These Healthy Applesauce Cinnamon Muffins for Toddlers are soft, moist, and have the perfect texture for kids. Naturally sweetened with applesauce and filled with soft apple chunks, they’re lightly spiced with cinnamon and perfect for little ones. They make a simple breakfast or snack and are great for baking ahead for busy weeks when you want something nourishing and kid-friendly on hand.
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I’ve always loved a classic apple cinnamon muffin, and these have been on repeat in our house lately. I usually bake a batch at the start of the week so we have an easy breakfast or snack ready to go, and my kids have been loving them!
Ingredients
Here is what you will need for these soft and yummy applesauce muffins.
- all purpose flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- cinnamon
- unsweetened applesauce
- eggs
- coconut oil
- milk of choice
- vanilla
- apples
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Here is an overview of how to make these muffins or you can scroll down to the recipe card.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon, until well combined.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped apple pieces evenly throughout the batter.
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
Bake for 5 minutes at 400 degrees F, then reduce heat to 350 and bake for 15-18 more minutes, until golden brown on top and cooked through.
Hint: Peel and dice the apples into small pieces so they soften fully as the muffins bake. This helps create an even texture throughout the muffins and makes them easier for kids to eat.
Substitutions
- Flour: You can use white whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour for a bit more fibre. The muffins will be slightly denser but still soft.
- Apple chunks: Chopped pear is also a great option and works well in place of apple.
Looking for other muffins for toddlers? Check out here for over 14 Healthy Toddler Muffins featuring other no added-sugar options like these ABC Muffins or my most popular Prune & Apple Baby Muffins.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Medium bowl
- Muffin pan
Storage
Store muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. These muffins are also a great option to freeze and can be stored in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm before serving.
Toddler Tip
For younger toddlers or for baby-led weaning, you can use shredded apple instead of chopped apple. It blends into the muffin as it bakes, making the texture a bit softer and easier for little ones to manage.
These muffins go great in lunchboxes like this muffin bento box found in my ultimate lunches for toddlers! In this bento box, I’ve served the muffins with plain yogurt with hemp hearts, slightly steamed apple slices, thinly sliced cheddar cheese, and steamed carrot sticks.
FAQ
These muffins can work great for baby-led weaning when prepared with shredded apple instead of chopped apple and served in an age-appropriate size (such as a quarter or half muffin). They are a great option as they have no added sugar and are nice and fluffy. Always ensure the texture is soft and your baby is developmentally ready, and supervise closely while eating.
Yes! Toddlers love mini muffins! Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes.
A tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds are great options to add in to boost nutrition without changing the texture.
Recipe
Healthy Applesauce Cinnamon Muffins For Toddlers
Equipment
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 muffin pan
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup coconut oil melted
- ½ cup milk milk of choice
- 2 tsps vanilla
- 2 cups apples, chopped about 2 medium apples, option to peel
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a muffin tin with liners or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, stopping as soon as no dry spots remain.
- Fold in the chopped apple pieces evenly throughout the batter. The apples will soften during baking, but you can also grate the apple if you prefer.
- Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 5 minutes at 400℉, then reduce heat to 350℉ and bake for 15-18 more minutes, until the muffins are set in the centre and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
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