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Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe because it’s like a warm hug in every bite. The tender crumb combined with just the right touch of cinnamon and fresh apple grated right in makes these muffins incredibly cozy and comforting. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast on a chilly fall morning or grabbing one as a quick snack, you’ll find these muffins hit that perfect sweet spot without being overwhelming.

When I first tried this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe, I was amazed by how simple and fast it was to pull together. You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients, and the results are consistently fluffy, moist, and bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a family favorite because they’re that reliable and delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: You probably already have these pantry staples on hand, making this recipe super accessible.
  • Quick Prep Time: You’ll whip these up in under 10 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute treats.
  • Moist & Flavorful: The combination of grated apple and cinnamon creates a wonderfully moist muffin with a subtle spice.
  • Kid-Approved: My family goes crazy for this recipe—especially the kids asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe works well because each ingredient plays a role in balancing moisture, sweetness, and texture. The grated apple adds natural juiciness while cinnamon brings that perfect spice note, so be sure to use fresh and good-quality components.

  • All-purpose flour: A versatile base that keeps the texture tender without being too dense.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins just enough without overpowering the apple flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • Baking powder: Your rising agent to get fluffy, light muffins every time.
  • Oil (vegetable or canola): Keeps the muffins moist; I like canola because it’s neutral in flavor.
  • Egg: Gives structure and helps bind everything together.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and ensures the batter mixes smoothly.
  • Granny Smith apple (grated): Tart, fresh, and juicy, this is the heart of the flavor here.
  • Ground cinnamon: For that classic warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the apple.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is — you can easily tailor it to what you have on hand or tweak it to suit your dietary needs. I often experiment with swapping out ingredients to keep things interesting or accommodate what my family prefers.

  • Whole wheat flour: I’ve swapped in half whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and more fiber without losing that fluffiness.
  • Maple syrup instead of sugar: Gives a richer sweetness and adds depth when you want something a little different.
  • Add chopped nuts or raisins: My kids love the extra texture and surprise sweet bites with raisins or crunchy walnuts.
  • Dairy-free milk alternative: Use almond or oat milk to keep it vegan-friendly if needed.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before anything, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it. I find it saves time when I measure and prep everything first, especially grating the apple fresh—this is what brings the muffins their lovely moist texture and bright flavor.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk all your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon—until evenly combined. This step ensures your muffins will rise evenly and have consistent flavor. Don’t skip it!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately

Pour the oil into a 1-cup measuring cup, crack in your lightly beaten egg, then fill up with milk to the 1-cup line. Beat this mixture gently until everything is combined thoroughly. This little trick ensures your wet ingredients blend perfectly before going into the dry mix.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, Then Add Apples

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon. You want to combine just until everything is moistened; don’t over mix or your muffins will turn out tough. Then fold in the grated apple — here’s where the magic happens, adding bursts of flavor and moisture.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Tin and Bake

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. I usually start checking around the 15-minute mark to avoid over baking—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Once out of the oven, let the muffins cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

  • Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the ingredients come together; overmixing leads to dense, chewy muffins.
  • Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples provide a nice tang that balances the sweetness and keeps muffins from getting soggy.
  • Check Early: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking muffins a few minutes before the timer’s up to avoid drying them out.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your egg and milk close to room temp helps the batter come together smoothly and rise well.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

The image shows 11 light yellow muffins with a soft texture and a slightly rounded top, each in white paper cups. Seven muffins are arranged on a wooden board with a smooth brown grain, while four muffins are placed directly on a white marbled surface. Three cinnamon sticks with a rich brown color lie around the muffins on the marbled surface. In the background, there are three green apples with a shiny skin, sitting on the same white marbled surface. The whole scene is bright and clean, with soft natural light highlighting the muffins and their surroundings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right before baking for a lightly crunchy, sweet crust—it really elevates the experience. Sometimes, a dollop of softened butter or a smear of cream cheese on a warm muffin is all you need to take it over the top.

Side Dishes

For breakfast, I often pair these muffins with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. They also go really well alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to make it a well-rounded morning meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Here’s a fun trick I’ve done for special brunches: arrange the muffins on a tiered cake stand, garnished with thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick for a cozy autumn vibe. It’s a simple way to make your spread feel extra special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay moist and delicious for up to four days, making them a great grab-and-go snack throughout the week.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop the muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven for 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked feel and softness. A quick reheat and they’re good as new!

FAQs

  1. Can I substitute the oil with butter in this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute oil with melted butter for a richer flavor. Keep the same measurement, but make sure the butter is cooled slightly before mixing. Using butter may make the muffins a bit denser but adds a wonderful buttery taste.

  2. What is the best way to grate apples for this recipe?

    I recommend using the fine side of a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Be sure to grate the apple fresh right before mixing to prevent browning and preserve moisture and flavor.

  3. Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh in this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe?

    Fresh apples work best to maintain the right texture without excess moisture. Frozen apples tend to release more water, which can make the batter too wet. If using frozen, thaw and drain well before adding, but I suggest fresh for best results.

  4. How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?

    Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin — if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, they’re done. Also, the tops should be golden and spring back lightly when touched.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so straightforward yet yields incredibly delicious results every single time. I love sharing it with friends and family — it feels like giving a little moment of comfort and joy. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these muffins as much as I do; once you try them, I’m sure you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again.

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Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 132 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins (12 servings)
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these moist and flavorful Apple Cinnamon Muffins, perfect for a cozy breakfast or a quick snack. Made with grated Granny Smith apples and a touch of cinnamon, these muffins offer a sweet and slightly tart taste combined with a tender crumb. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they are sure to become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons Granny Smith apple, grated


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour the oil into a 1-cup glass measuring cup. Beat the egg lightly and add it to the oil. Then fill the measuring cup with milk up to the 1-cup mark. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
  4. Mix Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender. Fold in the grated Granny Smith apple and cinnamon, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  5. Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
  6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  7. Serve and Store: Let the muffins cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Apple cinnamon muffins are a perfect breakfast on a crisp fall morning or a convenient and tasty after-school snack.
  • Use Granny Smith apples for a nice tart contrast, but feel free to substitute with other apple varieties depending on your taste preference.
  • Do not overmix the batter to ensure muffins remain light and fluffy.
  • These muffins can be stored in the refrigerator for longer freshness, or freeze for extended storage.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 172 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 106 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.03 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 14 mg

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