Oatmeal-Pecan Muffins

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line cups with paper liners.

Step 2
Spread pecans on a baking sheet and place in the oven as it preheats. Watch carefully and cook pecans until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring occasionally, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove, and chop when cool enough to handle.

Step 3
Meanwhile, combine applesauce, vegetable oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, and egg in a large bowl; mix until thoroughly combined.

Step 4
Mix together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add applesauce mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until just moistened. Fold in oats, cranberries, and chopped pecans. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups.

Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven until tops spring back when lightly pressed, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in the tins for 5 minutes. Serve warm or transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.