Lower Fat Apple Streusel Muffins
Moist, Delicious, and Full of Apple Flavor – A Healthier Twist on a Classic Favorite
If you’re looking for a delightful, healthier version of a classic muffin recipe, these Lower Fat Apple Streusel Muffins are a perfect fit. Inspired by a recipe from the Company’s Coming Muffins & More book, this version reduces the fat content without sacrificing taste. With the sweet, robust flavor of apples shining through, these muffins are the perfect balance of moist texture and subtle sweetness. Whether enjoyed as a snack, breakfast, or part of a packed lunch, these muffins will not disappoint.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yields: 12 muffins
- Category: Quick Breads
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories per Serving: 138.2 kcal
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Flour (divided) | 2 tablespoons |
| Margarine (or light butter) | 1/8 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Flour (all-purpose) | 1 1/2 cups |
| White sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Skim milk | 1 cup |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 2/3 cup |
| Apple (peeled and diced) | 1 medium (about 1 cup) |
Nutritional Information (per muffin)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 138.2 kcal |
| Fat | 1.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 17.9 mg |
| Sodium | 215 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugar | 13.6 g |
| Protein | 2.9 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the muffins will bake evenly and rise beautifully. -
Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/8 cup of margarine, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to blend the ingredients together until the mixture forms a crumbly, streusel-like texture. Set aside. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift or whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of white sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Ensure the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed for even distribution in the batter. -
Combine Wet Ingredients:
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add 1 beaten egg, 1 cup of skim milk, 2/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and 1 peeled and diced apple. The apple will add a nice, fruity flavor to the muffins and help keep them moist. -
Stir the Batter:
Gently stir the mixture just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this could result in dense muffins. The batter should be slightly lumpy, which is perfectly fine. -
Fill the Muffin Cups:
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or grease the cups lightly. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter. -
Top with Streusel:
Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the batter in each muffin cup. The streusel will bake into a golden, crisp topping that adds both texture and sweetness to your muffins. -
Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as they bake, as oven temperatures can vary slightly. -
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips for Perfect Muffins:
-
Choosing Apples:
Use a variety of apples that will hold up well in baking, such as Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith. A sweet-tart apple variety gives the muffins a balanced flavor. -
Make it Your Own:
If you’d like, you can experiment by adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter for extra crunch and flavor. -
Storing Muffins:
These muffins store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. -
Lighten it Further:
For a lower-fat option, you can swap the margarine for an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or a reduced-fat butter substitute. This will reduce the overall fat content without compromising the moist texture.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
These Lower Fat Apple Streusel Muffins offer a guilt-free way to indulge in a classic baked treat. The combination of applesauce, fresh apple chunks, and a sprinkle of sweet streusel topping makes for a muffin that’s both flavorful and satisfying, but with less fat than traditional recipes. With just 138 calories per muffin, they’re a great option when you’re looking for something quick, healthy, and delicious. Whether paired with your morning coffee or served as an afternoon snack, these muffins are bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Enjoy these Lower Fat Apple Streusel Muffins, and feel good about your healthier indulgence!
