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These gluten free apple muffins are soft, moist, and look straight out of a bakery with their golden streusel. Not too sweet, perfect for breakfast or snacking!
Call your gluten-free friends because this gluten-free apple muffin recipe is for them!
These are the kind of baked goodies no one should miss. They’re sweet enough to feel special but amazingly hearty to fuel you through breakfast or snack time.
These applesauce muffins are also incredibly moist and fluffy, with every bite topped off by a crisp, buttery brown sugar crumble.
And while they’re perfect for fall baking, these gf apple muffins are just as amazing year-round for brunch gatherings, picnics, and holiday celebrations!
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Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Apple Muffins Recipe
- These gluten free apple muffins look and taste like they’re straight out of the bakery! They’re perfect for hosting, gifting, or as treats to start the day or beat the afternoon slump.
- If you’re looking for a treat everyone can enjoy, this apple muffins gluten free recipe is for you. They’re soft, fluffy, and not overly sweet, so no one feels left out!
- These gf apple muffins are easy to take on the go and stay fresh for days. Make a batch in advance, so you can just grab one and enjoy a delicious treat whenever you need one.
Ingredients
Apple cinnamon muffins:
Applesauce – You can make this gluten free apple muffins recipe year-round, even beyond apple season! The batter is flavored with applesauce, and you’ll get beautifully moist muffins every single time.
Unsalted butter – Lends richness and helps make the muffins light.
Eggs – For binding and structure. We haven’t tested egg substitutes in this gluten-free apple muffin recipe yet.
Granulated sugar – Promotes browning and adds just the right sweetness to the applesauce muffins.
Salt – To balance the sweetness of our gf apple muffins.
Vanilla extract – Keeps the apple cinnamon muffins from tasting flat.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour – Since not all gluten-free flours perform the same, it’s best to use a dependable brand that you know works well.
Gluten-free baking powder and gluten-free baking soda – Double check your leavening agents to ensure they’re gluten-free!
Ground cinnamon – You can also use different spices to give your apple gluten free muffins extra oomph.
Brown sugar crumb topping:
Brown sugar and granulated sugar – We’ll use two kinds of sugars for a balanced streusel texture and flavor.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour – Binds everything together for that perfect crumbly consistency.
Ground cinnamon – Because there’s no such thing as too much spice in a muffin this good.
Unsalted butter – For a rich, crisp, golden-brown topping.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Gluten-Free Apple Muffins
Mix-ins
These are the best gluten free apple muffins for fun mix-ins! Upgrade your batter with chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or desiccated coconut.
Gluten-free oat crumble topping
Make this apple muffin recipe gluten free and extra yummy with a rustic topping made from hearty oats!
Just combine 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, 3 tablespoons of almond flour, 2 tablespoons of gluten-free rolled oats, and a cup of finely chopped walnuts.
Take note of this crumble topping because it’ll also go well with various gluten free apple desserts!
Tips For Making This Recipe
Check Your Flour
Some solid gluten-free flour brands are Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur. Make sure to use a blend with xanthan gum for the best muffin structure!
Mind Your Crumb Topping
Do not overmix your brown sugar topping to maintain those bakery-worthy crumbs.
Get Tall Domes
Use a cookie scoop to evenly fill the lined muffin pan. If you have extra time, refrigerate the muffins for 15 minutes before baking to help thicken the batter and encourage tall muffin tops.
Apple Muffins Gluten Free Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh apples in these gluten free muffins?
Absolutely! Opt for a medium-sized apple that won’t get mushy during baking (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) and chop it up. Then, scatter the diced apples and sugar over the muffins before baking.
What is the purpose of applesauce in baking?
These gluten-free apple muffins are made with applesauce for a natural sweet flavor and an extra-moist crumb.
What causes dense apple muffins?
Both overmixing and inaccurate flour measurement can lead to dense gluten-free apple muffins. Just mix until no dry ingredients are visible, and use the spoon-and-level method so you don’t end up with too much flour.
How do I know when my gluten free apple muffins are done?
Your gluten-free apple muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Start checking at around the 20-minute mark!
What is the best way to store applesauce muffins to keep them fresh?
You can store your homemade apple muffins with streusel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them moist. Refrigerating them is fine, but they may dry out more quickly.
More Delicious Apple Recipes
- Apple Cider Muffins
- Caramel Apple Pancakes
- Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Snicker Apple Salad
- Apple Crumble Cheesecake
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Gluten Free Apple Muffins
Ingredients
For the apple cinnamon muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp gluten-free baking powder
- 1 tsp gluten-free baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the brown sugar crumb topping:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Gather and measure all the ingredients for your gluten-free apple muffins.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with muffin liners.
- In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, melted butter, and eggs.
- Stir in the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Add the GF flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Mix until the batter is fully combined.
- Divide the apple muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin.
- To make the brown sugar crumb topping, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, gluten-free flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Sprinkle about a tablespoon of the brown sugar crumble over each muffin.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool on a cooling rack before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Some solid gluten-free flour brands are Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur. Make sure to use a blend with xanthan gum for the best muffin structure!
- Do not overmix your brown sugar topping to maintain those bakery-worthy crumbs.
- Use a cookie scoop to evenly fill the lined muffin pan. If you have extra time, refrigerate the muffins for 15 minutes before baking to help thicken the batter and encourage tall muffin tops.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
