Apple Pecan Muffin Recipe

Apple Pecan Muffins

I continue to experiment with healthy muffin recipes. The key for me is finding that perfect balance between taste and health.

I’m not a fan of artificial sweeteners and hate those rubbery fat-free, sugar-free, taste-free concoctions out there.

I don’t want cake masquerading as a muffin either.

I prefer something a bit hearty and not too sweet.

This time it’s apple muffin recipes.

This is a recent find from Food Network, Ellie Krieger’s new cookbook, The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life.

These muffins are full of chunks of apple and topped with a delicious crunchy mixture of pecans, cinnamon and sugar.

When I checked out the fridge and pantry last night I discovered all the necessary ingredients –just enough applesauce, a granny smith apple, buttermilk and eggs — so I hopped out of bed this morning anxious to stir them together and get them in the oven.

Apple Muffin Recipe Ingredients

Many of my favorite healthy baking recipes contain non-fat buttermilk which adds moisture and tenderness without extra fat.

Notes: I modified the recipe slightly, using all King Arthur white wheat flour and adding 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the batter in addition to what was used in the topping. I love cinnamon and am trying to take advantage of it’s health benefits whenever I can. I also used 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup xylitol . Both my husband and I agreed they turned out yummy and are a great way to start the day.

Apple – Pecan Muffin Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 15 – 20 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins

Topping Ingredients

2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans (walnuts would work too)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Muffins Ingredients

1 cup flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 eggs
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 apple peeled, cored, and chopped

Directions

1. Position an oven rack in the middle and preheat the oven to 400F degrees. Coat a standard (2-12-inch) 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.

2. In a small bowl mix together topping ingredients and set aside.

3. Whisk together flours, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

4. Whisk the sugar, oil, eggs, applesauce, vanilla, and buttermilk in a large bowl until well combined. Stir the flour mixture into the liquid mixture just until combined. Gently stir in apple chunks.

5. Divide the batter equally among the muffin cups. (I like to use an OXO Good Grips Cookie Scoop ) Sprinkle with nut mixture.

6. Bake until the muffins are lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center, about 15-20 minutes. Cool the muffins in the pan for 10 minutes and remove them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy while still warm.

Nutritional Estimates Per Serving (1 muffin): 213 calories, 8g fat, 35g carbs, 2g fiber, 4g protein and 6 WW PointsPlus value.

Apple Pecan Muffin

While enjoying my muffin, I was reminded of a similar apple muffins recipe I made a couple of years ago from the Once Upon a Tart…: Soups, Salads, Muffins, and More that combined chunks of unpeeled granny smith apple and cranberries, which got me thinking – next time I make these, I will not peel the apple and will add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries for even more of a nutrition and taste boost.

Apple-Pecan Muffin Recipe
Adapted from The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life.

More Healthy Muffin Recipes

Healthy Company Muffins - carrot cake, apple, whole wheat and oatmeal muffins all combined into one
7 Healthy Blueberry Muffin Recipes – a collection from my files and from around the web
Bran Muffins - a collection from my recipe files and from around the web