Save Tender, festive muffins swirled with cinnamon and topped with a crunchy streusel lighter in calories but full of holiday flavor.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and lightness, making it a family favorite every holiday season.
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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
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Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl whisk together flour granulated sugar brown sugar baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk applesauce Greek yogurt oil eggs vanilla and milk until smooth.
- Combine ingredients:
- Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Make cinnamon swirl:
- In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Assemble muffins:
- 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.
- Prepare streusel:
- 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.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool muffins:
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save This recipe brings back warm memories of holiday mornings shared with loved ones enjoying fresh muffins and hot coffee.
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Notes
For extra festive flair add 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries or walnuts to the batter. 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
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Enjoy these lightened muffins any time you desire a cozy festive treat with less guilt.
Kitchen Help
- → What makes these muffins lighter?
They use unsweetened applesauce, low-fat Greek yogurt, and light olive or coconut oil to reduce fat without sacrificing moisture.
- → How is the cinnamon swirl created?
A mixture of light brown sugar and cinnamon is added in layers and gently swirled into the batter before baking.
- → Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat adds fiber and a nuttier flavor without affecting texture much.
- → How should I store the muffins?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate to keep them fresh longer.
- → Are there any suggestions to enhance flavor?
Adding chopped dried cranberries or walnuts to the batter adds festive flavor and texture variations.
