The other day, I found myself sifting through my overflowing recipe book, trying to find something that would make my kids jump for joy and also warm my heart after a long day. That’s when I stumbled upon my favorite recipe for apple cinnamon muffins. Honestly, these little gems are like a hug on a plate! They fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, and there’s nothing better than cuddling up with a warm muffin, especially as the weather cools down here in San Diego.
Why It Works
Let me tell you why this one’s always a hit in my house: first, they’re super easy to make, and can be whipped up in just about 35 minutes. Even on those busy mornings, I can manage to get them in the oven while the kids are getting dressed. Second, the combination of tender apples and warm cinnamon not only creates a cozy fall breakfast bake, but it’s also one of those recipes that my kids adore. Mateo always asks for two—one for breakfast and another to pack in his lunch.
Ingredients List
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups apples, peeled and diced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Ingredient Swaps
This recipe is quite adaptable! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, just mix a cup of regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and voilà! You’re set. We’ve even swapped out the apples for ripe pears or fresh berries when the kids want a change. The walnuts can easily be omitted if you have little ones who might not appreciate the crunch, or you can toss in some chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Equipment
- Muffin Tin
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Cup Measure
- Spoon
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
Add-ins
- 2 cups apples peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and buttermilk, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using).
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
How to Make apple cinnamon muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is my favorite step—it’s the beginning of all the cozy goodness that will soon fill your kitchen!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir using a whisk. My kids love to help at this stage, and I always appreciate their little hands mixing away.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the melted butter and sugar until smooth—it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Crack in those eggs and add the buttermilk, whisking until everything is well combined. This is where the magic starts; the kids can see how the butter transforms when mixed!
Step 4: Merge the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. You want to be careful not to overmix—let those little lumps be.
Step 5: Add Apples and Walnuts
Carefully fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using). This is often my kids’ favorite part—they get to see their favorite fruit come to life and smell that delightful blend of flavors.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. I usually use a scoop to minimize mess! Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, and then transfer them to a wire rack. Just so you know, the waiting part is always the hardest for my kids!
Serving & Garnish
I love to serve these apple cinnamon muffins warm with a smidge of butter on top—so heavenly! Sometimes, I’ll whip up a little cinnamon sugar to sprinkle on top before baking for that extra cozy vibe. On weekends, we enjoy them as a family alongside some hot cocoa or a cozy chai tea, making it feel a bit special amidst all the morning chaos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overmixing the batter; it should be just combined with a few lumps. Trust me, no one wants a tough muffin! Another tip is to use fresh apples that are firm, as they hold up well during baking. Lastly, ensure your oven temperature is accurate—an oven thermometer might save you if your oven tends to run hot or cold.
Storage & Reheating
Store your apple cinnamon muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to warm them up. My kids love them best warm or heated with a pat of butter!
A Little Note from Me
Speaking of warm memories, the other day, Camila came running in from the backyard with her friends, and the first thing she said was, “Can we have apple muffins?!” I love how food brings us all closer, especially when it’s something as heartwarming as these muffins. It’s a simple recipe, but it creates such warmth and joy in our home.
FAQs
What can I substitute for apples in the apple cinnamon muffins?
You can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or berries. Keep in mind, different fruits will alter the flavor and moisture slightly.
How do I make a cozy fall breakfast bake using this recipe?
You can transform these muffins into a breakfast bake by combining the ingredients into a greased baking dish instead of muffin tins. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, until golden and set.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! You can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier muffin. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I make these apple cinnamon muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Just make sure to check that the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What are the best toppings for apple cinnamon muffins?
I love serving these muffins with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a little sweetness!
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your take! Leave a comment below or tag @YummyCrafter on Pinterest. Let’s bake joy together!
