Apple Cinnamon Muffins are soft, sweet, and packed with the cozy flavors of fresh apples and warm cinnamon. These muffins have a tender crumb and a slightly crunchy top that makes them perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of the day.
I love making these muffins because the smell of cinnamon and baked apples fills the whole kitchen, making it feel so inviting and comforting. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, and if you want, you can add a little sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for a little extra sweetness and crunch.
My favorite way to enjoy these muffins is fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter melting into the warm crumb. They’re great to pack for a lunchbox or to share with friends over a cup of tea. They remind me of cool fall mornings and cozy moments with loved ones, which always makes me smile.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Fresh diced apples add moisture and texture. I like Granny Smith for tartness, but Gala or Fuji work well too. If you prefer softer bites, lightly sauté the apples first.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Ground cinnamon is key for that warm spiced flavor. Nutmeg is optional but adds a nice depth. Feel free to adjust cinnamon quantity to your taste.
Butter & Sour Cream: Melted butter keeps muffins moist and tender. Sour cream or plain yogurt adds richness and tang. You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar effect.
Sugars: Using both brown and white sugar balances sweetness and adds a slight caramel flavor. For a healthier twist, coconut sugar is a good substitute.
How Do You Get Muffins That Are Moist Yet Light?
The trick is mixing wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and makes muffins tough.
- Whisk dry ingredients separately to distribute leavening evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients thoroughly before combining with dry.
- Fold dry into wet gently until you see no more flour, small lumps are okay.
- Add apples at the end to avoid breaking them up too much.
- Don’t skip the sour cream or yogurt; they add moisture and create tender crumbs.
By following these steps, your muffins will turn out soft with a pleasant crumb every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Muffin tin – shapes the muffins and helps them bake evenly.
- Paper liners or cooking spray – makes cleanup easier and stops sticking.
- Mixing bowls – at least two, one for dry and one for wet ingredients for easy mixing.
- Whisk – great for combining dry ingredients smoothly and mixing wet ingredients.
- Spoon or rubber spatula – perfect for folding the batter without overmixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts to get the texture right.
- Cooling rack – cools muffins evenly so they don’t get soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch that pairs well with apple and cinnamon.
- Mix in ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet, chewy burst in every bite.
- Replace the apples with grated zucchini for a moist, veggie-packed muffin twist.
- Stir in ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a salty, savory contrast to the sweetness.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Gala)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of approximately 40 minutes. You’ll spend just a few minutes mixing ingredients and assembling the muffins, then baking until they’re golden and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Setup:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the melted butter, sour cream (or yogurt), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine and Fold:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Don’t over-mix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
5. Add the Apples:
Carefully fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly through the batter.
6. Prepare the Topping:
Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the topping.
7. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the tops.
8. Bake and Cool:
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your warm or room temperature muffins with butter if you like. These apple cinnamon muffins have a lovely cinnamon sugar crust, moist crumb, and sweet apple pieces that bring cozy flavor to every bite. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Apples Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen apples well to avoid extra moisture in the batter, which can make the muffins soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy warm muffins, reheat briefly in the microwave or oven.
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Plain yogurt or buttermilk works great as a substitute and will keep the muffins moist and tender.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make great additions. Fold them in along with the apples before baking for extra flavor and texture.
