Flavors of Fall: Applesauce Spice Muffins

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In my attempt to speed up the approach of fall, I baked some Applesauce Spice Muffins today. To me, nothing ushers in feelings of fall like the smell of nutmeg and cinnamon in the kitchen. October is when I normally break out the spice-scented candles and potpourri but I couldn’t resist spicing up the house a little early this year. I am just REALLY ready for this summer to be over!

I am continuing my quest to create healthy but tasty muffin recipes and I think this one is another winner. These whole grain muffins are substantial and filling, perfect for a quick breakfast on the run. The addition of oat bran and wheat germ adds not only complexity in flavor and texture but boosts the protein and fiber content. A bit of ground flaxseed contributes healthy Omega 3 fatty acids. But most importantly, these taste really good!

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Whole Wheat Applesauce Spice Muffins

1 1/2 C. whole wheat flour
1/2 C. oat bran
1/4 C. ground flax seed
1/4 C. wheat germ
3/4 C. packed brown sugar
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
2 t. cinnamon
1 t. fresh ground nutmeg
1/2 t. allspice
1/2 t. ground ginger
1/8 t. ground cloves

1 C. applesauce
1 C. buttermilk
3 egg whites
2 T. oil
1/2 C raisins

1. Before you begin, bring all ingredients to room temperature. Grease a standard sized 12-cup muffin tin. Preheatoven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk them together well, breaking up any clumps of brown sugar with your fingers if necessary.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, buttermilk, egg whites and oil.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir together until just combined. Stir in raisins.
5. Immediately spoon batter into muffin tins then place in a preheated 375 degree oven.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

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    Nutrition data calculated and retrieved using tools from NutritionData.com

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    18 Comments
    1. Alyssa James

      Thanks for such a great recipe! I’ve been looking for muffin recipes with flax seeds and this one sounds so healthy, plus, as you said it, it tastes good! I can’t wait to try it!
      BTW, I found your blog by chance and like it very much. I’ve been thinking about starting a blog on gardening. Did it take you a lot of times to set yours up? I noticed the bottom of this page says “Design by www.vanillamist.com” . Is the design provided by WordPress or did you have to pay for it? Thanks for your reply.

      4:02 am  Sep 11th, 2006
    2. jeannette

      oh that recipe looks great! i guess i’m going to have to figure out how to grind up flax seeds now and might have to give in to buying a coffee/spice grinder!

      5:12 am  Sep 11th, 2006
    3. Connie

      I am still in love with the fact that you include nutrition facts! And this does look like a great and healthy recipe. And while I love fall and I love the flavors of fall, it still feels a bit funny to be eating fall foods to me. Last week they brought pumpkin spice lattes back into Starbucks, and while I love them… I was shocked to see them already. Oh well… yay fall and yay your wonderful muffins!

      3:10 pm  Sep 11th, 2006
    4. Brilynn

      These look great! The apples on my trees are ripe and ready to be turned into applesauce to use in this recipe.

      4:30 pm  Sep 11th, 2006
    5. Nicole

      Brilynn: Homemade applesauce is the way to go! I love it :-)
      Connie: Now that I’ve found the nutrition data calculator, I will try to provide the information on as many recipes as I can. But sometimes I don’t want to know ;-)
      Alyssa and Jeannette: I sent your replies via e-mail, let me know if you have any more questions!

      Thanks everyone for stopping by and the nice comments!

      4:49 pm  Sep 11th, 2006
    6. bloglily

      Nicole — What an inspiring recipe. It’s hard to let go of summer, but this sort of thing makes it easier. (And your photographs continue to be things of beauty.) Best, BL

      5:27 pm  Sep 11th, 2006
    7. BitterSweet

      Ooh, I love muffins, spice, and heathy foods, so this one is quite tempting. I think I might hold onto the recipe and try veganizing it when I get the chance!

      6:26 pm  Sep 11th, 2006
    8. mysisterskitchen

      Wow! What great photos. You’re very gifted in photography!

      bk of My Sister’s Kitchen

      9:04 pm  Sep 11th, 2006
    9. Curt

      I love fall, too. Apple season in Ohio is pretty darn good, and it brings locally pressed cider and apples for pies. Having something healthy like this will be a nice addition; I’ll have to try it soon!

      9:23 pm  Sep 11th, 2006
    10. Nicole

      Bloglily: Thanks :-)
      BitterSweet: Let me know how the vegan version turns out!

      mysisterskitchen: Thanks for the compliment and for stopping by!

      Curt: I want some cider! And some pie!

      11:06 pm  Sep 11th, 2006
    11. Sandy

      If I had to write a description of fall, the words cinnamon and nutmeg would be in it. At a certain point in the year, pumpkin pie starts sounding great.

      I am trying a new sourdough starter made from organic grapes, if it works out I will send you the link.

      11:19 pm  Sep 11th, 2006
    12. Ana

      I simply love muffins, healthy as yours, and these look amazingly good! Not only they are packed with goodies, but apple muffins are my favorites!
      I am going to try them this week!
      Thanks for the wonderful recipe!
      Ana

      1:07 am  Sep 13th, 2006
    13. Nicole

      Sandy: Yes, pumpkin pie is starting to sound good. Along with pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, pumpkin roll, etc. etc. Let me know how your starter is doing. I’ve heard about using grapes before but don’t know anyone who has done it.

      Ana: Thanks for stopping by! I hope you like the muffins :-)

      12:28 pm  Sep 13th, 2006
    14. fivecats

      I recently found your blog and enjoying the many recipes that you’ve posted. Now, to make time to try some out … like the chocolate zuchinni muffins, and these applesauce spice muffins. Any chance you can send them as e-mail attachments (LOL)?

      8:03 pm  Sep 14th, 2006
    15. Daniel

      I love the aroma of Cinnamon and Nutmeg, very homely and comforting, not to mention delicious. Bring in apple, and baked together the combination must be mouth-watering, I can’t wait to try this receipe. I can feel the Holiday Season already.

      6:10 pm  Sep 17th, 2006
    16. Laura

      Very nice site!

      11:53 pm  Nov 18th, 2006
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