Cinnamon Apple Muffins

When I say these muffins are loaded with apples, I mean it. It has three generous cups (equal to four apples), both in chunks and grated form. Apples provide a fruity flavor, and the meaty chunks of apple are a bit crisp and naturally sweet.

These muffins are flavored with the warmth of cinnamon and have just the right amount of sweetness. The crumbs in the muffin are tender and moist, thanks to the sour cream in the batter. These muffins are also topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping that adds crunch to every bite.

Why will you love cinnamon apple muffins?

• Easy muffin batter: an easy one-bowl muffin batter. No creaming is required. Mix all the wet ingredients in a bowl, and shift the dry ingredients right onto the wet mixture. Fold in the batter using a spatula.
• A great way to use seasonal apples: These muffins are packed with apples. There are about 4 apples in 12 large muffins, and that is a generous amount, I would say. So get all those juicy apples this fall and make loads of them.
• Flavourful, moist, and wholesome: Apart from being loaded with apples and moist, it’s also quite filling and works really well as a grab-and-go breakfast.

Why are these apple muffins different?

Apart from being moist, loaded with apples, and delicious, what sets apart these muffins are

• These muffins have a generous amount of apple. Apple contains a lot of moisture, and when baked, it makes the dough a little gooey around its edges. Also, apple chunks tend to settle down if added in large quantities. So to address these two issues, I have added a mix of both grated and chopped apples. Also, before adding grated apples, squeeze the extra water by placing it in a colander, pressing it, or using a cloth.
• Adding grated apples is also a great way to disguise it for someone who doesn’t like the fruit.
• This recipe contains only 1/4 cup of butter. Because the amount is less, it doesn’t make a huge difference in the softness if you use oil or butter. I like butter because it adds richness to the muffins.
• The ingredient that makes this ultra-soft is sour cream. I have played with the sour cream and oil/butter ratio. I found more sour cream and less butter keep the muffins moist without making them too greasy.

More muffin recipes

If you love muffins, here are a few more to try. I love the tartness of blueberries. Check out these recipes: One is a homemade classic blueberry muffin, and the other is a delightful combination of bananas – Blueberry Banana Muffin. For yet another grab-and-go breakfast or a sweet treat, try this Chocolate Chip Cherry Breakfast Muffin.

Who says muffins have to be all sweet? In fact, they are a canvas where you can add your own spicy or savory flavors to balance the sweetness. Here is a Mexican Egg Muffin with a savory twist on the classic muffin, filled with Mexican flavors. For a feel of southern comfort, my Cornbread Muffins are a must-try.

Ingredients

To make these easy cinnamon apple muffins, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

• Apples – It’s important to choose the right kind of apple when it comes to baking with them. Make sure the apples are firm and hold shape while baking. Tart-sweet varietals such as Honey Crisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, etc. will work. You can also use a mix of 1–2 varieties.
• All-purpose flour – A baker’s companion that, along with the apple chunks, forms the base of the muffin.
• baking powder and baking soda – Used as leavening agents, help the batter rise and make the muffin light and fluffy.
• Sour cream – full-fat sour cream—adds tanginess—another layer to the flavors of the sweet. It also adds moisture, making the muffin crumbs tender and soft. Full-fat yogurt will also work in a pinch.
• Butter – Melted and cooled butter adds richness to the butter that you can taste in each bite.
• Eggs – Act as a binding agent that helps form the structure with the rest of the ingredients. Added at room temperature.
• Brown Sugar – For that extra caramel flavor that compliments the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract – Has a stronger flavor than vanilla essence and gives a sweet, floral essence to the batter.
• Cinnamon – Is freshly ground for the best flavor, and its spice and warmth balance the sweetness in the muffins. Along with or instead of cinnamon, you can also use allspice and a pinch of nutmeg.

To make the crunchy sugar topping, you would need granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter.

You can also add chopped walnuts or pecans to the muffins for extra crunch.

Storage

Keep muffins in a zippered bag or airtight container at room temperature. They should keep for about 4–5 days.

Apple muffins are also perfect for freezing. Once they are completely cooled down, put them in a freezer-friendly container or bag with the date labeled on the bag. They will stay good for a month or so.

You can reheat these muffins in a preheated oven or air fryer. You may also quickly do that in the microwave. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the muffins loosely with aluminum foil or a kitchen towel and place them on a baking sheet. Heat them for 2-3 minutes, 5–10 minutes, or 15-20 minutes for room-temperature, refrigerated, or frozen muffins.

For muffins at room temperature or refrigerated, you can quickly reheat them in the microwave in bursts of 15-20 seconds. Check and repeat if required.

More Apple recipes to try

For an abundant and universally loved fruit like apples, we cannot have too many recipes.

Apple cranberry slaw – Enjoy a healthy and easy-to-make apple slaw with crisp apples, cabbage, carrots, tart cranberries, and creamy yogurt dressing in just 10 minutes.

Apple fritters – Perfect for breakfast or dessert; enjoy them dusted with cinnamon sugar, glazed with chocolate sauce, or paired with vanilla ice cream!

Best Apple Crisp – Enjoy the flavors of fall with our classic Apple Crisp recipe, featuring baked apples, warm spices, and a zesty lemon twist, perfect with a scoop of ice cream!

Moist Apple Cake – Indulge in a super moist apple cake packed with fresh apple chunks and walnuts, perfect for your tea-time treat, featuring a delightful hint of cinnamon.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal – Enjoy a sweet and healthy breakfast with our easy-baked oatmeal recipe, featuring crunchy apples, cinnamon flavor, and delicious raisin toppings.

Eggless Apple Peanut Butter Microwave Mug Cake – Indulge your sweet cravings instantly with a super moist 2-minute microwave mug cake.

Apple Turnovers with Coffee Glaze – Enjoy warm and comforting Apple Turnovers with flaky puff pastry and spiced apple filling on a chilly day!