These moist and soft muffins are made with applesauce, vanilla, cinnamon, and oats. Enjoy them for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert. These wholesome muffins come together quickly and easily!

This is the type of recipe that I make all the time. These muffins are filled with nutritious ingredients and I almost always have everything I need on hand. You’ll love having a batch of these muffins to nibble on all week long.

Closeup of an apple oatmeal muffin in a beige cupcake liner.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Basic ingredients: You probably have most or all of these ingredients on hand.

Quick and easy: This recipe requires only a few minutes of hands on time and it is super easy (even my kids can make it!).

Wholesome: These muffins are filled with good-for-you ingredients such as oats, applesauce, white whole wheat flour, and olive oil.

Stay moist for days: Unlike some muffins that dry out in the days after baking, these muffins stay moist and soft for days.

An apple oatmeal muffin with a bite taken out of it.

Ingredients needed:

Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce works best for this recipe. I use store bought. Feel free to use cinnamon applesauce for a slightly stronger cinnamon flavor.

Milk: Dairy or plant based milk.

Egg: One large egg

Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract adds a hint of vanilla flavor.

Olive oil: I choose a mild flavored heart-healthy olive oil. You can use canola or vegetable oil if you’d prefer.

Light brown sugar: This adds just a bit of sweetness.

White whole wheat flour: This is my favorite (affiliate link) “whole wheat” baking flour. It’s less heavy than a traditional whole wheat flour but more nutritious than all purpose flour.

Baking powder and baking soda: For a bit of lift.

Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a warm flavor.

Old fashioned rolled oats: For texture and fiber.

Ingredients for apple oatmeal muffins (milk, applesauce, flour, oats, brown sugar, egg, vanilla).

Applesauce oatmeal muffin recipe overview

Full recipe below in recipe card

Combine the dry ingredients (flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon).
In a separate bowl whisk together the sugar and all the wet ingredients (applesauce, milk, egg, vanilla, olive oil).
Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Scoop into a greased or lined muffin pan and bake.

Collage of four photos showing how to make apple oatmeal muffins (batter in a glass bowl, muffin batter in a muffin pan).

Optional mix-ins and toppings

I have made these muffins “plain” (as pictured) and I have also done the following:

Top each muffin with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking (about 2 tablespoons granulated sugar + ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
Stir in up to ½ cup of nuts and/or dried fruit (I’ve used raisins and walnuts)
These muffins are extra delicious served warm with cinnamon honey butter