Healthy Oat Muffins

I made these for breakfast as I am in a healthy fitness challenge.  I am usually skeptical of anything without white flour and lots of sugar.  But these were delicious and moist.  I should have only eaten 1, but ate 2 and my husband ate 3.  These are even kid approved give them a try.  I found the recipe here.  I did not have any applesauce on hand so I pureed a large apple with 1/2 cup water and a pinch of cinnamon and lemon juice.  Turned out perfect and Mel says they are great for freezing, so I think I will be putting some in the freezer for a healthy breakfast alternative.

Healthy Applesauce Oat Muffins

Yield: Makes 12 muffins

I always double this recipe because they freeze so well!

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled/old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons butter or coconut oil, melted
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins, optional

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease the muffin cups. Set aside..
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the oatmeal, applesauce, milk, egg, vanilla, butter and sugar. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt (and cranberries or raisins if using). Make a well in the center and pour in the applesauce mixture. Stir until just combined (don't overmix or the muffins will be dense and dry). The muffin batter texture might be a bit different (wetter?) than other muffin batters but no fear, carry on!
4. Distribute the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don't overbake or the muffins will be dry.
5. Remove the muffins to a rack to cool completely. Once cool, I place 6-9 muffins in a large freezer ziploc bag, suck all the air out (oh yes I do) and seal the bag, then freeze, pulling them out one by one to stick in my kids lunches or warm slightly for a snack.

http://www.melskitchencafe.com/

Nutrition Facts:
Without fruit, with 2% milk, and butter.
Calories 130.6
Total Fat 5.2
Sodium 153
Carbs 18.9
Sugars 8.3
Protein 2.6