Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are not only easy to make; they’re also healthy and delicious! These store well in the fridge or freezer and make a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack all week long!

Ingredients:

• 1½  cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup maple syrup or sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (see recipe below!)
• 3 cups old-fashioned whole oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1½  teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼  teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½  teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup peeled, chopped Gala apple
• Optional: coarse sugar to top and ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a muffin pan with nonstick spray.
2. Whisk all ingredients together, except for the apples and nuts, in 1 large bowl. Using a spoon or rubber spatula, fold in the apples and nuts. Batter will be wet. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups, making sure both the oats/apples and liquid are in each. Fill all the way to the top.
3. Bake 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and top appears set. If the tops appear to brown very quickly, tent aluminum foil on top.
4. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE RECIPE:

• 4 Gala apples peeled, cored, chopped
• ¾ cup water
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a saucepan, combine apples, water, and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

(If you want sweetened applesauce, just add ¼ cup of sugar to the saucepan with the apples, water, and cinnamon)