Looking for a cozy and delicious treat? These Cinnamon Apple Muffins are the perfect choice. With their warm cinnamon flavor and juicy apple bits, these muffins are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
Why These Cinnamon Apple Muffins are the Best
Warm and Comforting: The combination of cinnamon and apple creates a warm, comforting flavor in every bite.
Beautiful Presentation: The golden-brown tops and visible apple bits make these muffins a showstopper.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these muffins perfect even for beginners.
These Cinnamon Apple Muffins are a celebration of classic fall flavors. The sweet, spiced aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible. The tender crumb and juicy apple pieces make each bite a delightful experience.
Ingredient Notes
Apple Cinnamon Muffins:
- Baking apples (peeled, cored, and finely chopped): Provide natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins, while the tartness balances the spices.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Add texture and heartiness, while giving the muffins a chewy, wholesome bite.
- Ground nutmeg: Contributes a warm, nutty flavor that complements the apples and cinnamon, adding depth to the spices.
- Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the muffins structure and moisture.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work as leavening agents, helping the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that pairs perfectly with apples, giving the muffins a warm, cozy flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter, providing structure while keeping the muffins tender.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the muffins are soft and flavorful.
- Plain yogurt (full-fat): Keeps the muffins moist and tender, while adding a slight tanginess that enhances the flavor of the apples and spices.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor, which complements the apples and cinnamon.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins, adding balance to the tart apples and warm spices.
Oat Streusel Topping (optional):
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a crumbly texture in the topping.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor to the streusel.
- All-purpose flour: Helps bind the topping together while adding a slight crunch.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Add texture and a bit of heartiness to the streusel.
- Cinnamon: Infuses the topping with warm, spicy flavor that complements the muffins.
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Apple Muffins
With Butter: Spread some butter on a warm muffin for a comforting treat.
Paired with Coffee: Enjoy a muffin with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack.
Garnished with Nuts: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
With Yogurt: Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
Tips for Making Perfect Cinnamon Apple Muffins
Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples will give the muffins the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until combined to avoid dense muffins.
Let the Muffins Cool Completely: Allow the muffins to cool completely before serving to ensure the best texture.
A Perfect Anytime Treat
These Cinnamon Apple Muffins are a delicious, cozy treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. Their warm flavor and beautiful presentation make them a standout snack that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just looking for a special treat, these muffins are sure to impress.
Be sure to check out these other delicious apple recipes!
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups baking apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped (2 apples)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup plain yogurt full-fat
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Oat Streusel Topping: (opt)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside for later.
- In a separate medium bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
- Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then mix in the yogurt until smooth.
- Gradually combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula. The batter will be thick, and it's okay if a little flour remains unmixed.
- Fold in the diced apples gently, taking care not to overmix the batter.
- Prepare a muffin tin with 12 cups, either by lining them with paper liners or spraying with nonstick spray. Divide the batter evenly, filling each cup about 85% full.
- For the oat streusel topping, mix together brown sugar, oats, flour, butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle generously over each muffin.
- Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.