Deliciously Moist Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins: The Ultimate Gluten-Free, Vegan, & Allergy-Friendly Treat

Discover your new favorite fall go-to! These incredibly moist and flavorful Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are packed with warm spices like ginger, allspice, and cinnamon, all thanks to a generous two cups of applesauce. Perfectly soft and extra delicious when slathered with vegan butter, these muffins are a versatile delight for breakfast, school lunches, or after-school snacks. Crafted to be free of wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts, they are both vegan and top-8-free, making them an exceptionally allergy-friendly choice for everyone to enjoy.

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For those who have been following our culinary adventures for a while, these muffins might look wonderfully familiar! Firstly, a huge thank you for your continued support and for being a cherished part of our community. Secondly, you’re about to be thrilled, because I’ve successfully transformed our beloved Applesauce Quick Bread into an even faster, more convenient, and arguably more delightful form. While I absolutely adored the rich flavors of the quick bread, waiting for nearly an hour for it to bake was quite a test of patience, especially when a hungry stomach called!

The solution was clear: muffins! With my well-known passion for allergy-friendly muffin recipes, it was only a matter of time before this delightful bread got the muffin treatment. And honestly, I have to confess (without trying to brag too much!) that I love these muffins even more than the original bread. The magic lies in their texture. Since muffins are smaller and cook through more quickly, they achieve an unparalleled moistness and a tender crumb that’s simply irresistible. The generous amount of applesauce in this recipe is the secret behind these ultra-moist muffins, ensuring every bite is soft and heavenly.

Why These Allergy-Friendly Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins Are a Game Changer

One of the most exciting aspects of these Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins is that they require **NO EGG REPLACER! I REPEAT: NO EGG REPLACER NEEDED!** This is fantastic news for anyone navigating egg allergies or for those moments when you simply don’t have specialized egg substitutes on hand. Many recipes call for commercial egg replacers like Ener-G or flax eggs, which aren’t always readily available or suitable for all allergies (some people are allergic to flax!). With these muffins, you can skip that step entirely and save your egg substitutes for another baking day.

The substantial two cups of applesauce in this recipe isn’t just for flavor; it works tirelessly to provide incredible moisture, act as a natural binder, and create that perfect muffin structure. It’s truly a multi-tasking ingredient, delivering a wonderful apple essence while eliminating the need for eggs or their substitutes. This makes these gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free muffins incredibly accessible and easy to make for anyone with food sensitivities.

A Burst of Flavor: Beyond Just Cinnamon

These muffins, destined to become your next fall favorite, are absolutely divine even on their own, thanks to a carefully selected blend of warm spices. And NOOOOOOOOOO, I certainly did not just rely on plain cinnamon. Recipes that only use cinnamon, honestly, come on! While cinnamon is wonderful, it needs friends to truly shine. That’s why these muffins feature a robust trio of ginger, allspice, and cinnamon, giving them a truly deep and invigorating punch of flavor. If you’re new here, you’ll quickly learn that I am passionate about bold flavors, and these muffins are definitely not one of those “kind of has a hint of XX” recipes. No, the rich spice blend will genuinely hit your tongue, creating a memorable taste experience that’s perfect for autumn.

While these cinnamon applesauce muffins are perfect on their own, I must admit I thoroughly enjoy them with a generous smear of vegan butter. And no, I don’t feel a speck of guilt about it! After all, half of these muffins are applesauce, and the primary fat comes from coconut oil, which is healthier than many alternatives. So, I say, BRING ON THE BUTTER! The combination of warm, spiced muffin and creamy vegan butter is pure comfort.

Perfect for Fall and Beyond: A Pumpkin-Free Alternative

Lastly, for those who aren’t big fans of pumpkin spice (and that’s perfectly okay, we can still be friends!), these allergy-friendly Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins offer a fantastic way to embrace the cozy flavors of fall without defaulting to pumpkin. They capture the essence of autumn with their comforting spices and fruity sweetness, making them an ideal treat for the season. Imagine serving these warm, fragrant muffins during a crisp fall morning, or packing them into lunchboxes for a delightful midday surprise.

May these allergy-friendly Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins bring warmth and joy to your family, no matter their dietary restrictions, this fall. They are truly a recipe worth sharing with other allergy families you know who might be looking for delicious and safe treats!

See How to Make These Irresistible Muffins!

I know firsthand how beneficial it can be to watch a recipe come to life from start to finish. That’s why I’ve created a helpful video tutorial for these Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins. The video should automatically populate on this page, but if for any reason it doesn’t, you can always find it at the bottom of the recipe card or directly on my YouTube channel. Seeing the steps in action can make all the difference, especially for new bakers or those trying a new allergy-friendly recipe!

Tips for Baking Perfect Allergy-Friendly Muffins

Achieving perfectly moist and fluffy muffins, especially when dealing with various allergies, can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, with these Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins, it’s surprisingly simple! Here are a few tips to ensure your baking success:

**Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing gluten-free flour can lead to dense muffins. Mix until just combined – a few lumps are perfectly fine!
**Room Temperature Ingredients:** While not strictly essential for this recipe due to the melted oil, using room temperature ingredients generally helps everything combine more smoothly and bakes more evenly.
**Fill Muffin Tins Properly:** For beautiful, domed tops, fill your muffin liners about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
**Test for Doneness:** Muffins are typically done when the edges pull away slightly from the muffin liner, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
**Cooling is Key:** Allow your muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

These Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are so delicious, they might not last long! But for those times you have leftovers or want to bake ahead, here’s how to store them:

**Room Temperature:** Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They tend to stay wonderfully moist due to the applesauce.
**Refrigerator:** For slightly longer freshness, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
**Freezer:** These muffins freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a quick treat.

Customize Your Applesauce Muffins

While these muffins are fantastic as is, feel free to get creative and add your own touch! Here are a few ideas:

**Add-ins:** Fold in ½ cup of allergy-friendly chocolate chips, chopped raisins, or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
**Nut-Free Streusel:** For a delicious topping, combine gluten-free flour, brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and cold vegan butter or coconut oil, then crumble over the batter before baking.
**Glaze:** A simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a tiny bit of plant-based milk and vanilla) can add a touch of sweetness and elegance.
**Different Applesauce:** Experiment with flavored applesauce, such as spiced applesauce, for a subtle variation in taste.

Explore More Delicious Gluten-Free Vegan Muffins!

If you’ve fallen in love with these Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins, you’ll be thrilled to know we have an extensive collection of other gluten-free and vegan muffin recipes. Perfect for brunch, school lunches, or a delightful afternoon snack, these recipes offer a wonderful variety of flavors to satisfy every craving. Each one is crafted with allergy-friendliness in mind, ensuring everyone can enjoy a safe and tasty treat!

Oatmeal Brown Sugar Muffins
Double Chocolate Muffins
Cinna Swirl Muffins
Blender Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
SunButter Banana and Honey Muffins
Banana Muffins
Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Cinnamon Glaze

Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Top-8-Free)

Yield:
12 muffins

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Adapted from a well-loved quick loaf, these spice-filled muffins boast the warming flavors of ginger, allspice, and cinnamon. They are incredibly moist thanks to the generous two cups of applesauce in the recipe. Soft, tender, and extra yummy with a spread of vegan butter, these allergy-friendly muffins are sure to become a cherished go-to this fall – perfect for breakfast, school lunches, or satisfying after-school snacks. These Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are completely free of wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. Being vegan and top-8-free makes them an ideal choice for almost any dietary need!

Ingredients

2 cups applesauce
½ cup melted coconut oil or canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
1½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. xanthan gum (omit if already included in your all-purpose gluten-free flour blend)
½ tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground allspice
2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), combine your wet ingredients: applesauce, melted coconut oil (or canola oil), and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
Next, with the mixer on a slow setting, add in your dry ingredients: brown sugar, baking soda, xanthan gum (if using), salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground allspice. Mix until just incorporated.
Finally, add the all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix, and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Scoop the batter evenly into the 12 prepared regular-sized muffin tins.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the muffins have loosened from the sides of the tin, and the tops spring back lightly when gently touched.
Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

*I’ve successfully used both homemade applesauce and store-bought varieties without any issues. If you’re ever in a pinch, cinnamon applesauce can be used as a substitute for plain applesauce and the added cinnamon spice.
**If you have a coconut allergy or simply prefer not to use coconut oil, an alternative baking oil like canola oil works perfectly in this recipe.

Be sure to watch the instructional video above or below to see the complete muffin-making process!

*Our family’s allergies are severe and regularly tested, allowing us to strictly adhere to product labels. I do not routinely contact companies regarding ingredient derivatives or potential cross-contact issues. If your specific allergies require this level of caution, please conduct your own thorough research. Always remember that product formulations can change, so it’s crucial to re-read all ingredient labels every time you purchase an item, even if you’ve used it before. I cannot guarantee the safety of any specific ingredient; this is a responsibility each individual must undertake. I simply share what works safely for our family.

**If you are preparing these muffins for someone with food allergies and do not personally have allergies, I HIGHLY recommend discussing every single brand and ingredient with them to ensure their comfort and safety. Additionally, please discuss with them proper cross-contamination prevention practices in your kitchen.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1 muffin

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 246Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 260mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 1gSugar: 21gProtein: 2g

DON’T FORGET TO PIN THIS RECIPE! Save it to your favorite Pinterest boards so you don’t lose it, and be sure to also check out our other ALLERGY-FRIENDLY PINTEREST BOARDS for more delicious and safe recipes.

Looking for even more allergy-friendly muffin recipes to expand your baking repertoire? Check out some of our other top favorites, perfect for any occasion:

Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Cinnamon Glaze

Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Muffins

Allergy-Friendly Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins