Dessert

Baby Applesauce Muffins (No Sugar) Recipe

Bylina Carter August 30, 2025August 30, 2025

Say hello to your new favorite snack: Baby Applesauce Muffins (No Sugar)! These mini muffins are the kind of wholesome treat you’ll want to have on repeat for breakfasts, lunchboxes, and everything in between. Moist, soft, and naturally sweet from applesauce and fresh grated apple, they’re as nutritious as they are delightful. Whether you’re serving little ones or snacking yourself, Baby Applesauce Muffins (No Sugar) will win over anyone who loves a cozy, gently spiced muffin without the sugar rush.

Baby Applesauce Muffins (No Sugar) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Baby Applesauce Muffins (No Sugar) is how a handful of real, simple ingredients come together to create something so comforting. Each item not only adds flavor but also helps make these muffins tender and perfectly balanced for all ages.

Unsweetened Applesauce: Acts as both the natural sweetener and provides tons of moisture for that lush muffin crumb.

Milk of choice: Keeps the batter light and fluffy—feel free to use dairy or any plant-based alternative you love.
Melted butter or oil: Adds richness and helps the muffins bake up soft and tender; choose butter for flavor or oil for a lighter texture.

Large egg: Helps bind everything together and contributes to a classic muffin structure.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash boosts the cozy, warm aroma and enhances the apples’ sweetness.

All-purpose flour: The base that gives these muffins their classic, sturdy bite—perfect for mini hands!
Baking powder: The tiny bit of lift that keeps your muffins lofty and soft.
Cinnamon: Infuses the muffins with a quintessential apple-cinnamon warmth.

Nutmeg: Adds gentle spice and a touch of depth that takes these over the top.
Salt (optional): Just a pinch, if using, rounds out all the delicious flavors without overpowering.
Grated apple: Freshly grated apple means flecks of sweet-tart fruit in every bite, plus a hint of natural juiciness.

How to Make Baby Applesauce Muffins (No Sugar)

Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Pan

Before you start mixing, preheat your oven to 375°F. Get your mini muffin pan ready by spraying it with oil, buttering it, or lining it with paper liners if you prefer less cleanup. A silicone muffin pan is especially handy if you want effortless muffin release—which I always do!

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, your chosen milk, melted butter (or oil), egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and everything is well-emulsified. This blend is the secret to the natural sweetness and tender crumb in Baby Applesauce Muffins (No Sugar).

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt (if using) right on top of your wet mixture. Gently whisk just until the flour streaks disappear—overmixing is a muffin’s worst enemy!

Step 4: Fold in Grated Apple

Add the grated apple and gently fold it into the batter with a spatula. This step ensures juicy apple bits are distributed throughout, giving each muffin a fresh burst of flavor with every bite.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Pan

Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or small spoon, divide your batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Fill them to the top for a lovely domed muffin top after baking—no skimping allowed!

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan a few minutes before removing—this keeps them intact and extra moist.

How to Serve Baby Applesauce Muffins (No Sugar)

Garnishes

If you want to dress up your Baby Applesauce Muffins (No Sugar), a light dusting of cinnamon or a tiny swirl of yogurt on top before serving can make them feel extra special!

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a bowl of Greek yogurt, a cup of warm milk, or a handful of juicy berries to round out breakfast or snack time. They’re also a sweet addition to a brunch spread—just watch them disappear.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try stacking the muffins on a tiered platter for parties or picnics, or pop them into colorful paper cups to entice picky eaters. You can even sandwich a little cream cheese between two muffins for a cute, bite-sized dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baby Applesauce Muffins (No Sugar) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For slightly longer freshness, keep them in the fridge (they stay moist thanks to the applesauce and oil).

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just grab as many as you need, whenever you need them!

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked softness, simply microwave muffins for 10–15 seconds straight from the fridge, or about 30 seconds from frozen. You’ll have warm, fluffy Baby Applesauce Muffins (No Sugar) any time.

FAQs

Can I use homemade applesauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade applesauce adds even more flavor and you control the texture—just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the muffins naturally sweet.

What kind of apples work best for the grated apple?

Softer apples like Fuji, Gala, or Golden Delicious grate easily and bring just the right amount of sweetness. Avoid extra-tart varieties, since there’s no added sugar in this recipe.

Are these muffins suitable for babies under one year?

Yes, as long as you skip the optional salt. They’re gentle, soft, and free of added sugar, making them ideal for babies practicing their pincer grasp!

Can I make these muffins gluten free?

You can substitute 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour—just make sure your baking powder is gluten free as well.

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan?

If using a metal pan, make sure to grease generously or use paper liners. Silicone pans offer the easiest release, especially with these moist, tender muffins.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a warm batch of Baby Applesauce Muffins (No Sugar). They’re healthy, naturally sweet, and incredibly crowd-pleasing. I hope you’ll bake a batch soon, whether for your little ones or just because. Here’s to happy snacking and sharing these cozy, sugar-free muffins with everyone you love!