Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together thoroughly to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, and pure maple syrup until fully combined and smooth in texture.
Carefully pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruit to enhance flavor and texture.
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup approximately two-thirds full with the batter to allow space for rising.
In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of sugar with one teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the topping. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the filled muffin cups for an added sweet finish.
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean when the muffins are ready.
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely and enhance their fluffy texture.
Notes
Serve warm with maple syrup or nut butter for an extra treat.