Apple Cinnamon Muffins Easy Recipe That Stays Moist For Days

Sep 16, 2024, Updated Sep 23, 2024 The smell of Apple Cinnamon Muffins is like a tight hug from a good friend wearing the softest sweater and offering you a steaming mug of your favourite hot drink. They’re that cozy. Soft, moist and tender – you’re going to love them.

Why Do These Apple Cinnamon Muffins Taste So Good?

I pack most of my muffins with fruit and these are no exception. Chunks of apple generously stud the batter, making them more breakfast and less poorly-disguised cupcake. These apple cinnamon muffins taste divine because they strike a balance between sweet, spicy, and moist:

Warmly spiced: The cinnamon and nutmeg used in the batter bring warmth and depth to the flavor profile, making the muffins incredibly aromatic. Moisture & richness: The combination of buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg ensures a moist crumb that’s irresistibly tender. Natural sweetness: The chopped apples not only provide texture but also add natural sweetness, reducing the need for extra sugar. Optional toppings: A thin apple slice and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can add an additional layer of flavor (and cuteness).

Psst. If you love these fall flavors you must try my super-soft Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins and ultimate moist Pumpkin Bread recipes next!

Here’s What You Need

For these Apple Cinnamon Muffins, I’ll break down the ingredients, share some fun variations, and list the essential tools you’ll need to whip up this cozy treat.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at the ingredients that make these muffins so delicious:

All-purpose flour Granulated sugar Baking powder & baking soda: The dynamic duo for rise! These leaveners ensure your muffins are light and fluffy. Cinnamon Nutmeg: A subtle addition that enhances the cinnamon’s flavor, giving the muffins a cozy, spiced taste. You can leave it out if you prefer. Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender (more than melted butter does!) without adding any overpowering flavor. Egg Buttermilk: Makes these muffins extra fluffy and moist. You can swap in sour cream or yogurt. Chopped apple: Use a firm apple for the best texture, like gala apples, pink lady, fuji, honey crisp, or granny smith apples.

Grab These Tools

To make these apple cinnamon muffins, you’ll need a few basic kitchen items:

Whole wheat flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier muffin. Brown sugar: Use it in place of granulated sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. Dairy-free: Substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of 1 cup of almond milk and 1 tbsp of vinegar. Here are my other best buttermilk substitutes. Spices: Add a pinch of clove or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor. Nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and nutty goodness. Gluten-free: Replace the flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly version.

Muffin pan or tin: Essential for shaping and baking the muffins. Paper muffin liners or non-stick cooking spray: To ensure your muffins come out of the tin easily. Two mixing bowls: One medium bowl for dry ingredients and one for wet. Whisk: For mixing dry ingredients thoroughly. Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: Brings the muffin batter together without overmixing. Measuring cups and teaspoons

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing and making these muffins ahead of time is a breeze:

Preheat oven: Make sure your oven temperature reaches 400º F before you start baking. Prepare the muffin tin: Either line it with paper liners or grease it well to ensure easy removal of muffins. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the dry elements like flour, sugar, and spices, setting the foundation for your batter. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the oil, egg, and buttermilk, which will create the moist crumb of the muffins. Merge dry and wet: Fold the wet mixture into the dry one, being cautious not to overmix. Add apples: Peel and chop the apples. Fold them in last to distribute them evenly in the batter. Fill and bake: Distribute the batter among the muffin cups and add optional toppings. Bake until golden brown and a test skewer comes out clean.

Freeze batter: You can prepare the batter and freeze it in individual portions for quick weekday breakfasts. Store baked muffins: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat and serve: A quick stint in the microwave or oven will revive their texture and aroma.

Notes, Pro Tips, and Science-Based Secrets

Here are some insider tips to get the best out of this recipe:

Apple choice: Go for tart apples like Granny Smith for a flavor contrast, or a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp for added sweetness. Spice variations: Consider adding cardamom or allspice for an extra kick. Avoid overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to tougher muffins, so stop as soon as the ingredients are just combined. Testing doneness: Insert a toothpick or skewer into a muffin; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the muffins are done.

How to Serve This Apple Cinnamon Muffin Recipe

These apple muffins are highly versatile when it comes to serving:

Warm or room temperature: Serve them warm for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, or let them cool to room temperature for a snack later on. Butter or cream cheese: Spread a little butter or cream cheese for extra richness. Beverage pairing: These muffins go excellently with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Add a fruit salad: A light fruit salad can balance the richness of the muffins and make for a complete breakfast.

Some commonly asked questions to ensure your apple muffins turn out perfectly:

Can I use whole wheat flour?: Yes, but I recommend only partially swapping in whole wheat or it may result in denser, dry muffins. 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour should be fine. What can replace buttermilk?: A mixture of milk and vinegar can serve as a buttermilk substitute. How can I make these muffins vegan?: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg and use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk. Can I add nuts?: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch. How should I store leftovers?: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze in a freezer bag for longer storage.