Apple and Blueberry Muffins (reduced sugar)

This healthy Apple and Blueberry Muffin (reduced sugar) recipe delivers delicious bites that are a guilt-free delight. Balancing the natural sweetness of fresh apples and tangy blueberries, these moist muffins are perfect for young and old. Ideal for breakfast, a wholesome snack or for lunchboxes, enjoy these easy-to-make baked treats.

There are so many benefits to making homemade Apple and Blueberry Muffins, rather than buying pre-made. This recipe reduces the sugar content without sacrificing taste. The mild sweetness of the apples complements the juicy blueberries, and so a whole lot of refined sugar isn’t needed. These moist apple blueberry muffins have such a great flavour! Homemade muffins are also free from preservatives and additives often found in commercial products. These are a much healthier alternative to many grocery store options. More cost-effective too! And when they’re so easy to make and freeze well, why wouldn’t you give them a try? You’re sure to love them.

What you need to make Apple and Blueberry Muffins

Just a few simple ingredients are needed for this healthy muffin recipe, most of which you’ll probably have in the fridge or pantry 😊.

Apple – Choose sweet red or pink varieties of apples, like Pink Lady, Fuji, Royal Gala, Red Delicious or similar.

Blueberries – Frozen or fresh blueberries work, though my preference is frozen. They mix beautifully through the batter.

Butter – I use unsalted.

Egg – For binding.

Milk – I use full-cream/whole milk as we fortunately have no dairy intolerances, but if you try this recipe with your preferred variety then please let me know how it goes!

Wholemeal flour – I use wholemeal/whole wheat flour, because where possible I like to use the least processed ingredient. You can substitute this with plain/all purpose flour. 

Baking powder – The raising agent. Not to be confused with baking soda!

Brown sugar – Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth of flavour to the muffins. Though not a lot is used in this recipe, it produces a more moist product than white sugar so try not to substitute.

How to make these delicious muffins

This is one of the easiest muffin recipes! These blueberry apple muffins can be in the oven within 3 to 4 minutes if using a thermo cooker, food processor or blender. Use it to chop the apple, then either set that aside and melt the butter in the thermo cooker, or add melted butter to the food processor or blender. Combine the butter with the egg, milk, flour, baking powder and sugar for just a second or two, you don’t want to over-mix. Then stir through the fruit. Spoon the muffin batter into a muffin tin, add one or two blueberries to the top of the muffins before popping in the oven, and then try to wait patiently as yummy baking aromas fill your kitchen 😋.

Of course, you can also make this apple blueberry muffin recipe by hand. You’ll just need to grate the apple by hand, and then use a good old fashioned wooden spoon to gently combine the ingredients 😁.

See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and detailed steps for both thermo cooker and conventional methods.

Serving and storing

A fresh muffin still warm from the oven is the absolute BEST! 😋 Simply serve these homemade apple blueberry muffins as they are, there’s no need for garnish!

Before storing, allow the muffins to cool completely. This prevents condensation and sogginess. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and eat them within 1-2 days if stored at room temperature. They should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. You can also refrigerate leftover muffins, individually wrapped in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. They don’t last that long in my house 🤣.

Looking for another easy muffin recipe for next time? Try these Healthier Raspberry and White Chocolate Muffins. They have a little more sugar thanks to white chocolate chips, but are oh so yummy! Or these Baby Banana Oat Mini Muffins are a better option for children under 12 months whose intake of foods with added sugars should be limited [1].

If you try these Apple and Blueberry Muffins, please leave a 🌟 star rating and a 📝 comment below. I hope your family loves them too! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest too for more delicious recipes.

Happy baking,

Chloe x

[1] Infant Feeding Guidelines: Summary, 2013, National Health and Medical Research Council.