Apple Cinnamon Muffins

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen—it always takes me back to cozy fall mornings at home. That’s exactly why I love making these Apple Cinnamon Muffins. Whether it’s a crisp autumn day or the middle of summer, these muffins bring warmth and joy to any moment. They’re the kind of treat that feels homemade even before the first bite, and they’ve quickly become a staple in my baking routine.

What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. There’s no need for fancy equipment or rare ingredients—just simple pantry staples, a few fresh apples, and a touch of cinnamon. Every time I bake a batch, I’m reminded of why I started baking in the first place: to create something that feels special but isn’t complicated.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile. These muffins work beautifully for breakfast, a snack, or even a sweet treat after dinner. They pair wonderfully with tea or coffee, and they’re perfect for lunchboxes, weekend brunches, or sharing with neighbors. You can even dress them up with a streusel topping or drizzle them with a simple glaze for a bakery-style finish.

Another reason these muffins are a winner is their affordability. Apples are available all year round, and the rest of the ingredients—like flour, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon—are common kitchen staples. There’s no need to make a special trip to the store, which makes this recipe perfect for busy weekdays or spontaneous baking sessions. Despite their low cost, the end result tastes like something you’d find in a gourmet bakery.

Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need to make these warm, fluffy apple cinnamon muffins:

Ingredients for the recipe:

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Ground cinnamon

• Ground nutmeg (optional)

• Salt

• Eggs

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

• Vegetable oil (or melted butter)

• Plain yogurt (or sour cream)

• Vanilla extract

• Fresh apples, peeled and diced (I prefer using sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji)

With these simple ingredients and a little bit of care, you’ll create muffins that are tender, moist, and bursting with apple-cinnamon flavor. They’re the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into something a little more special.

How to Prepare This Recipe 

Making these Apple Cinnamon Muffins is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Even if you’re short on time or experience, you can pull these together with minimal effort. The steps are simple and the results are absolutely delicious—fluffy muffins filled with tender apple chunks and the warm flavor of cinnamon in every bite.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures the muffins release easily and bake evenly. Use a standard 12-cup muffin tin for this recipe.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the batter, giving each muffin consistent flavor and rise.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy. Add in the vegetable oil, plain yogurt, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. These ingredients create the base of the batter and ensure your muffins stay moist and rich in flavor.

Next, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with dense muffins. The batter will be thick, and that’s perfectly fine.

Now, it’s time to fold in the diced apples. Make sure the apple pieces are evenly distributed throughout the batter. You can use a rubber spatula to gently incorporate them. The apples will soften during baking and release their natural sweetness, infusing each muffin with flavor and moisture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg (optional).

3. In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs with ½ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of brown sugar until light.

4. Add ½ cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of plain yogurt, and 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix well.

5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.

6. Fold in 1½ cups of peeled, diced apples.

7. Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

8. Optional: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon-sugar mixture over the tops for extra crunch.

9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

10. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Quick and Easy

These muffins don’t require a mixer or fancy tools, which makes cleanup quick and the process even easier. The batter comes together in under 15 minutes, and they bake in about 20 minutes—ideal for when you want something homemade without the fuss.

Customizable

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. If you like a little texture, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans. A handful of raisins or dried cranberries also pairs beautifully with the apple and cinnamon combination. Prefer a sweeter finish? Top the muffins with a light streusel made of butter, sugar, and flour before baking.

You can also swap the yogurt for sour cream or even applesauce to enhance the apple flavor. These changes allow you to make the recipe your own while keeping the core texture and taste intact.

Popular with Many People

This muffin recipe is universally loved. Whether I serve them at a bake sale, brunch gathering, or as an afternoon snack for my family, they never last long. The balance of sweetness, spice, and fruit makes them a crowd-pleaser across all age groups. Even kids who typically shy away from fruit desserts tend to ask for seconds.

With their soft crumb, warm cinnamon aroma, and bites of juicy apple throughout, these muffins are an irresistible treat that’s simple enough for any day of the week, yet delicious enough to serve for special occasions.

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FAQs 

Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?
Yes, you can replace part of the diced apples with applesauce to make the muffins extra moist. However, using only applesauce will change the texture and reduce the chunks of fruit inside. For best results, use half diced apples and half applesauce.

Which type of apples is best for this recipe?
I recommend firm and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and add a nice contrast of flavor. Avoid soft apples, as they tend to become mushy.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely. These muffins stay moist for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the microwave or let them thaw at room temperature.

How do I keep the muffins from sticking to the paper liners?
Use high-quality muffin liners or lightly spray the liners with non-stick cooking spray before filling. Let the muffins cool completely before peeling the liners away.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the yogurt with a plant-based alternative like almond or soy yogurt, and use oil instead of butter if needed.