Delicious Gluten-Free Muffins with Applesauce and Raisins

Hello there, foodies! Today, I am excited to share with you my recipe for gluten-free applesauce raisin spice muffins that are sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth. As a nutritionist, I understand the importance of a balanced diet and healthy eating habits. Therefore, this recipe has been created with gluten-free, dairy-free, and organic ingredients that are all-natural and nourishing.

For those of you who are new to gluten-free baking, these muffins are an excellent starting point; they’re incredibly easy to make and have the perfect balance of sweetness from the natural sugars found in honey and unsweetened applesauce with a touch of warmth from ground cinnamon and other spices. But don’t underestimate their simplicity because these muffins are packed with flavor and nutrition.

This recipe is ideal for mornings on-the-go or as an after-school snack for your kids or anyone looking for healthy treats. I guarantee you’ll love the moist texture the applesauce provides and with every bite, you will feel like indulging without cheating on a healthy diet. So let’s get started with this kitchen adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless muffin recipes out there, but this one truly stands out. What sets these gluten-free applesauce raisin spice muffins apart from the rest is their perfect balance of sweetness and spice, without any gluten or dairy to weigh you down.

But what really makes this recipe a winner is its use of unsweetened applesauce, which not only provides a naturally sweet flavor and moist texture, but also numerous health benefits. Apples contain antioxidants and fiber that can aid in digestion, boost immunity, and help regulate blood sugar levels. And with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners in this recipe, you can indulge in these muffins guilt-free.

Plus, these muffins are incredibly versatile. Whether you want to enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, they pair well with just about anything. A cup of coffee or tea? Check. Some fresh fruit on the side? Sure thing. Even a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream would be a delightful addition (if you’re feeling extra indulgent).

So why will you love these gluten-free applesauce raisin spice muffins? For one, they’re loaded with flavor and nutrition, making them a perfect treat any time of day. But perhaps more importantly, they offer a delicious solution to your dietary restrictions that won’t leave you feeling deprived. It’s no wonder they’re quickly becoming a fan favorite among muffin-lovers everywhere!

Ingredient List

Gluten-Free Applesauce Raisin Spice Muffin Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups gluten-free flour
  • Use a blend of gluten-free flour that contains xanthan gum, which helps the muffins rise and bind together.
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • This is the leavening agent that creates bubbles to lift the dough and create a fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Adding cinnamon elevates the flavor profile of these muffins, making them a comforting treat.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Baking soda is an alkaline ingredient in your batter, helping to neutralize acidic ingredients like apple juice and yogurt.
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • Use this spice blend if you want something different from cinnamon, giving these muffins a cozier flavor.
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • Non-refined natural sweeteners are a better choice than white granulated sugar. Coconut sugar is low on the glycemic index and has a deep, caramel-like flavor.
• ⅓ cup honey
  • Honey gives your muffins a naturally sweet taste and some added moisture. Plus it’s full of antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties that can boost your immune system.
• ½ tsp. sea salt
  • Sea salt enhances flavors and helps balance acid in baked goods
• 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • The star ingredient of these muffins! Unsweetened applesauce not only serves as an excellent egg replacement, but it also keeps these muffins moist and gives them lots of apple flavor!
• 2 large eggs
  • Eggs not only provide structure to your baking, but they also add richness and flavor to your recipe.
• 2 tsp. melted coconut oil
  • Use coconut oil as a healthy alternative to butter. It is dairy-free and rich in medium-chain triglycerides, which help boost metabolism.
• 1 cup raisins (or chopped nuts)
  • Raisins add natural sweetness and chewiness. Other add-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut can also be used based on your preference.
• 2 Tbsp. ground flax seeds
  • Flaxseeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Use this instead of eggs for binding and to add nutrition to these muffins.

Using this Ingredients List, let’s make some delicious muffins that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of flavors!

The Recipe How-To

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) gluten-free flour blend, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp ground cinnamon and ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice. Whisk well to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, beat one egg until light and fluffy. Then stir in 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce, ½ cup honey (or coconut sugar) and ⅓ cup melted coconut oil. Combine thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and fold gently with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. Once the ingredients are well combined, fold in 1 cup of raisins soaked in warm water for about 10 minutes, drained and a tablespoon of ground flax seeds.

Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups

grease muffin cups or line them with paper muffin cups. Using an ice cream scoop or two spoons, fill each muffin cup with the batter up to about ¾ full.

Step 5: Bake the Muffins

Bake for around 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick or skewer inserted into one of the muffins comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool, Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from oven when done and allow muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing and completely cooling on a wire rack. Serve your delicious Gluten-Free Applesauce Raisin Spice Muffins with some butter, honey or homemade jelly.

Substitutions and Variations

Are you looking to mix and match ingredients to create your own version of this fantastic recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

– Flour: Instead of gluten-free flour, you can use regular all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour. Just note that the texture of the muffins may differ.

– Sweeteners: Swap the coconut sugar for brown sugar or cane sugar. Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

– Applesauce: Feel free to use sweetened applesauce if that’s what you have on hand. You can also substitute with pumpkin puree.

– Raisins: If you’re not a fan of raisins, try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chopped apricots instead.

– Spices: Customize the spice blend to your liking! Add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice. You can even make apple pie spice by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.

– Nuts: Try adding in some chopped walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch and flavor.

Remember that substitutions may change the texture and taste of the muffins slightly, but don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients until you find the perfect combo that suits your taste buds!

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our other muffin recipes like chocolate chip oatmeal muffins or bran muffins. And don’t forget to share your creations with us by tagging us on social media!

Serving and Pairing

After baking these aromatic muffins, serve them when they’re still steaming. Indulge in the spicy aroma of cinnamon and the sweetness of raisins as you take a bite. A perfect match for your morning coffee, tea or glass of almond milk, these tasty muffins are even suitable for an afternoon tea party with friends.

Make these muffins more exciting by pairing them with a warm apple cider or a latte made from dairy-free milk. If you are feeling more indulgent, go for a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with caramel sauce!

These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a mid-day snack. They pair well with other gluten-free treats like oatmeal cookies or brownies for a more substantial snack option. You could also enjoy them with a savory dish like frittata or scrambled eggs to balance out the sweetness.

Regardless of how you choose to serve and pair these Gluten Free Applesauce Raisin Spice Muffins Recipe, they’ll undoubtedly taste delicious and satisfy your cravings while keeping you healthy!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

These gluten-free applesauce raisin spice muffins are perfect for meal planning and preparing ahead of time. You can easily make them ahead of schedule and store them for when you’re ready to enjoy them. Simply store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you would like to prolong their freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

When you are ready to eat, simply warm the muffins up in the oven or microwave before enjoying. For reheating in the oven, wrap each muffin individually in aluminum foil and let them bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. For reheating in the microwave, heat one muffin at a time on high power for 15-20 seconds.

If you want to freeze these muffins, let them cool down completely before wrapping each muffin individually with plastic wrap and place them into a sealed container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, take out your desired amount of muffins from the freezer and let them defrost at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen by baking them in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.

These make-ahead and storing tips also work well for meal prep, so you can enjoy these delicious muffins as breakfast, snacks, or dessert throughout the week without worrying about taking too much time out of your day to prepare them each time!

Tips for Perfect Results

To achieve the perfect gluten-free applesauce raisin spice muffins, keep the following tips in mind.

First tip, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This is important because room temperature ingredients blend together more easily, producing a smoother texture. You will want to avoid any lumps in the batter.

Second tip, grease the muffin cups or use liners to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some coconut flour or oat flour in the cups for added flavor.

Third tip, do not over-mix the batter. Over-mixing can cause the muffins to be tough rather than tender. Mix just until all ingredients are combined.

Fourth tip, use good quality gluten-free flour blend. You don’t want your muffins to be dense or gummy. Choose a blend of flours that includes rice flour, tapioca flour and potato starch for best results.

Fifth tip, to enhance the flavor and texture of your muffins, add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before baking.

Sixth tip, if you are using ground flaxseed as an egg substitute in this recipe, mix it with water and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the batter. This allows the flaxseeds to bind properly and provide structure to your muffins.

Seventh tip, do not open the oven door frequently while baking as this can cause fluctuations in temperature and affect how long it takes for the muffins to bake evenly.

Eighth tip, let the muffins cool completely before removing them from their cups. Gluten-free muffins tend to be more fragile than conventional ones due to their lack of gluten so they need time to set before being handled.

With these careful steps in mind your gluten-free applesauce raisin spice muffins will turn out perfectly every time!

Bottom Line

Are you ready to indulge in a delicious, gluten-free muffin that’s also healthy? This applesauce raisin spice muffin recipe is the perfect combination of ingredients that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

From the use of unsweetened applesauce, to the natural sweetness of honey and raisins, these muffins are both nutritious and delicious. And with gluten-free flour and the option to make them dairy-free, this is a recipe that can accommodate anyone’s dietary needs.

So why not try these muffins for breakfast, as a snack or even for dessert? They are easy to make and can last for several days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to three months, reheating them in the oven or microwave whenever you crave something warm and tasty.

In conclusion, whether you are gluten-free or simply enjoy healthy and tasty treats, this applesauce raisin spice muffin recipe is definitely worth a try. So get baking and enjoy every bite!

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