With an easy one-bowl method and the most delicious flavor, these easy Oatmeal Muffins are nutritious and so yummy. This easy kids breakfast or toddler snack (that we parents can share) is ready in under 30 minutes!

oatmeal muffins on wire rack.

I love a toddler muffin recipe that is as yummy as it is nutritious, and these Oatmeal Muffins combine the best of both worlds. They have a solid dose of oatmeal for fiber, whole grains, and complex carbohydrates, yet are naturally sweet and tender—like a classic muffin should be.

We love these as a toddler breakfast, an easy toddler lunch idea, or as an after school snack. They pair well with diced fruit, an applesauce pouch, or a yogurt tube—or with whatever random sides you happen to have on hand.

Plus, you can even make them ahead and store them for a few days at room temperature, almost a week in the refrigerator, or longer in the freezer. So good!

(You may also like Apple Oatmeal Muffins, Applesauce Muffins, Spinach Muffins, Oatmeal Banana Muffins, and Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins.)

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at what you need to make this oatmeal muffin recipe so you know what to have on hand and ready to go.

  • Applesauce: I start with a base of unsweetened smooth applesauce in this recipe to add sweetness and tenderness. You can use store-bought or homemade applesauce, as you like.
  • Milk: I bake and cook with whole milk dairy milk, but any type of milk is fine here, including dairy-free milk.
  • Butter: I prefer to bake with unsalted butter so I can control the added salt, so that’s what I use here.
  • Egg: I use large eggs in my baking, which typically measure about ¼ cup each.
  • Oats: We use rolled oatmeal or “old-fashioned oats” in this recipe which are easily available in the cereal aisle. They go into the batter raw, but soften nicely as the muffins bake.
  • Sugar: I prefer to sweeten this recipe just slightly with a modest amount of granulated sugar. If you prefer, you can use the same amount of honey (for kids over age 1) or maple syrup. Or, you can omit the sweetener entirely.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: Using fresh, active leavening agents is key to having muffins that rise as intended and bake through evenly, so be sure to check before you start baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below is an overview of how to make these Easy Oatmeal Muffins so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full recipe, including the amounts and the timing.

Wet ingredients for oatmeal muffins in glass bowl with whisk.

Step 1. Whisk together the applesauce, milk, butter, egg, and vanilla.

Batter for oatmeal cookies in glass bowl.

Step 2. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk to combine into a thick batter.

oatmeal muffins in muffin pan before baking.

Step 3. Divide the batter among the prepared muffin tin.

Oatmeal muffins in baking pan after baking.

Step 4. Bake and then cool completely before serving or storing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret to moist muffins?

A combination of the correct amount of leavening, a little sugar, and applesauce adds moisture to this recipe.

Why are oatmeal muffins good for you?

The fiber and complex carbohydrates in this kids muffin recipe is a nutritious option for an easy breakfast, snack, or kids lunch.

What type of oatmeal is best in oatmeal muffins?

I prefer to use rolled oatmeal, which are sometimes called old-fashioned oats, in this recipe. You can substitute quick oats if you want, too.

How to Store

Store cooled oatmeal muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or about a week in the fridge.

You can also freeze muffins for up to 6 months. Try to remove as much air as possible from the bag to reduce the amount of potential for freezer burn and ice crystals forming on the muffins.

Oatmeal muffin on kids plate with strawberries.

Best Tips for Success

  • Dairy-free: Use vegetable, avocado, or coconut oil in place of the butter and nondairy milk.
  • Gluten-free: Use an all-purpose gluten-free flour.
  • Egg-free: Omit the egg. Add 2 tablespoons additional milk. Proceed with the recipe. (The muffins may be a little more tender than with the egg.)
  • You can lower the sugar in the muffins to ¼ cup, though I have found that the ⅓ cup listed in the recipe is my preference for both flavor and texture.
  • This recipe has the best texture when made with granulated sugar, rather than maple syrup or honey.
  • My Mini Blueberry Muffins are a yummy option, too.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!

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oatmeal muffins on wire rack.

Favorite Oatmeal Muffins

With an easy one-bowl method and the most delicious flavor, these Oatmeal Muffins are nutritious and so yummy.
5 from 9 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Breakfast
Calories 128kcal
Servings 12 (Makes 24 mini muffins)

Ingredients

  • ½ cup applesauce
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
  • 1 egg (lightly beaten)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • cups whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray. (I do not recommend using paper liners with this recipe as they are likely to stick.)
  • Add the applesauce, milk, butter, egg, and vanilla to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine well.
  • Add the flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Whisk to combine into a thick batter.
  • Divide the batter among the prepared muffin tin, using about ¼ cup batter in each cup.
  • Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until puffed up, golden brown, and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for a minute or two. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, as needed, then transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or about a week in the fridge.
  • Dairy-free: Use vegetable, avocado, or coconut oil in place of the butter and nondairy milk.
  • Gluten-free: Use an all-purpose gluten-free flour.
  • Egg-free: Omit the egg. Add 2 tablespoons additional milk. Proceed with the recipe. (The muffins may be a little more tender than with the egg.)
  • You can lower the sugar in the muffins to ¼ cup, though I have found that the ⅓ cup listed in the recipe is my preference for both flavor and texture.
  • This recipe has the best texture when made with granulated sugar, rather than maple syrup or honey.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 muffin, Calories: 128kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 140mg, Potassium: 88mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 159IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 43mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

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5 from 9 votes

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Ummm…WHAT!? These are amazing. Just made a batch for the kids but had to taste test one myself (of course). SO DELICIOUS! Now to somehow not eat the rest of them…
    A simple recipe that delivers incredible results. Thank you!

  2. 5 stars
    Can’t wait to try these out! Love the simple ingredients, have you tried adding raisins? If so how much would be good to mix in?

  3. 5 stars
    These are insanely delicious! I am a huge fan of yours and I have to admit, that I was a bit skeptical of this recipe purely based on the simplicity of ingredients. I mean- how delicious can oats, whole what flour and applesauce really taste? Shame on me for doubting you! The combination is absolutely perfect.
    I added chia, hemp seeds and some butternut squash to kick up the nutrition bc sometimes my kids eat your muffins as their main entree. They both devoured 2 each and now I’m trying to keep my husband from pawing at his 3rd! Will have to bake another batch tomorrow. Thanks for another winner!

  4. Have you posted these on your instagram yet? I was looking for them but couldn’t find them. They look great!