There’s something about the smell of Delicious Pumpkin Muffins with Applesauce baking on a chilly morning that feels like home. The warm cinnamon, cozy pumpkin spice, and subtle sweetness from the applesauce fill the kitchen with comfort. It’s the kind of aroma that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and smile before that first bite.
Table of Contents
Why These Pumpkin Muffins Are So Good
These muffins are soft, moist, and full of fall flavor without being too sweet. The applesauce keeps them tender while cutting down on extra oil or butter. They’re quick to mix, easy to bake, and even easier to love. Plus, they stay fresh for days, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup milk (any type)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Muffins with Applesauce
Prep and Combine the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin. In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Then add the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and sea salt. Whisk everything together until it looks evenly mixed.
Add the Wet Ingredients and Mix Properly
Add pumpkin puree, applesauce, and milk to the dry mix. Stir gently until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing since that can make your muffins dense instead of soft and fluffy. The batter should look thick but smooth.
Fill the Muffin Tin and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between muffin cups, filling each almost to the top. Bake for about 20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center if it comes out clean, they’re ready. Let the muffins rest in the pan for a few minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Muffins Every Time
Always use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Stir canned pumpkin before using so it mixes evenly. Filling each cup about two-thirds full prevents overflow. Also, test one muffin early—if it’s still sticky inside, give them another minute or two.
Substitutions and Variations
You can replace some flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber. Try coconut sugar or white sugar instead of brown sugar. Greek yogurt or mashed banana can replace applesauce for a new twist, though flavor and texture will change slightly.
Choosing the Right Pumpkin Puree
Look for unsweetened, 100% pumpkin puree in cans. It should be thick and rich in color. Avoid sweetened versions labeled “pumpkin pie mix,” which already contain spices and sugar.
Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing is the top mistake mix only until combined. Also, don’t bake too long. Dry muffins usually mean they stayed in the oven a bit past ready. Using old baking soda can also flatten your muffins, so always check its freshness.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
Serve these muffins warm with a little butter or cream cheese. They pair beautifully with hot coffee, spiced chai, or a mug of cocoa. For dessert, drizzle with maple glaze or crumble a few alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Guide
Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze them for up to 3 months by wrapping each in plastic. Reheat in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked softness.
Nutrition Snapshot for This Recipe
Estimated total calories for the batch: 1600–1750 kcal
Each muffin: roughly 130–150 kcal
They’re a light, satisfying treat that fits into most dessert or snack plans.
FAQs: Pumpkin Muffins with Applesauce
What does applesauce do in baking muffins?
Applesauce adds natural moisture and sweetness. It also helps bind the batter, replacing oil or butter for a lighter texture.
What is the secret to a moist muffin?
The secret lies in not overmixing and adding enough moisture. Ingredients like pumpkin puree and applesauce work together to keep muffins soft and tender.
Can you use applesauce instead of pumpkin purée?
You can, but the flavor changes. The muffins will taste more like spiced applesauce bread than pumpkin.
What are the two ingredients for pumpkin muffins?
For a super-simple version, just pumpkin puree and cake mix. But for richer, homemade flavor, this recipe’s blend of flour, eggs, and spices makes all the difference.
More Such Recipes
- Greek Yogurt No-Bake Dessert
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Fall Dessert
- Best Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt Dessert
- Air Fryer Churro Bites Dessert Recipe
- Easy Cherry Pie Bars Dessert
- Strawberry Crinkle Cookies Dessert
- Low Calorie Sugar Free Cookies Dessert

Conclusion
These Delicious Pumpkin Muffins with Applesauce bring the best parts of fall to your table: warmth, comfort, and flavor that lingers. They freeze beautifully and reheat like they’re fresh from the oven. Try them once, and they might just become your go-to cozy bake.
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Delicious Pumpkin Muffins with Applesauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30–40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, moist, and spiced Delicious Pumpkin Muffins with Applesauce made with cozy fall flavors. Perfectly sweet, easy to make, and great for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup milk (any type)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Lightly beat the eggs in a large bowl.
3. Add flour, brown sugar, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt to the eggs.
4. Mix in pumpkin puree, applesauce, and milk until well blended, avoiding overmixing.
5. Divide batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling nearly full.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling or serve warm.
Notes
Do not use pumpkin pie filling, as it’s already sweetened and spiced.
Avoid overmixing to prevent tough muffins.
Filling the muffin cups about two-thirds full and checking for doneness with a toothpick helps prevent dryness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 130–150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
