Apple Peanut Protein Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein and fiber for lasting energy.
• Naturally sweetened with apples and honey or maple syrup.
• Great for meal prep and easy to freeze.
• Gluten-free and dairy-free options available.
• Perfectly moist with a nutty, apple-cinnamon flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rolled oats (or oat flour)
• Protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Eggs
• Natural peanut butter
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Honey or maple syrup
• Chopped apple (peeled if desired)
• Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
2. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine oats or oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
3. Mix the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, peanut butter, applesauce, honey, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
5. Fill the muffin tin. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
6. Bake. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and serve. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Serves: 12 muffins
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate chip version: Add dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs for extra flavor.
• Crunchy topping: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or granola on top before baking.
• Vegan option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk.
• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats and protein powder.
• Almond twist: Substitute almond butter for peanut butter and add sliced almonds.

Storage/Reheating

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, place cooled muffins in a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.

FAQs

What type of protein powder works best?

A whey or plant-based vanilla protein powder works best. Avoid overly sweetened powders to keep the flavor balanced.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter both work well as substitutes.

How do I make these muffins gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free oats or oat flour and ensure your protein powder is gluten-free.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of oats?

Yes, you can substitute 1:1 with whole wheat flour, though the texture will be denser.

Can I skip the protein powder?

Yes, replace it with an equal amount of oat flour or almond flour for structure.

What kind of apples should I use?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples hold their shape and add great flavor.

How do I keep the muffins moist?

Don’t overbake and make sure to use applesauce—it helps keep them tender and moist.

Are these muffins good for meal prep?

Yes, they store well and make great grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks.

Can I add nuts or seeds?

Absolutely. Chopped peanuts, walnuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds all add texture and nutrition.

How many grams of protein per muffin?

Each muffin contains about 8–10 grams of protein, depending on your protein powder brand.

Conclusion

Apple Peanut Protein Muffins are a delicious, nourishing way to start your day or refuel after a workout. With their soft, moist texture, nutty aroma, and natural sweetness from apples and honey, these muffins strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. Simple to make and great for meal prep, they’re sure to become a wholesome favorite in your kitchen.

Apple Peanut Protein Muffins

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Apple Peanut Protein Muffins are soft, wholesome, and protein-packed treats made with fresh apples, natural peanut butter, and a boost of protein powder. Perfect for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or healthy snacks on the go, they’re naturally sweetened and full of nutty, apple-cinnamon goodness.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins
• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats (or oat flour)
• 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 cup chopped apple (peeled if desired)
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats or oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, peanut butter, applesauce, honey, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in chopped apples.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use ripe, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best flavor.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts or granola on top before baking.
• To make vegan, use flax eggs and plant-based milk.
• These muffins freeze beautifully—perfect for meal prep.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 35mg