Delicious & Healthy Apple Pumpkin Muffins with Caramel Drizzle | Your Go-To Low-Sugar Fall Recipe

Fall conjures images of crisp air, changing leaves, and the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods. While apples and pumpkins are classic seasonal stars, why choose one when you can combine their delightful flavors into a single, irresistible treat? We’re thrilled to share our recipe for fluffy, moist Apple Pumpkin Muffins, made even better with Stevia In The Raw®, a trusted zero-calorie sweetener. These delightful muffins perfectly capture the essence of autumn with every bite, offering a slightly sweet and satisfying experience, beautifully finished with a fun, optional caramel drizzle on top. They are not just delicious; they’re a healthier alternative that allows you to indulge without guilt, making them ideal for any fall gathering, a quick breakfast, or simply a cozy afternoon treat.

Our secret to keeping these seasonal delights light and guilt-free lies in Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag. This incredible zero-calorie sweetener is derived from the sweet leaves of the stevia plant, offering a natural way to enjoy the sweetness you crave without the added sugar or calories. What makes Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag particularly convenient for home bakers is its innovative cup-for-cup measurement with sugar. This means you can seamlessly integrate it into almost any recipe to significantly reduce sugar content and overall calories without needing complex conversions. Simply put, 1 cup of Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag provides the same sweetness as 1 cup of sugar, simplifying your baking process and supporting your healthy lifestyle goals.

While Stevia In The Raw® excels at delivering sweetness, sugar plays a crucial role in the texture and appearance of baked goods, contributing to proper browning, rising, and caramelizing. Therefore, for optimal baking results, especially when aiming for that perfect golden crust and delightful chewy texture, it is recommended to replace about half of the sugar in a recipe with Stevia In The Raw®. This balanced approach ensures you still get the desired structural qualities and browning from some sugar, while drastically cutting down on overall sugar intake. By making this simple swap, you can save up to 700 calories for every cup of sugar replaced, making your favorite baked treats much lighter and healthier. This makes it an excellent choice for health-conscious bakers looking to reduce their sugar consumption and enjoy their sweet indulgences responsibly.

Beyond their amazing taste and ease of preparation, these Apple Pumpkin Muffins are a smart choice for a healthier lifestyle. Each muffin contains only 120 calories and a mere 8 grams of sugar, a stark contrast to typical bakery muffins that can pack up to 40 grams of sugar or more. This makes them an ideal option for anyone looking to manage their sugar intake without sacrificing flavor or the joy of a sweet treat. Whether you’re adhering to a specific diet, monitoring blood sugar levels, or simply aiming for a more balanced approach to snacking, these homemade muffins deliver a satisfying experience without the guilt. By choosing to bake these at home, you gain full control over the ingredients, ensuring a wholesome and delicious outcome every time. Go ahead and bake some up today; we promise you will absolutely love these healthy and flavorful fall muffins!

Three Compelling Reasons to Make These Healthy Apple Pumpkin Muffins Today!

These healthy Apple Pumpkin Muffins are more than just a delicious seasonal treat; they offer significant benefits that make them a standout recipe. Here are three compelling reasons why you should add them to your baking rotation this fall and beyond:

1. Apple Pumpkin Muffins help keep your sugar intake in check.

One of the most compelling reasons to bake these muffins is their ability to help you manage your sugar intake effectively. By utilizing Stevia In The Raw®, you get to enjoy a wonderfully sweet snack that satisfies your cravings without the usual sugar overload. This isn’t just about cutting calories; it’s about breaking the cycle of sugar highs and crashes, and ultimately reducing your overall reliance on excessive sugars. High sugar consumption is linked to various health issues, and by opting for a lower-sugar alternative like these muffins, you’re making a conscious choice for your well-being. Enjoying a naturally sweet treat like these muffins can genuinely help curb those persistent sugar cravings, supporting a healthier diet and lifestyle without feeling deprived. It’s a smart way to indulge responsibly and deliciously.

2. Without the use of protein powder, these muffins are naturally high in protein and low in fat.

Despite being a delightful baked good, these Apple Pumpkin Muffins offer a surprisingly favorable nutritional profile. Each muffin boasts 3 grams of protein and a mere 1 gram of fat, all achieved without the addition of any protein powder. This natural protein boost, largely from the eggs and flour, helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer, making these muffins a more satisfying and nutritious choice compared to many other baked treats that are often high in unhealthy fats and refined sugars. Protein is essential for sustained energy, muscle maintenance, and overall satiety, helping to prevent those mid-morning slumps. Meanwhile, keeping the fat content low aligns with many healthy eating goals, making these muffins perfect for a guilt-free breakfast or a wholesome snack to fuel your day.

3. Even if it’s not Autumn, they’re still a delicious and healthy treat you can enjoy year-round.

While these muffins perfectly capture the essence of autumn with their warm spices and comforting flavors, their core ingredients—fresh apples and canned pumpkin puree—are readily available throughout the year. This means you can enjoy this healthy and delicious treat anytime, regardless of the season! There’s no need to wait for September to roll around to savor these delightful muffins. They are incredibly versatile, serving as a quick and wholesome breakfast-on-the-go when you’re rushing out the door, a satisfying mid-morning snack to curb hunger pangs, or even a healthier after-school option for kids that they’ll love. Their delightful flavor profile and impressive nutritional benefits make them a fantastic addition to any meal plan, offering a taste of fall comfort whenever you desire. Stock up on ingredients and enjoy these wholesome muffins year-round!

Gather Your Ingredients for These Flavorful Apple Pumpkin Muffins:

Crafting these delicious and healthy Apple Pumpkin Muffins requires a simple list of readily available ingredients. You’ll find most of these staples already in your pantry or easily at your local grocery store, ensuring a hassle-free baking experience. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to create a batch of 12 perfectly baked, moist, and flavorful muffins:

• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup liquid egg whites
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag
• ¾ cup canned pure pumpkin puree
• ⅓ cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1 medium apple, peeled and shredded
• 1.5 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons Smuckers sugar-free caramel sauce

How to Bake Perfect Apple Pumpkin Muffins: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple, easy-to-understand instructions to create a batch of delicious and moist Apple Pumpkin Muffins. This recipe is straightforward, perfect for bakers of all skill levels, and yields 12 delightful muffins ready to enjoy in just over 30 minutes of total time. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the wonderful aromas of fall!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a regular 12-cup muffin tin by spraying it generously with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step will help prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your perfectly baked muffins.
2. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the whole eggs and liquid egg whites until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration helps create a tender muffin texture. Gradually add in the brown sugar and Stevia In The Raw®, continuing to mix for an additional 1-2 minutes until well combined and creamy.
3. Next, incorporate the wet ingredients: beat in the pure pumpkin puree, unsweetened apple sauce, the shredded apple, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, fragrant batter base that promises rich flavor.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gently add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and often preferred.
5. Scoop the muffin batter evenly into the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full. For the caramel drizzle, pour the Smuckers sugar-free caramel sauce into a small ziplock bag and snip off one tiny corner with scissors. Drizzle the caramel artistically over the tops of each of the 12 muffins.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

This recipe yields 12 delicious muffins. Here’s the nutrition information for 1 muffin:

Calories 120, Fat 1 g, Saturated fat 0.3 g, Carbs 26 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Sugars 8.5 g, Sodium 176 mg, Protein 3 g.

Weight Watchers Points for Apple Pumpkin Muffins

For those following the Weight Watchers program, these Apple Pumpkin Muffins are an absolute game-changer. Calculated at just 3 points per muffin using the WW app recipe creator, they fit seamlessly into a points-based diet. This remarkably low point value allows you to enjoy a delicious, satisfying treat without derailing your progress towards your health and wellness goals. We’ve even provided a breakdown of individual ingredient points for transparency and flexibility, helping you understand how each component contributes to the overall value. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting fall flavor while staying on track with your health and wellness journey. Indulge wisely!

• Eggs: 0 points
• Egg whites: 0 points
• Brown sugar: 16 points (for the ¼ cup total in the recipe)
• Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag: 0 points
• Canned pumpkin puree: 0 points
• Unsweetened apple sauce: 0 points
• Peeled, shredded apple: 0 points
• All purpose flour: 19 points (for the 1.5 cups total in the recipe)
• Baking powder: 0 points
• Baking soda: 0 points
• Cinnamon: 0 points
• Vanilla: 0 points
• Smuckers Sugar-free caramel sauce: 3 points (for the 2 tablespoons total in the recipe)

Based on the WW app recipe creator, these muffins come out to approximately 3 points per muffin.

If you’re using an older version of WW, check out these points below for reference:

3 SP blue, green & purple

2 PP each

Creative Variations: Different Ways to Customize Your Apple Pumpkin Muffins

One of the joys of home baking is the freedom to customize, and these Apple Pumpkin Muffins are wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these suggestions to put your own spin on this delightful recipe and tailor it to your personal taste or dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for extra sweetness, a spice boost, or a different format, these variations offer exciting possibilities:

• Keep the Caramel Drizzle: The sugar-free caramel sauce is optional, but it adds a lovely touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Interestingly, it doesn’t increase the WW points, so there’s no reason not to include this delicious drizzle for an extra layer of flavor and a gourmet finish!
• Add White Chocolate Chips: For an added layer of sweetness and a delightful texture contrast, consider folding in some Lily’s No Sugar Added White Chocolate Baking Chips into the batter. They melt beautifully and provide a rich, creamy element without adding extra sugar or significant calories.
• Spice it Up with Pumpkin Pie Spice: Instead of just cinnamon, try using a full teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice blend for an even more pronounced autumnal flavor. This blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, which will deepen the spice profile of your muffins and enhance their cozy fall essence.
• Bake as a Loaf: Transform this muffin recipe into a scrumptious loaf! Simply pour the entire batter into a standard loaf pan and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This makes for easy slicing and sharing, perfect for a breakfast or dessert bread.
• Introduce a Nutty Crunch: For added texture and flavor, mix in a ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter just before baking. These not only add a delightful crunch but also provide healthy fats and a boost of savory depth.
• Boost the Fruitiness: For an extra touch of natural sweetness and chewiness, incorporate a handful of dried cranberries or finely chopped dates into the batter. These dried fruits complement the apple and pumpkin beautifully.

Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Apple Pumpkin Muffins Every Time

Achieving perfect Apple Pumpkin Muffins every time is easier than you think with these expert tips and tricks. From preparation shortcuts to smart storage advice, these insights will ensure your muffins turn out beautifully, taste amazing, and stay fresh longer, ready for you to enjoy whenever you please. Master these simple techniques for a consistently delicious baking experience:

• Efficient Apple Shredding: If you own a food processor, use its shredding attachment for the apple. It makes the peeling and shredding process incredibly fast and ensures a consistent texture, saving you significant time and effort in the kitchen. This also helps to evenly distribute the apple flavor throughout each muffin.
• Avoid Muffin Liners: For this particular recipe, we strongly recommend against using paper muffin liners, as these muffins tend to stick to them quite a bit, making them difficult to remove cleanly. A good quality nonstick cooking spray, generously applied directly to the muffin tin cups, will work much better for easy release and a clean, intact finish.
• Mastering the Caramel Drizzle: While you could use a fork or spoon to drizzle the caramel sauce, using a small ziplock bag with a tiny snipped corner provides much better control. This method helps you achieve an even, attractive, thin drizzle without creating large, uneven globs that might not bake well or look as appealing. Precision in drizzling enhances the overall presentation.
• Proper Storage for Freshness: For optimal freshness and to prolong their shelf life, Apple Pumpkin Muffins are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator after the first couple of days. While they will keep well at room temperature for a day or two in an airtight container, refrigeration helps maintain their moisture and prevents spoilage for longer enjoyment.
• Freezing for Future Enjoyment: These muffins freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping healthy snacks or quick breakfasts! Once completely cooled, place them in ziplock freezer bags or an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Preventing Sinking Apples: If you find that your shredded apple tends to sink to the bottom of the muffins during baking, try this trick: toss the shredded apples with a tablespoon or two of the all-purpose flour from the recipe before adding them to the wet batter. The light flour coating helps the apple pieces to suspend more evenly throughout the muffin batter, ensuring fruit in every bite.

Explore More Healthy & Delicious Baking: Similar Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed baking and tasting these delightful Apple Pumpkin Muffins, we encourage you to explore more of our healthy and flavor-packed recipes. Expand your repertoire of guilt-free treats that are perfect for any occasion. Here are a few fantastic options from our collection that we think you’ll absolutely love:

• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
• Low-Calorie Blueberry Muffins
• Kodiak Cakes Muffins with Sprinkles