Cinnamon Applesauce Rye Muffins with Raisins

Prep: 15 minCook: 23 min12 muffinsmediumAmerican
Cinnamon Applesauce Rye Muffins with Raisins

Tender muffins combining whole grain rye flour with applesauce for natural sweetness and moisture. Warm spice from cinnamon and chewy raisins throughout. Serve warm for breakfast or snacks. The rye flour adds nutty depth while applesauce replaces most fat, creating a lighter crumb than traditional muffins.

Ingredients

Yield: 12 muffins
  • 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
    spelt flour1:1whole grain

    adds nuttiness, slight density increase

  • cups rye flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cups granulated sugar
  • ¼ cups light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
    flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)1:1vegan

    may reduce rise slightly

    Full guide →
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
    applesauce1:1veganreduced fat

    removes moisture slightly, use full applesauce measure

    Full guide →
  • 2 ¾ oz raisins
    dried cranberries or blueberries1:1flavor swap

    tartness changes profile

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

  2. 2

    Line 12-cavity muffin tin with liners.

  3. 3

    Whisk flours, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda together in one bowl.

  4. 4

    Whisk applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vegetable oil in another bowl.

  5. 5

    Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just blended.

  6. 6

    Fold in raisins.

  7. 7

    Divide batter evenly among muffin cavities.

  8. 8

    Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

  9. 9

    Cool on wire rack.

Tips

Tip 1

Mix wet and dry just until combined to avoid tough, dense muffins. A few streaks of flour are fine.

Tip 2

Fill empty muffin cavities halfway with water to ensure even baking and prevent tin damage.

Good to Know

Storage

Airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Make Ahead

Prepare batter and freeze in lined muffin tin up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to baking time.

Serve With

Warm or room temperature, with butter, cream cheese, or yogurt. Best day-of-baking.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Overmix batter to avoid tough, dense muffins with tunneling.

Watch

Use room-temperature applesauce to prevent lumpy batter.

Watch

Don't skip muffin liners to prevent sticking.

Substitutions

Vegan Options

vegetable oil
applesauce1:1veganreduced fat

removes moisture slightly, use full applesauce measure

Full guide →
egg
flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)1:1vegan

may reduce rise slightly

Full guide →

General Alternatives

raisins
dried cranberries or blueberries1:1flavor swap

tartness changes profile

Full guide →
all-purpose flour
spelt flour1:1whole grain

adds nuttiness, slight density increase

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of rye?

Yes, substitute 1:1 for rye flour. Whole wheat will add density and nuttiness. Baking time may increase slightly. You may need up to 2 extra tablespoons applesauce to adjust dryness.

What if my muffins are dry?

Overbaking is likely cause. Check at 20 minutes. Applesauce-based muffins dry quickly. Ensure toothpick has only crumbs, not wet batter, and remove immediately when done.

How long can I keep these muffins?

Room temperature in airtight container lasts 2 days. Refrigerated, they keep 5 days. Freeze in airtight container or freezer bag up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature 1-2 hours.