by 
These Apple Oatmeal Muffins are naturally vegan and absolutely full of apple flavor from sautéed apples, apple cider, and applesauce! These healthier muffins are sure to be a breakfast favorite.
Fluffy, soft, flavorful: these Apple Oatmeal Muffins are truly so fantastic. Their perfection is in their simplicity. I mean it when I say these muffins are super addicting, flavorful, and delicious.
I first made these as an excuse to bake for a school project for my social entrepreneurship class. My group and I had to participate in a business plan competition as part of the class. So, of course, when I heard that people got to vote for the people’s choice award, I knew I had to bake something to help sway people’s votes my way.
My business plan revolved around providing wider access to affordable, healthy produce, so I aimed to create a baked good that centered around being easy, hearty, and delicious, to reflect the business I presented. For the night of the competition, I ended up making this recipe 5 times because I kept thinking I didn’t have enough mini muffins.
Over the course of those 5 times, I made little tweaks and edits to the recipe to get to the fluffy, flavorful, and easy-to-make muffins that you see in front of you. The version that has landed below is my favorite version. Sautéing the apples isn’t totally necessary, but it sure is delicious! The sauteed apples add an extra dimension of flavor to the apple oatmeal muffins.
As for how they went over…people were raving over these vegan apple oatmeal muffins. One guy stopped by our table and ate six right in a row. He continued to pop another in his mouth every time he walked by. Something about them was just addicting. After the event (p.s. I lost the people’s choice award, but my business plan won 1st!), we had a bunch left over (remember those 5 batches…?) and my housemates and I devoured them in no time.
These apple oatmeal muffins are so flavorful from the applesauce, cider, and chopped apples. They are full of great texture from the oats and so soft and sweet from all those things combined.
You will totally have NO idea that these are dairy-free and vegan. These are a perfect on-the-go snack, they’re lunchbox ready, or pop them in the freezer and microwave one for breakfast! Enjoy!
Want more vegan apple recipes?
- Paleo Vegan Apple Crumble Pie
- Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Crisp
- Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Cinnamon Scones
- 10+ Apple Dessert Recipes
Apple Oatmeal Muffins (Vegan)
Ingredients
For the apples
- 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped into 1/4” cubes
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, replace both flours with oat flour to keep gluten-free
- ¼ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar or coconut sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅓ cup refined coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup apple cider or non-dairy milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF. Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.
- In a small saucepan, saute the apples, brown sugar and cinnamon for about 5 minutes over medium heat. The apples should begin to soften and caramelize slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Stir together flours, oats, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Add in the applesauce, vegetable oil, and cider or milk. Stir until just moistened. Fold in chopped apple. Fill muffin cups ¾ full.
- Bake for about 18 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Congrats on winning first place on your business plan. I’m a bit shocked you didn’t take People’s Choice home with the edible incentive. I sure hope Sticky Fingers McMuffin voted for you. These look great btw. :-)
Thank you!! The guy who won people’s choice had a prime location and got all the other football players to vote for him, but I don’t mind…since I won! Love your nickname for him, haha :)
How do you store these? Air tight container or refrigerator?
Hi Susie, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for two days, in the fridge for five days, or in the freezer (well-wrapped) for about 3 months. Enjoy!
I LOVE the addition of the apple sauce and cider in these. It probably gives such a rich flavor. Love these. Pinned.
Bringing baked goods to class is a sure way to swing votes your way. These muffins look gorgeous! And I love that they are vegan too.
Yay for your business plan! That’s amazing! And these muffins sound absolutely fantastic!!
Thanks so much, Phi! :)
These sound so hearty and delicious :) I love a good apple muffin! Can’t wait to try these!
Just made my first batch and have to say awesome goodness. The kids will enjoy them. Thank you !
So glad you’re loving them!!
That’s such a fun story about the history of these muffins!! It’s always so rewarding when someone comes back for seconds — let alone fifths and sixths. They must be the best apple muffins! And no, they don’t sound boring at all. Fruit-filled muffins are always one of my favorites! :) Pinned!
Thanks so much, Amy! Yeah, the best compliment is when someone can’t stop devouring something I make. Thanks for the pin!
Rachel, these muffins look incredible… not boring at all. I love the apple + oatmeal combo and am SO going to give these a try. yum!! :)
Love that you baked these to go alone with your project, that’s such a wonderful idea! And these muffins sound absolutely delicious, I love making a batch of healthier muffins and eating them throughout the week. These are on my list to try!
Haha, I use any excuse to bake, especially if it could help my grade, haha! Thanks so much, Danielle!
These look fantastic! And I think sauteing the apples make them non-boring :)
Thanks Kathleen! Sauteing the apples does add a delicious twist :)
Congrats on getting 1st for your business plan! Delicious muffins are never boring! :)