Pumpkin applesauce muffins are the perfect cozy treat to welcome autumn mornings or sweeten up your afternoon coffee break. These tender, warmly spiced muffins combine the earthy richness of pumpkin with the natural sweetness of applesauce, creating a moist bite that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick homemade snack, these muffins strike the ideal balance of wholesome and indulgent. Plus, they’re super easy to make using pantry staples—no fancy equipment needed. If you love classic fall flavors and crave a soft, not-too-sweet muffin, you’re in for a real treat.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins Recipe
- Healthier than your average muffin: With unsweetened applesauce and pumpkin puree replacing most of the oil, these muffins are lower in fat but still incredibly moist.
- Fast & fuss-free: From prep to plate in just 30–35 minutes—perfect for busy weekdays or impromptu baking sessions.
- Classic fall flavor: Each bite is packed with cinnamon and pumpkin spice, bringing those warm, nostalgic autumn vibes to your kitchen.
- Freezer-friendly: Bake a batch now, freeze a few, and enjoy homemade muffins anytime the craving hits.
- Kid-approved & lunchbox ready: Soft texture, gentle sweetness, and no fuss ingredients make these a hit with little eaters too.
🧺 Ingredients for Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of tender, warmly spiced muffins:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup milk (any kind – dairy or non-dairy)
🔁 Optional swaps: Whole wheat flour, maple syrup, oat milk, or mashed banana can all be substituted with slight flavor and texture changes.
👩🍳 Instructions: How to Make Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. - Beat the eggs
In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a whisk or fork until just blended. - Add remaining wet and dry ingredients
Add the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, sea salt, pumpkin puree, applesauce, and milk to the bowl with the eggs. - Mix gently
Use a hand mixer or a spatula to combine the ingredients until just smooth. Avoid overmixing—some small lumps are okay. - Fill muffin cups
Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ to ¾ full. - Bake
Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through if your oven has hot spots. - Cool and enjoy
Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Skill Level: Easy
- Cost Estimate: Low-budget, pantry-friendly
🥄 Nutrition Facts (Estimated per Muffin)
- Calories: ~150–165 kcal
- Protein: ~2.5–3 g
- Fat: ~1.5–2 g
- Carbohydrates: ~32–35 g
- Sugar: ~12–14 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
📌 These estimates are based on the base recipe without optional add-ins or substitutions.
🔧 Tips & Variations for Perfect Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins
✅ Baking Tips:
- Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy muffins.
- Rest the batter: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before baking to help the flour hydrate, resulting in a softer texture.
- Check doneness properly: A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs—not raw batter.
🔄 Easy Variations:
- Add-ins: Mix in ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Mini muffins: Use a mini muffin tin and bake for 12–14 minutes.
- Vegan version: Swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based milk.
Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- – Hand whisk or mixer
- Muffin tin
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- – 2 large eggs
- – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1 cup packed brown sugar
- – 1 tsp baking soda
- – 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- – 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- – ½ tsp sea salt
- – 1 can 15 oz pumpkin puree
- – ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- – ⅓ cup milk dairy or non-dairy
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
- Add all other ingredients to the bowl and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
– Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a variation.
– Store at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
❓ FAQs About Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes! Just make sure it’s well-puréed and not watery. Roast, mash, and strain fresh pumpkin for best results.
Q: Are these muffins freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Wrap each muffin individually and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly depending on the brand.
Q: What can I use instead of applesauce?
A: Mashed banana, Greek yogurt, or melted butter (¼ cup) all work. Each gives a unique flavor.
Q: How do I store leftover muffins?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
🧁 Final Thoughts on These Cozy Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins
Whether you’re embracing fall baking or just need a quick, healthy-ish treat, these pumpkin applesauce muffins hit the spot. They’re moist, warmly spiced, and come together in under 35 minutes—making them a perfect choice for busy mornings, cozy brunches, or school snacks. With easy pantry ingredients and plenty of options to customize, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Bake a batch today and enjoy the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice in every bite.