Applesauce Spice Muffins

HomeClinics & ProgramsELLICSR KitchenApplesauce Spice Muffins

Skill Level	Easy

Preparation Time	10 minutes	Total Time	30 minutes
Servings	12 muffins	Cost Per Serving	$0.43

1 cup	Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1/3 cup	Wheat Germ
1/2 cup	Ground Flax, Chia Seeds or Hemp Hearts
1 tsp	Ground Cinnamon
1/4 tsp each	Ground Cloves, Ground Allspice
1 tsp	1/4 tsp each
1/4 tsp	Baking Powder
3/4 tsp	Salt
1	Egg
1/3 cup	Water
1/4 cup	Grape Seed Oil
12	Dates, pitted and chopped
1/3 cup	Pecans, chopped (optional)
1/3 cup	Brown Sugar or Honey (if using honey, don't add the extra 2 tbsp of applesauce)
1 cup + 2 tbsp	Unsweetened Applesauce

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix all the dry ingredients except for the dates and pecans in a large bowl.
Combine the liquid ingredients well in a separate bowl.
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir in the dates and pecans until just blended.
Divide the batter among 12 large muffin cups. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the pan and cool.

PDF link to nutrition facts for Applesauce Spice Muffins

These muffins are high in fibre, which can help prevent and manage constipation.
Ground flaxseed, chia seeds and hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Applesauce helps lower the fat used in these muffins. It also adds moisture, making them softer and easier to swallow.
The spices and sweetness in this recipe can be adjusted based on taste changes. If food tastes too bitter, add something sweet. If food tastes bland or has no taste, add extra spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
These muffins freeze well and can be made ahead, which makes this a great recipe for caregivers to prepare for their loved ones.
Try making mini-muffins! This can help control portion size for people who are trying not to gain weight. A smaller muffin size can also help those with smaller appetites, because large amounts of food can be overwhelming.