Wholesome Apple Muffins (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Apple Mixture

01 - 1 large apple, peeled, cored and grated
02 - ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
03 - 1 tablespoon honey
04 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - ¾ cup whole wheat flour
06 - ¾ cup coarse wheat bran flour
07 - ¼ cup almond meal
08 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
09 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - ⅛ teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

11 - 1½ cups applesauce
12 - 1 tablespoon canola oil
13 - 2 egg whites
14 - ¼ cup packed brown sugar
15 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Mix-ins and Toppings

16 - ½ cup chopped walnuts
17 - ¼ cup granola

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tray with paper liners and lightly spray them with cooking spray.
02 - In a small bowl, combine the grated apple, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, honey, and lemon juice. Stir well and set aside.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, wheat bran, almond meal, baking soda, nutmeg, remaining cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
04 - In a larger bowl, thoroughly whisk together applesauce, canola oil, egg whites, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
05 - Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, whisking until well combined. Fold in the prepared apple mixture and chopped walnuts.
06 - Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each nearly to the top. Sprinkle ½-1 teaspoon of granola over each muffin.
07 - Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Ensure the batter is thick and spoonable, not pourable. If too wet, add more flour or reduce applesauce.
02 - Using room temperature ingredients helps the baking process for optimal rise and texture.
03 - Fill muffin tins nearly full to achieve a good rise during baking.
04 - Store muffins in a sealed bag at room temperature for 3-5 days.
05 - These muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months by wrapping in foil and placing in a freezer bag.