There’s something magical about the combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon baked into a soft, fluffy muffin. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a delightful treat to share, Apple Cinnamon Muffins are the perfect choice.
With a moist texture, bursts of fresh apple, and a hint of spice, these muffins capture the flavors of fall but are delicious enough to enjoy all year round. Plus, with the optional oat streusel topping, you get a slightly crunchy, buttery finish that makes each bite even more irresistible.
Let’s dive into how you can make the best Apple Cinnamon Muffins right in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Moist: Thanks to yogurt and butter, these muffins stay perfectly tender.
- Naturally Sweet & Spiced: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples adds warmth and depth.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with rolled oats, real apples, and minimal refined sugar.
- Perfect for Any Time of Day: Great for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
- Easy to Make: No special equipment needed—just a bowl, a whisk, and an oven!
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Baking apples (peeled, cored, chopped) | 2 cups (about 2 apples) | Use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for best flavor |
Old-fashioned rolled oats | 1 cup | Adds texture and fiber |
Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp | Enhances the warm spice profile |
Egg | 1 large | Helps bind the ingredients |
Baking powder | 1 tsp | Provides lift and fluffiness |
Ground cinnamon | 1 tbsp | The key warming spice |
All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Can substitute with whole wheat flour |
Unsalted butter | ½ cup, softened | Creates a rich, tender crumb |
Plain yogurt (full-fat) | 1 cup | Adds moisture and slight tang |
Brown sugar | ½ cup | Sweetens and adds depth |
Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | Balances flavors |
Salt | ¼ tsp | Enhances all the other flavors |
Baking soda | 1 tsp | Works with the yogurt to help the muffins rise |
Optional Oat Streusel Topping
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp | Adds richness and crunch |
Brown sugar | 3 tbsp | Sweetens the topping |
All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp | Helps create a crumbly texture |
Old-fashioned rolled oats | 3 tbsp | Adds a slight chewiness |
Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp | For extra warmth and spice |
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and yogurt, stirring until fully combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples—be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Prepare the Oat Streusel Topping (Optional)
- In a small bowl, mix together butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon until crumbly.
Step 4: Fill & Bake
- Spoon the batter into the muffin tins, filling each about ¾ full.
- If using the streusel topping, sprinkle it generously over each muffin.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Enjoy these muffins warm or at room temperature, with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Use the right apples – A balance of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) gives the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix – Overmixing leads to dense muffins instead of light, fluffy ones.
- Use full-fat yogurt – For the creamiest texture, avoid non-fat yogurt.
- Add nuts for crunch – Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Make them healthier – Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Variations and Substitutions
Make It Gluten-Free
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats.
Make It Dairy-Free
- Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free yogurt.
Add More Texture
- Stir in ½ cup of raisins, chopped pecans, or walnuts.
Try a Different Sweetener
- Use maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Health Benefits of Apple Cinnamon Muffins
These muffins don’t just taste great—they also pack some great nutritional benefits!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Muffin, Approximate)
Nutrient | Amount | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Calories | 180–220 | Provides energy |
Protein | 4–5g | Supports muscle health |
Fiber | 3–4g | Aids digestion |
Healthy Fats | 6–8g | Good for heart and brain function |
Vitamin C | High | Supports immune health |
Since these muffins use fresh apples, oats, and yogurt, they are a nutrient-rich option compared to store-bought muffins filled with preservatives and excess sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
2. Can I freeze apple cinnamon muffins?
Absolutely! Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
3. Can I make mini muffins instead?
Yes! Use a mini muffin tin and bake for 10–12 minutes.
4. What’s the best way to reheat these muffins?
Warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or toast them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
5. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes! You can reduce the sugar by half or replace some with honey or maple syrup.
6. Can I make these muffins without eggs?
Yes! Substitute the egg with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
Final Thoughts: Try These Apple Cinnamon Muffins Today!
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting, and delicious homemade treat, these Apple Cinnamon Muffins are perfect. Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, they’ll bring warmth and flavor to your day.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and start baking these delicious muffins today!
Apple Cinnamon Muffins: A Cozy, Delicious Treat for Any Occasion
Enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of apple and cinnamon in these moist and delicious muffins! Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins feature soft apples, aromatic spices, and a delightful oat streusel topping. Easy to make and irresistibly good!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups baking apples (peeled, cored, chopped)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
Optional Oat Streusel Topping:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with butter.
- Prepare the Muffin Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and yogurt until fully combined.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in chopped apples without overmixing.
- Prepare the Oat Streusel Topping (Optional):
- In a small bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon until crumbly.
- Fill & Bake:
- Spoon the batter into muffin tins, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Sprinkle streusel topping over each muffin (if using).
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or milk.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins soft and fluffy.
- To make these healthier, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- To freeze, place muffins in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.