Apple-Cinnamon Muffins

Whenever I get the opportunity to bake, I take it! I find it to so relaxing and a great way to spend time with myself. So this past Friday, I decided to use my free time to make these delicious apple cinnamon muffins. I love recipes that are easy to make and don’t take too much prep time. These muffins are super easy and quick! Even though I love to bake, I don’t like spending too many hours playing the waiting game...I want to make my tasty dish…and then EAT IT!

There is a major misconception that all “baked goods” are bad for you. Whenever I meet with clients, they fear that I am going to tell them that they have to give up every sweet or baked good they enjoy. Even as a clinical nutritionist, I understand that we all have our favorite foods and want to enjoy these foods from time to time. I will continue to say, moderation is key and focus on a healthy balance.                                                                                                                 

So just like most people, I love baked goods! I go through these weird phases, where I totally crave something sweet. That being said, I try to focus on creating healthier-baked goods, so I don’t put harmful chemicals or ingredients into my body. So with this recipe, I chose to focus on all organic products, using fresh apples and using gluten-free flour. Making three simple moderations to this recipe, makes a major difference in the nutrition status of this baked good.

Anyway, I encourage you to try healthy or alternative baking! Don’t give up foods your truly love, but find ways to make them healthier or enjoy them in moderation. I love myself a good muffin, but eating store bought muffins weekly is not the best option for me…so instead I found a way to make muffins I enjoy healthier and then made the process fun! I now find baking to be truly relaxing and a great way for me to escape for a little!

Here is the recipe for the apple-cinnamon muffins!

Ingredients:

-2 cups gluten free flour (I have made them with whole wheat flour as well)

-2 teaspoons baking soda

-1/2 teaspoon allspice

-2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

-1/2 tea spoon of salt

-1/2 cup of chopped pecans

-3 eggs

-2/3 cup of pure-organic maple syrup

-1 and ½ teaspoon organic vanilla extract

-1/3 cup coconut oil

-2 green grated apples

Directions:

1. Start by pre-heating the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray or oil a 12-count cupcake/muffin tin (can use liners if desired).

2. In a large bowl add all the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, all spice, cinnamon, salt and pecans). Whisk the contents together.

3. In a small bowl, add all the rest of the ingredients, besides the grated apples. Whisk the contents together until well combined.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Whisk together well.

5. Add the mixture to each individual cupcake/muffin tin. Fill all the way to the top.

6. Bake the muffins for 6 minutes 425 degrees F. At 6 minutes, turn the oven to 325 degress F and let the muffins cook for an additional 19-20 minutes. Use the toothpick test to check the muffins and see if they are done.

7. Let the muffins cool in the tin and then remove.