The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples always makes me think of crisp autumn days, cozy sweaters, and the joy of sharing something warm from the oven. That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Apple Cinnamon Muffins with you.
These muffins are the perfect way to capture the essence of fall in a single, delicious bite, and they only take about an hour to make from start to finish!
Jump To
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Muffins
I truly believe my Apple Cinnamon Muffin recipe is one of the best, and here’s why:
- Extra Moist: I’ve perfected the ratio of wet to dry ingredients to ensure these muffins are incredibly moist and stay that way for days.
- Perfect Balance of Spice: The blend of cinnamon and other spices creates a warm, comforting flavor without being overpowering.
- Easy Cleanup: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your freshly baked muffins.
- Bursting with Apple Flavor: Thanks to a generous amount of diced apples in every muffin, each bite is packed with juicy, sweet-tart flavor.
The Secret to the Best Apple Cinnamon Muffins
What makes these muffins so special? It starts with selecting the right apples; a mix of sweet and tart varieties creates the perfect flavor profile. The spice blend is also key, as is my special mixing technique, which guarantees a tender crumb.
I’ll dive into each of these elements in more detail below, so you can bake the best muffins possible.
What Apples to Use for Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Choosing the right apples can make all the difference in your muffins. For a balance of flavor and texture, I like to use a combination of apple varieties.
For a heartier, savory option after enjoying your muffins, consider a Sausage Potato Soup for lunch or dinner.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Granny Smith: These tart apples hold their shape well during baking, adding a pleasant tang to the muffins.
- Honeycrisp: Known for their crispness and sweetness, Honeycrisp apples add a delightful burst of flavor and a slightly softer texture.
- Gala: These apples are sweet and aromatic, making them a great choice for adding a touch of warmth to the muffins.
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious muffins. Using room-temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, is key to achieving the best texture.
If you’re looking for something similar, consider browsing our treats and drinks category for more ideas.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour (for coating apples)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating apples)
- 2 cups diced apples
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right equipment on hand will make the baking process much smoother. Here’s what I recommend:
- Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect for this recipe. Make sure it’s well-greased or lined with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls, one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: While you can certainly mix the batter by hand with a whisk, an electric mixer will make the process easier and ensure the butter and sugar are properly creamed.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is essential for baking success.
- Rubber Spatula: A rubber spatula is great for folding in the apples and ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake your own batch of Apple Cinnamon Muffins:
- Preheat oven to 375º F. Spray muffin tins with bakers spray or coat well with vegetable shortening or butter and flour, making sure to discard any excess flour from the tins after coating.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Mix flour with ground cinnamon used to coat the apples. Toss diced apples with the flour/cinnamon mixture to coat apples in a separate bowl. Set aside.
- Cream together butter and sugar until lightened in color, about 3 minutes. Add an egg, one at a time, taking care to fully incorporate before adding the other. Mix in vanilla.
- Gently fold in flour mixture, alternating with milk. Stir until just combined. Fold in diced apples and scoop mixture into prepared muffin tins, filling about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick or skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
- Prepare topping for muffins while the muffins are baking by melting the vegetable shortening and allowing to cool slightly. Pour vegetable shortening into a separate bowl sized easy for dipping tops of muffins. Mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Once muffins have baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly in the muffin tin. Then, remove each muffin and brush the vegetable shortening on with a pastry brush (or dip into the melted vegetable shortening) and then into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place onto a plate to finish cooling.
Tips for Perfectly Spiced Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Here are a few tips to help you achieve muffin perfection:
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients carefully.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Preheat Properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Apple Cinnamon Muffin Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try:
| Variation | Substitutions/Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may also need to add a binder like xanthan gum to improve the texture. |
| Dairy-Free | Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and the milk with almond or soy milk. |
| Vegan | Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the eggs. Use dairy-free butter and milk. |
How to Store Apple Cinnamon Muffins
To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Troubleshooting: Common Apple Cinnamon Muffin Problems and Solutions
- Muffins Sinking: This can happen if the batter is overmixed or the oven temperature is too low. Make sure to mix gently and check your oven’s calibration.
- Muffins Too Dry: This is often due to overbaking. Keep a close eye on the muffins and test for doneness with a toothpick.
- Muffins Sticking to the Pan: Ensure your muffin tin is well-greased or use paper liners.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Cinnamon Muffins
While these muffins are delicious on their own, here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
- Coffee or Tea: Pair them with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the muffins for a touch of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of flour?
While all-purpose flour is my go-to, you can experiment with other flours like whole wheat or spelt for a nuttier flavor.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the muffins a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.
How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan?
Generously grease your muffin tin or use paper liners.
Can I make mini muffins or a muffin loaf with this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the baking time accordingly. For mini muffins, bake for about 15-20 minutes; for a loaf, bake for about 50-60 minutes.
One medium apple provides about 95 calories, 0 gram fat, 1 gram protein, 25 grams carbohydrate, 19 grams sugar (naturally occurring), and 3 grams fiber.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might want to take a look at other recipes in the breakfast and brunch category!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these warm, comforting Apple Cinnamon Muffins as much as I do. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion.
Now it’s your turn! Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and let me know how they turn out in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it. Happy baking!
Love cozy fall baking? Follow us on Pinterest for more muffin recipes, fall treats, and seasonal baking inspiration!
Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375º F. Spray muffin tins with bakers spray or coat well with vegetable shortening or butter and flour, making sure to discard any excess flour from the tins after coating.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Mix flour with ground cinnamon used to coat the apples. Toss diced apples with the flour/cinnamon mixture to coat apples in a separate bowl. Set aside.
- Cream together butter and sugar until lightened in color, about 3 minutes. Add an egg, one at a time, taking care to fully incorporate before adding the other. Mix in vanilla.
- Gently fold in flour mixture, alternating with milk. Stir until just combined. Fold in diced apples and scoop mixture into prepared muffin tins, filling about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick or skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
- Prepare topping for muffins while the muffins are baking by melting the vegetable shortening and allowing to cool slightly. Pour vegetable shortening into a separate bowl sized easy for dipping tops of muffins. Mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Once muffins have baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly in the muffin tin. Then, remove each muffin and brush the vegetable shortening on with a pastry brush (or dip into the melted vegetable shortening) and then into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place onto a plate to finish cooling.
Nutrition
Notes
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients carefully.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Preheat Properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
