Pin It Tender, festive muffins swirled with cinnamon and topped with a crunchy streusel & lighter in calories but full of holiday flavor.
This recipe always brings warmth to our holiday mornings & is a family favorite.
Ingredients
- Muffin Batter: 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar packed, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup (60 ml) light olive oil or melted coconut oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-fat milk
- Cinnamon Swirl: 2 tbsp (30 g) light brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Streusel Topping: 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp (25 g) light brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp (28 g) cold unsalted butter diced
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, whisk applesauce, Greek yogurt, oil, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 5:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Step 6:
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Sprinkle each with about 1/2 tsp of the cinnamon swirl, then top with the remaining batter. Use a toothpick to gently swirl.
- Step 7:
- For the streusel, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the muffins.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 2022 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 9:
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pin It Sharing these muffins at holiday breakfasts creates treasured family memories & laughter.
Notes
For extra festive flair, add 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries or walnuts to the batter. Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for added fiber. Serve warm for best flavor.
Required Tools
12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, fork or pastry blender, wire rack
Nutritional Information
Calories: 165, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 3 g per muffin
Pin It These lightened coffee cake muffins bring holiday joy with a healthier touch.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes these muffins lighter than traditional versions?
The use of applesauce, low-fat Greek yogurt, and light olive or coconut oil reduces fat and calories while maintaining moistness.
- → How is the cinnamon swirl created in the muffins?
A mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon is gently swirled into the muffin batter before baking, adding a sweet-spiced ribbon inside.
- → Can I add nuts or dried fruit to these muffins?
Yes, adding chopped dried cranberries or walnuts enhances flavor and texture with a festive touch.
- → What is the purpose of the streusel topping?
The streusel, made of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter, adds a crunchy, sweet contrast to the soft muffin crumb.
- → How should these muffins be stored for best freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate if longer storage is needed.