I have to be honest: I love apples that is partly why when Luke and I got married (almost a year ago now!) in Southern California’s Apple Country: Oak Glenn I used their local apples to decorate the reception space. (See Sentimental wedding details).

Last week I posted a blog sharing the first few glimpses of fall  we have here in upstate New York and how we are enjoying the beginning of a new season. One picture I shared was of a bowl full of homemade apple muffins:

Before this first batch of muffins was gone I was asked to make a second by my husband to take to a work breakfast (yes they were that popular). These little muffins are hearty and filling but only 100 calories each! They are free of any white sugar and easy to make. Plus while baking the house smell amazing.

After being asked for an encore so soon I thought this recipe would be worth sharing with all of you.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour (you can use all purpose instead it just changes the texture)

1 ½ C chopped apple

1 C 1/% milk

1/2 C brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup fat-free milk

2 egg whites

1 C applesauce

Note: (You can use one extra egg white and 1/2 C milk to replace the 1 C applesauce)

Instructions:

-Soak the oats in milk for an hour. (I know this adds time to baking but you can do it in advanced and it helps to create a great texture for the muffins.)

-Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

-Cut up apples if need to. ( I took this opportunity to try out our new apple corer and peeler).

-Spray muffin pan with cooking spray or use a little butter. I use I can’t believe it’s not butter light with a paper towel to line the tins.

-After the hour of soaking, combine the oat mixture with the applesauce and egg whites, and mix until combined.

-In a separate bowl, whisk all dry ingredients (except 1 tsp cinnamon) together.

-Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined.

-Add chopped apples. (Do not over mix the batter).

-Spoon muffin mixture into muffin pan(s).

-Combine the 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 or 2 tsp brown sugar then top each muffin with some of the mixture.

-Bake for 20-25 minutes or until done. (At 400 degrees it only took 20 minutes with my oven for them to be perfectly baked).

Number of Servings: 16-18

Calories: 102 each

Then Enjoy!

What is your favorite flavor of fall?