Gluten Free Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins Recipe

Gluten Free Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins have become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I’m craving something sweet but wholesome. Imagine fluffy muffins packed with cozy apple pie spice, hearty oats, and just the right amount of natural sweetness, all without a hint of gluten. These muffins taste like autumn mornings and homemade comfort, and whether you dress them up with a tempting coconut butter glaze or enjoy them plain, you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to irresistibly tender Gluten Free Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins is starting with a handful of thoughtful, nourishing ingredients. Each one plays an important role, lending flavor, structure, and that perfect crumb you crave in a muffin.

• Gluten free oats: Bring hearty texture and old-fashioned charm; be sure they’re certified gluten free if needed!
• Gluten free flour (sifted): Creates a soft, cakey base; sifting helps prevent lumps for a cloud-like crumb.
• Coconut sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and a hint of richness that complements apples beautifully.
• Apple pie spice or cinnamon: The soul of the muffin—this is what makes your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
• Salt: Just a pinch deepens all the other flavors—don’t skip it.
• Baking powder: Gives your muffins a lovely lift so they’re never dense.
• Baking soda: Teams up with baking powder to make sure your muffins are perfectly fluffy.
• Unsweetened applesauce: The star! Moisture, natural sweetness, and big apple flavor come from this.
• Milk (dairy free if needed): Smooths out and moistens the batter—use your favorite kind.
• Melted coconut oil: Adds a subtle tropical undertone and keeps the muffins soft for days.
• Large egg: Helps bind all the ingredients together for muffins that hold up (but aren’t tough).
• More gluten free oats (for crumb topping): Gives each bite a delicious crunch on top.
• Coconut sugar (for crumb topping): Because that sweet and crunchy topping is what makes bakery muffins memorable.
• Apple pie spice or cinnamon (for crumb topping): Doubles up on those cozy spice notes right from the first bite.
• Room temperature coconut oil (for crumb topping): Helps create perfectly crumbly bits that brown as they bake.
• Coconut butter: For that dreamy, creamy glaze that takes your muffins over the top.
• Maple syrup: Just a splash brings warm sweetness to the drizzle.
• Vanilla: Rounds out all those beautiful flavors with a gentle, fragrant finish.
• Water: Used to thin out the glaze to a pourable, drizzly perfection.

How to Make Gluten Free Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s ready when your batter is. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners—these make cleanup so much easier and your muffins will pop right out.

Step 2: Mix Up the Crumb Topping

Get a small bowl and combine 1/4 cup gluten free oats, 1 tablespoon coconut sugar, 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice (or cinnamon), and 1 tablespoon room temperature coconut oil. Stir everything together until the mixture looks like deliciously sweet sand. This simple topping will add an irresistible crunch to the finished muffins.

Step 3: Make the Muffin Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups gluten free oats, 1 1/4 cups sifted gluten free flour, 1/2 cup coconut sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice or cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon baking soda. Give it all a good stir so the dry ingredients are evenly blended. Add in 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup milk, 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil, and 1 large egg. Stir everything together just until you can’t see any dry spots—your batter will be thick and hearty!

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Pan and Add Topping

Scoop the muffin batter evenly into your prepared muffin cups. Aim for about 3/4 full for the most beautiful domes. Sprinkle the crumb topping you made earlier on top of each muffin. This extra step creates those golden, bakery-style tops that everyone loves.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin pan into your hot oven and bake for 15 minutes if you used gluten free flour, or 16 to 18 minutes if you swapped in oat flour. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out just barely clean. Let them cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack—it’ll be hard to wait, but they set up better this way!

Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Coconut Butter Glaze

If you want to make these Gluten Free Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins extra special, whip up a glaze. Warm up 1/4 cup coconut butter (a quick 30 seconds in the microwave does the trick if it’s solid). In a small bowl, stir together the softened coconut butter, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2–4 tablespoons water—add the water slowly until it’s smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over cooled muffins and enjoy your bakery-worthy creation!

How to Serve Gluten Free Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, sprinkle the tops of your muffins with a tiny pinch of extra cinnamon or a scatter of chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or even dried apple bits. A final dusting of powdered sugar over the glaze can make them look especially gorgeous for brunch or a holiday table.

Side Dishes

Pair your Gluten Free Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins with creamy Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh berries for a filling breakfast. For a cozy afternoon snack, add a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even chai alongside. They’re also fantastic with a dollop of almond or sunflower seed butter if you like a bit of extra protein.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these muffins to a gathering, arrange them in a rustic basket lined with a kitchen towel for a homey, charming look. You can even drizzle the glaze in zig-zags and sprinkle on a little cinnamon for extra flair. For a grab-and-go party snack, cut the muffins in half and serve them alongside a trio of spreads—think nut butters, honey, and apple butter—so your guests can mix and match flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gluten Free Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins store like a dream. Just let them cool completely, then cover loosely and keep them at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!). The crumb stays moist and tender thanks to the applesauce and coconut oil.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, pop cooled muffins into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Bring muffins back to their fresh-baked glory by microwaving for about 10–15 seconds for a single muffin, or heat several wrapped loosely in foil in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes. If you’ve glazed your muffins, add the glaze after reheating for the prettiest (and tastiest) result.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener instead of coconut sugar?

Absolutely! Brown sugar is a perfect substitute and will give the muffins a deeper caramel flavor, or try date sugar for an extra wholesome twist.

Are these Gluten Free Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins dairy free?

They can easily be made dairy free—just use your favorite non-dairy milk such as oat, almond, or soy in the recipe. Everything else is already naturally free from dairy!

What’s the best type of gluten free flour to use?

A high-quality, all-purpose gluten free blend works best for the fluffiest muffins, but you can absolutely use certified gluten free oat flour for a denser, chewier treat. Make sure your flour blend includes xanthan gum for structure.

Can I add fruit or nuts to the muffins?

Yes! Chopped apples, walnuts, pecans, or even raisins mix beautifully into this batter. Just fold in up to 1/2 cup of your favorite add-ins right before scooping into the muffin pan.

Is it possible to make these muffins egg free?

You can substitute a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for the regular egg. The texture will be slightly softer, but they’ll still be delicious and hold together nicely.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if these Gluten Free Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins become your new go-to for breakfast, snacks, or anytime you need a little cozy pick-me-up! They’re simple to make, adaptable, and sure to bring a smile to anyone who tries them. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a favorite in your own kitchen.

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