There’s something about the smell of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen that instantly softens the rush of morning chaos. I remember one chilly weekday when I pulled these gluten free apple muffins from the oven just as the kids were waking up, half-awake and still dragging their blankets behind them. The warm, tender crumb with tiny bursts of apple made it easy to pause and savor the moment—even if only for a few bites before the day’s to-dos took over. I wasn’t even fully focused on the recipe; I think I had a crumb or two stuck to my sleeve and didn’t realize it until a bit later, but that just made it feel more homey and real.
Why You’ll Love It:
– The muffins stay moist without being overly dense, thanks to the fresh apples and applesauce.
– They’re naturally spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, adding just enough warmth without overpowering the fruit.
– It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps to slow down your morning.
– Gluten free but still hearty enough to satisfy a serious snack craving.
– A mild tradeoff: the texture is a little different than traditional muffins, but that makes them feel wholesome and special.
If you’re a bit nervous about working with gluten free flours, don’t worry too much. This recipe is forgiving, and it doesn’t require anything fancy in the kitchen.
PrintGluten Free Apple Muffins
Delicious and moist gluten free apple muffins made with fresh apples and a blend of gluten free flours. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients
2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour blend
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (about 1 medium apple)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chopped apple pieces evenly through the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Notes: I usually bake these in a standard muffin tin with paper liners, which makes cleanup easier—though I’ve also done them greased and they come out just fine. They’re wonderful with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey, especially when still slightly warm. Sometimes, if I’m feeling adventurous, I toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or swap out the vegetable oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle twist. I haven’t tested adding dried cranberries, but I imagine it could bring a nice tart contrast. For a quick breakfast, pairing with a cup of tea or coffee rounds out the cozy vibe perfectly.
FAQ:
Q: Can I freeze these muffins?
A: Yes, they freeze well. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready.
Q: Will the texture change if I use a different gluten free flour blend?
A: Possibly. Different blends behave differently, so your muffins might be a bit more crumbly or dense, but still tasty.
Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: I haven’t tried it, but swapping eggs for a flax or chia egg might work. You’d want to watch the texture closely.
If you want a breakfast muffin that feels like a warm hug and can keep up with your busy morning, these gluten free apple muffins are calling your name. Give them a try and save it for those moments when you need something quick but meaningful.