., Munasinghe, L. L., Maximova, K., Taylor, J. P., Ohinmaa, A., & Veugelers, P. J. (2022). The economic burden of excessive sugar consumption in Canada: Should the scope of preventive action be broadened? Canadian Journal of Public Health, 113(3), 331–340. https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-022-00615-x
- Recipe makeover: Reducing sugar in the kitchen. Unlock Food. (2023). https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Carbohydrate-and-Sugar/Recipe-Makeover-Reducing-Sugar-in-the-Kitchen.aspx
- Sugar & diabetes. Diabetes Canada. (n.d.). https://www.diabetes.ca/advocacy—policies/our-policy-positions/sugar—diabetes
