Spent Grain Applesauce Muffins: Moist, Spiced, and Baked With Beer Grain Goodness

Spent Grain Applesauce Muffins are soft, warmly spiced, and naturally sweet — the kind of muffin that tastes like fall in every bite, but with a hearty malt twist from the spent grain left behind on brew day.

They’re easy to bake, freezer-friendly, and perfect for pairing with coffee, cider, or your favorite smooth amber ale.

Ingredients (Makes 12 standard muffins)

Dry Mix

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup spent grain (wet, well-drained, finely chopped if coarse)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Wet Mix

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup brown sugar or maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup melted butter or neutral oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 2 tbsp beer (amber ale or brown ale for warm malt body)

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
• ½ cup raisins or chopped dried apple
• ¼ cup oats or seeds for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line or grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
• In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
• In another, whisk applesauce, sugar/syrup, eggs, butter/oil, and vanilla (plus beer if using).

Step 2: Mix the Batter

• Stir spent grain into wet ingredients.
• Add dry mix to wet and stir until just combined.
• Fold in optional nuts or fruit. Batter will be thick and rustic.

Step 3: Bake

• Scoop batter into muffin cups, filling ¾ full. Top with oats or seeds if desired.
• Bake 18–22 minutes, until tops are set and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool 5–10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

Serve With

• Coffee, chai, or a smooth amber ale
• Warmed and spread with butter, nut butter, or apple butter
• On a brunch board with hard cheeses, apple slices, and jam

Storage

• Keeps 3–4 days airtight at room temp
• Freezes beautifully — reheat in oven or toaster for warm crunch

Beer Pairing

In the Mix

• Optional: splash of amber ale, brown ale, or cream ale
• Avoid hoppy or sour styles — they clash with sweet spice

In Your Glass

• Brown ale or Vienna lager for malty warmth
• Spiced winter ale or cider-style beer for seasonal pairing
• Blonde ale for light contrast
• Pumpkin ale or dunkel with nutty mix-ins

Final Thoughts

Spent Grain Applesauce Muffins are cozy, crumbly, and beer-savvy — turning leftovers from the kettle into something sliceable, spiced, and satisfying.

They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and built for slow mornings, snack breaks, or pairing with something cold and malty.

Cheers to cinnamon, grain, and beer in every bite! 🍎🍺🔥

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