Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Muffins You Must Try

 

Craving a warm, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the aroma of fall? Look no further! These Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Muffins are the perfect blend of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and fluffy muffin goodness. Inspired by cozy autumn mornings, these muffins are incredibly easy to make and will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s bake some magic!

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Muffins

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Perfectly Spiced: Aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg create a warm, inviting flavor.
• Moist & Fluffy: Every bite is soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Streusel Topping: Adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
• Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with the whole family.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch and enjoy them later.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite add-ins.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these amazing apple cinnamon muffins. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples! For the best flavor, use high-quality spices.

For the Muffins:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (113g)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180g)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (6g)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2g)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (1g)
• 1/2 cup milk (120ml)
• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 cup)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (50g)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed (28g)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2g)

For an extra layer of flavor, consider using brown butter in the muffin batter. The nutty notes complement the apple and cinnamon beautifully.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake – A delightful and wholesome breakfast option.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes baking a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need to bake these perfect apple cinnamon muffins.

• • Muffin tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect.
  • Muffin liners: Paper or silicone liners make for easy cleanup.
  • Mixing bowls: Various sizes for different components.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: For creaming butter and sugar.

this …

• Pastry blender (optional): For making the streusel topping.
• Wire rack: For cooling the muffins.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 33-35 minutes
• Servings: 12 muffins
• Difficulty: Easy

These apple cinnamon muffins are incredibly easy to scale up for a crowd. Simply double or triple the recipe, ensuring you have enough muffin tins!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious, homemade apple cinnamon muffins that everyone will adore. Don’t be intimidated – baking is fun!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for creating a tender crumb. An electric mixer works best, but you can also use a whisk and some elbow grease!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent rise. For an extra depth of flavour, lightly toast your cinnamon and nutmeg in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding to the flour.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough muffins.

Step 6: Fold in Apples

Gently fold in the diced apple. Distribute the apple evenly throughout the batter. Using a variety of apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp can add layers of flavour.

Step 7: Prepare Streusel Topping

Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure the butter is cold; this creates the perfect crumbly texture. Alternatively, pulse ingredients in a food processor.

Step 8: Fill Muffin Liners

Fill each muffin liner about 2/3 full with batter. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.

Step 9: Add Streusel Topping

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the muffins. Don’t be shy – the streusel adds a fantastic crunch and sweetness!

Step 10: Bake

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; oven times may vary. If the tops are browning too quickly, tent the muffins with foil.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking to the tin. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

If your streusel is not crumbly enough, add a tablespoon of cold butter, cubed.

CHECK OUT: Apple Pie Crisp – Another classic apple dessert that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix: Overmixing leads to tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
• Use softened butter: Softened butter creams better with sugar, creating a light and fluffy batter.
• Cold butter for streusel: Cold butter creates the perfect crumbly texture for the streusel topping.
• Evenly sized apples: Dicing the apples into uniform sizes ensures even baking.
• Cool completely: Allow muffins to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent sticking.

Variations & Substitutions

• Add nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter or streusel for extra crunch.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a warmer spice profile.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Dairy-free: Use almond milk or another plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.
• Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the muffins before baking for a decadent twist.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Apple Cinnamon Muffins

These apple cinnamon muffins are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right accompaniments!

• Coffee or tea: A classic pairing for breakfast or brunch.
• Yogurt: Top with yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a wholesome snack.
• Apple cider: A perfect complement during the fall season.
• Vanilla ice cream: For a decadent dessert, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Health Benefits

While these muffins are a treat, they also offer some nutritional benefits. Apples are a good source of fiber, which aids digestion. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, these muffins provide a boost of energy from carbohydrates.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to keep your apple cinnamon muffins fresh and delicious!

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, any apple will work, but firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape best during baking.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the apples just before baking.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer, more molasses-like flavor.

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?

Make sure to grease the muffin liners well with cooking spray or butter.

Can I add a glaze to these muffins?

Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze with a touch of milk and vanilla would be delicious!

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Total Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 3g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more cozy, comforting baked goods? Try these equally delightful recipes!

• Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake – An easy and delicious dessert with minimal effort.
• Lemon Blueberry Oat Muffins with Yogurt – A healthy and flavorful muffin option.
• Classic Bread Pudding – A comforting and indulgent dessert.

Conclusion

These Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat. With their moist, fluffy texture and warm, comforting flavors, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Whip up a batch tonight—tag us with your masterpiece!

Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

Print