Apple Oatmeal Muffins

Apple Oatmeal Muffins
Sweet, hearty, and loaded with heart friendly oats, this is a delicious and healthy option for breakfast. Pair them with your favorite fruit and you have a true breakfast of champions!
Ingredients
- 1 small tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup non-fat milk
- 1/3 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup uncooked oats
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Wash, core and chop apple.
- Place 6 cupcake holders in a muffin baking tin. Spray with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, add milk and applesauce. Stir until blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. Add milk mixture and stir just until moistened. Do not over-mix.
- Gently stir in chopped apples.
- Spoon batter into prepared cupcake holders.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Smart Shopping Tips
- Apple season is typically autumn through spring because they grow best in temperate climates, although most varieties are available year-round.
- Store apples at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Place apples in a plastic bag away from other produce because apples will speed their ripening. Use apples within 3 weeks.
- Regular or quick-cooking oats can be used in recipes. Quick-cooking oats are chopped and will have a finer looking texture. Avoid instant oats in baking.
- Compare the labels of applesauce and choose one with less or no added sugar.
- For best results, use Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples for baking. These hold their shape best.
- Baking will soften the apple skin.
- Apples that have been cooked and pureed can be frozen for longer storage.
- Mix in raisins, chopped nuts and/or dried cranberries for additional flavor and crunch.