Are you ready to embark on a flavorful journey with these low carb apple muffins? Full of scrumptious apples and a hint of spice, these delicious muffins not only have a lower (Diabetic) Carb Count but are gluten-free as well.
I’ve always been a sucker for a good apple muffin, but the traditional recipes were just too high in carbs for my taste. So, after a few attempts in the kitchen experimenting, I finally nailed down this low-carb version that still manages to capture all the warm, comforting flavours you want in an apple muffin. l. They are perfect for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack, and I’m positive they will become a new favourite in your household too.
Packed with fibre, healthy fats, and the natural sweetness of apples, this healthy muffin recipe makes a tasty breakfast on the go, snack or low-carb dessert that everyone will enjoy. They are moist and light, gluten and refined sugar-free so they offer a lower overall carb count which can be a really helpful tool for your diabetes management strategy.
So, whether you’re managing diabetes or simply seeking a low carb muffin recipe, these tasty delights are a must-try!
Why you should try these Healthier Low Carb Apple Muffins
When it comes to managing diabetes, maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial. These Keto Apple Muffins have a low glycemic index, plenty of fibre and healthier fats to help maintain glucose levels.
But here are some other reasons why they make an ideal diabetic muffin and healthy treat:
1. Wholesome Ingredients – these muffins are packed with nutrient-rich ingredients.
Almond flour, a key player in this recipe, is a low-carb alternative to regular flour that offers healthy fats and protein. It also has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
Fresh apples, loaded with dietary fibre, provide natural sweetness without the sugar spike.
Oat Flour, adds extra fibre helping you to feel fuller for longer and slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing rapid blood sugar spikes
2. Fiber-Packed Goodness
Fiber is a diabetic’s best friend. The almond flour, real apple chunks and oat flour in these muffins deliver a hearty dose of fibre, helping to keep blood sugar levels stable.
3. Healthy Fats
Healthy fats, such as those found in almond flour, yoghurt and eggs, can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. These fats not only make the muffins moist and delicious but also support overall metabolic health.
4. Lowered Sugar Content
Traditional muffins are usually full of refined sugars. This recipe relies on a small amount of a natural sweetener, xylitol, which has a low glycaemic index and we have found that we do not need to carb count for it.
You can find a list of my recommended products that I use on my shop page!
To read more about baking with xylitol and diabetes management, read my article below:
Sugar Substitutes and Diabetes Management
The world of sugar substitutes and type 1 diabetes can be confusing. This guide explores substitutes in the UK and diabetes management
5. Customisable Flavours
While these Apple Muffins shine with the delightful taste of apples and a hint of cinnamon, you can get creative and add your favourite low-carb mix-ins like walnuts, pecans, seeds or even try a pumpkin spice mix for extra flavour and health benefits.
Make sure to read tasty toppings section for lots more ideas
Ingredients for low carb apple & Cinnamon Muffins
Almond flour/ground almonds
- Gluten-free and net carb count free
- This flour adds a lovely nutty flavour and is a great no carb-count option for cakes and bakes
- You can find a list of my recommended products that I use on my shop page!
Oat Flour
- A great source of dietary fibre and is higher in protein and healthy fat than most other grains. It also boasts a rich nutritional profile
- You can find a list of my recommended products that I use on my shop page!
Baking powder
- I use Gluten-free
- Essential for adding air and lightness to your bakes
Eggs
- A key component to any bake and should be free-range if you can
Xylitol
- A low GI natural sweetener
- You can find a list of my recommended products that I use on my shop page!
Greek yoghurt
- This helps to make these muffins super moist
Apple
- A great source of fibre and vitamin C
- They also have a low glycemic index which means the carbs enter the bloodstream more slowly than some other fruits.
Ground Cinnamon
- Has a warm sweet flavour and pairs beautifully with apple
How to make perfect DIabetic Friendly apple muffins
This muffin recipe is easy to make but it is made easier by using a stand mixer or electric whisk for the wet ingredients. This equipment helps to create extra rise and lightness to the muffins which I find hard to achieve making them manually.
Follow my step-by-step guide below to make a perfect batch of apple muffins:
Step1
Preheat the oven to 180 C and line your muffin tins with 12 cases
Step 2
In a bowl mix together the almond flour, oat flour baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and ground cinnamon.
Step 3
In another bowl, if using an electric whisk or the stand bowl for a stand mixer, whisk together the eggs, xylitol and yoghurt until the mixture is light yellow
Step 4
Grate the apples into the wet mixture and gently fold them in.
Do this on weighing scales so you can accurately carb count the amount of apple and make a note of the weight.
Step 5
Then mix in the dry flour mixture until fully blended, making sure not to overmix!
Step 5
Using 2 spoons, or my favourite tool a large cookie scoop, scoop the mixture evenly into your muffin cases.
Optional sprinkle over some sugar-free cinnamon mix – combine 1tsp cinnamon with 1 tsp of xylitol
Step 6
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
Leave to cool on a rack.
Tasty Topping ideas for your muffins
Tasty toppings can add an extra layer of flavour and texture to your low-carb apple muffins. Here are some delicious topping ideas to consider:
Add before baking:
- Cinnamon Streusel: Combine a couple of tbsps of almond flour, a little melted butter or coconut oil, a tsp of cinnamon, and a tsp of sweetener to create a crumbly, cinnamon-infused topping. This classic choice adds a delightful crunch and warmth to your muffins.
- Chopped Nuts: chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds not only provide a satisfying crunch but also bring a rich, nutty flavour that complements the apples beautifully.
- Extra Apple – Add a little extra stewed apple on the muffins to really enhance their appley flavours
- Shredded Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut over your muffins before baking for a tropical flair and a delightfully chewy texture.
- Fresh Fruit: Berries can be arranged on top of the muffin batter before baking for a burst of colour and freshness.
Add after baking when the muffins have cooled:
- Sugar free Caramel Sauce – This sauce was made for these muffins! swirl all over for an extra delicious sweet hit
- Cream Cheese Drizzle: Whisk together softened cream cheese with a bit of vanilla extract and a powdered sweetener of your choice. Drizzle this creamy concoction over your muffins for a decadent touch.
- Lemon Glaze: Combine fresh lemon juice and powdered xylitol to make a zesty glaze. The tangy-sweet contrast pairs wonderfully with the apple muffins’ natural sweetness.
- Nut Butter Swirl: Warm up some almond or peanut butter and swirl it on top of your muffins for a nutty and slightly savoury twist.
More Easy & Delicious Diabetic Recipes for BALANCED Blood SugARS:
Diabetes Note
These low carb apple muffins are gluten and refined sugar-free. The overall carb count is also dramatically lowered by switching out the traditional ingredients for almond flour and sugar alternatives instead.
We have found that by making some switches to reduce the carb count can ultimately help with overall blood glucose management.
Carb Counting
The overall carb count for a serving (one) apple cinnamon muffin with caramel drizzle based on the ingredients we would count is:
- 100g Olyke Oat Flour = 56.1g of carbs
- 75g Greek yoghurt = 3.2g of carbs
- 3 Red Apples (approx 280g grated) = 33g of carbs
Now add all the carbs together – 56.1+3.2+33 = 92.3g
Finally divide this by the recipe serving, 12 – 92/12 = 8g of carb per muffin
please note this carb count amount per portion is based on the standard ingredients listed above and may differ depending on what you use and how much you choose to eat.
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Low Carb Apple Muffins
Enjoy the comforting taste of fall with low-carb apple muffins. A healthier alternative that’s keto and diabetic-friendly.
12
servings20
minutes35
minutes55
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
250 g 250 almond flour
100 g 100 oat flour
2 tsp 2 baking powder (GF)
1/2 tsp 1/2 bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp 2 ground cinnamon
4 large 4 eggs, separated
100 g 100 xylitol
75 g 75 greek yoghurt
3 medium 3 apples, grated (approx 280g)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180 C and line your muffin tins with 12 cases
- In a bowl mix together the almond flour, oat flour baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and ground cinnamon.
- In another bowl, if using an electric whisk or the stand bowl for a stand mixer, whisk together the eggs, xylitol and yoghurt until the mixture is light yellow
- Grate the apples into the wet mixture and gently fold them in.
Do this on weighing scales so you can accurately carb count the amount of apple and make a note of the weight. - Then mix in the dry flour mixture until fully blended, making sure not to overmix!
- Using 2 spoons, or my favourite tool a large cookie scoop, add the mixture evenly into your muffin cases.
- Optional sprinkle over some sugar free cinnamon mix – combine 1tsp cinnamon with 1 tsp of xylitol
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Leave to cool on a rack.
Tips and Notes
- In this recipe, I use xylitol. A 1:1 substitute for sugar that is low GI and works brilliantly in cakes. If you prefer to use other sweeteners like sucralose or stevia, remember to convert your quantity. Most brands have this information on their websites.
- Storage – These will keep fresh in a sealed container for a few days.
- Diabetes Note – These low carb apple muffins are gluten and refined sugar-free. The overall carb count is also dramatically lowered by switching out the traditional ingredients for almond flour and sugar alternatives instead.
- See above for Carb Counting information
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