Name: Apple Beet Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup shredded cooked beets (about 2 small cooked beets); 2 cups shredded apples (about 2 apples, do not need to peel); 1 cup unsweetened applesauce; 2 eggs (beaten); ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons maple syrup (can substitute honey or extra applesauce); 2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring; 1.75 cups whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 8 reviews

There is something truly magical about these Apple Beet Muffins Recipe that makes them an absolute delight any time of the day. Combining the natural sweetness of shredded apples with the earthy, vibrant beets, these muffins burst with color, flavor, and nutrition in every bite. They are moist, tender, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, making them an irresistible treat whether you need a wholesome breakfast, a midday snack, or a cozy dessert. Trust me, once you try this Apple Beet Muffins Recipe, it will become a favorite in your kitchen that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl with two dark purple beets inside, showing a smooth and shiny texture. Near it, there are two red apples with yellow gradients near the stem, both round and glossy. A small white container filled with light brown apple sauce sits in front of the apples. To the left, two brown eggs rest in a small wooden tray with natural wood grain patterns. There are also three containers near the bottom left holding different liquids: a metal cup with green olive oil, a black bowl with a darker liquid, and a small cup with honey, appearing golden and translucent. On the right, a large white bowl with a brown rim is filled with white flour, with cinnamon and white baking powder stacked in small piles on top. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the wonderful harmony of its ingredients. Every component plays an important role — from the juicy apples adding moisture and sweetness, to the earthy beets bringing a stunning color and subtle richness. These easy-to-find ingredients come together to create muffins that are both delicious and nutritious.

Cooked beets, shredded: About 1 cup of your choice—freshly steamed, roasted, or pre-cooked beets add wonderful earthiness and a vibrant red hue.
Shredded apples: 2 cups of unpeeled apples provide natural sweetness and a slight tartness that balances the flavors.
Unsweetened applesauce: One cup adds moisture and keeps the muffins tender without extra sugar.
Eggs, beaten: Two eggs help bind the batter and provide richness and structure.
Extra virgin olive oil: A third of a cup offers healthy fats and maintains moisture without overpowering the flavors.
Maple syrup: Three tablespoons bring gentle sweetness and depth—you can swap for honey or more applesauce if needed.
Vanilla flavoring: Two teaspoons to enhance the sweetness and add a warm aroma.
Whole wheat flour: 1.75 cups adds hearty texture and a nutty taste, making these muffins wholesome.
Baking powder: One teaspoon helps the muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
Baking soda: One teaspoon balances acidity and assists with leavening for a perfect crumb.
Cinnamon: Two teaspoons add cozy spice that complements the apples and beets perfectly.
Salt: Half a teaspoon enhances all the flavors without being noticeable on its own.

How to Make Apple Beet Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beets

If you’re not starting with pre-cooked beets, you’ll want to cook them first by steaming, roasting, or boiling until tender. This prep step is essential because raw beets won’t soften enough in the muffin batter and their natural sweetness won’t shine through.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep Muffin Pan

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin pan with paper liners or grease it well if using a metal pan. This setup ensures your muffins will slide out easily after baking and have perfect edges.

Step 3: Shred the Beets and Apples

Using a hand grater or food processor, shred the cooked beets and fresh apples. Keeping the apple skins gives a bit of extra texture and nutrients, plus that lovely speckled look inside the muffins.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, beaten eggs, olive oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. This blend creates the moist and flavorful base for the muffin batter.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these together to evenly distribute the rising agents and spices.

Step 6: Create the Batter

Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the muffins tender and light.

Step 7: Fold in Shredded Beets and Apples

Gently fold the shredded beets and apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking down too much. This step is key to maintaining texture and bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 8: Fill Muffin Pan and Bake

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—this ensures perfect doneness without overbaking.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the pan before removing to a wire rack. Letting them cool slightly helps them set and makes them easier to enjoy without crumbling.

How to Serve Apple Beet Muffins Recipe

The image shows six round muffins with a rough, crumbly texture and a mix of light brown and reddish-purple colors throughout, indicating bits inside the batter. Two of the muffins are halved, showing a moist, dense interior with visible reddish-purple fruit or vegetable pieces unevenly spread in layers inside. Small cubes of the same reddish-purple item are scattered around the muffins on a white marbled surface. The overall look is rustic and homemade, with a natural uneven top on each muffin. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These muffins are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a light spread of cream cheese, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for extra crunch. Fresh apple slices or a dusting of cinnamon sugar make charming garnishes that bring out the warm spices within.

Side Dishes

Apple Beet Muffins shine alongside a hot cup of herbal tea or your favorite coffee. If serving at breakfast or brunch, pair them with yogurt mixed with a dash of cinnamon and a handful of granola for a balanced, satisfying meal. They also work wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad to contrast their hearty texture with juicy brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests or make a lovely gift, wrap these muffins individually in parchment tied with twine or arrange them in a rustic basket lined with a cloth napkin. You can also top them with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider for that extra-special look and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Apple Beet Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and moist, ready whenever hunger strikes.

Freezing

Apple Beet Muffins freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or box. They keep well for up to three months, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute treats.

Reheating

To enjoy thawed muffins, warm them briefly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until heated through. This revives their soft texture and brings out their fragrant spices just like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use raw beets instead of cooked ones in this Apple Beet Muffins Recipe?

It’s best to use cooked beets for this recipe because raw beets are too firm and won’t soften enough during baking. Cooking them first also brings out their natural sweetness, which complements the apples perfectly.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or honeycrisp apples provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the beets and maple syrup. However, feel free to experiment with your favorites based on your taste preferences.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust the amount slightly to get the right batter consistency.

Can I replace the olive oil with another fat?

Absolutely. Mild-tasting oils like avocado or melted coconut oil will work well. Avoid strong-flavored oils as they might overpower the delicate flavors of the muffins.

How can I make these muffins sweeter if I prefer?

If you have a sweet tooth, you can increase the maple syrup slightly or add a bit of brown sugar to the dry ingredients. Just be mindful not to add too much or it can affect the texture.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this Apple Beet Muffins Recipe will open the door to a wonderful fusion of flavors and colors that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a new wholesome treat, these muffins are easy to make and delightful to share. Go ahead—bake a batch, savor each bite, and watch them become a beloved classic in your household!