Applesauce-Oatmeal Muffins

I enjoy a good bread or bread variation, which is why I enjoyed these muffins so much. They aren't your typical overly sweet, oily muffin, because in fact these muffins are sweetened only with applesauce (I used sweetened applesauce in mine) and fruit. And while they are quite soft, they have a great texture because of the amount of oatmeal and fruit in them. Plus, being an Eat Clean recipe they are quite healthy (although I admit I did alter the recipe slightly and smear mine with butter). 

Now on another topic, I must insist that you consider purchasing silicon muffin cups. No spraying, no muffin lost to a paper liner, and a hassle free clean up. Truly you just scoop in the batter without any kind of spraying or buttering; once the muffins or cupcakes are done, you just turn them over, your baked goodness slips right out, muffin cups into the dishwasher and wahlah, you are done. It is amazing!

Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

Recipe slightly adapted from The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook
Pictures by Caroline
Yields 12 muffins

Ingredients
1 cup dry old-fashioned oatmeal flakes
1 cup unsweetened applesauce (I used sweetened)
½ cup milk
2 egg whites
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¾ cup whole-wheat flour
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup dried cherries
¼ cup raisins
*I think a diced apple would also be a delicious addition to this recipe

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375°. Prepare muffin tin by lining with paper or silicon liners, or cooking spray.
2. Combine oatmeal, applesauce, milk, eggs, flax and oil in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl, combine dry ingredients, including dried fruit. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour wet ingredients into it. Stir until all ingredients are just combined.
3. Using a small ladle, fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 15 to 20 minutes. Cool on wire rack.