Moist Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Featured in: Wholesome Bakes

These muffins combine diced seasonal apples with warm cinnamon for a moist, fragrant treat. The batter blends simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and milk, gently mixed to preserve texture. Optional topping of brown sugar and cinnamon adds a sweet crunch. Baking yields a soft, flavorful muffin great for breakfast or snacks. Variations include pears or nuts for added texture. Serve warm with butter or honey for a comforting touch.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:38:00 GMT
Golden, warm Cinnamon Apple Muffins fresh from the oven, offering sweet, spiced aromas. Save
Golden, warm Cinnamon Apple Muffins fresh from the oven, offering sweet, spiced aromas. | oventhyme.com

Moist and fragrant muffins bursting with seasonal apples and warm cinnamon—perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack on a budget.

I first made these cinnamon apple muffins on a chilly fall morning when my family craved something sweet and comforting. The warm aroma filled our kitchen and instantly brought everyone to the breakfast table.

Ingredients

  • Apples: 2 medium apples (budget-friendly variety, e.g., Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
  • Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
  • Baking powder: 2 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Vegetable oil or melted butter: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Topping (optional): 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prep Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Mixtures:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
Add Apples:
Fold in the diced apples.
Fill Muffin Tin:
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups.
Top Muffins:
For the optional topping, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over each muffin.
Bake:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Sharing these muffins with my kids reminds me of cozy afternoons filled with laughter and apple picking together each year.

Required Tools

Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, peeler, and knife for prepping apples.

Allergen Information

Contains: wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (if using butter or dairy milk). For dairy-free, swap with plant-based milk and oil.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 3 g

Fluffy Cinnamon Apple Muffins with a perfectly domed top, ideal for a morning treat. Save
Fluffy Cinnamon Apple Muffins with a perfectly domed top, ideal for a morning treat. | oventhyme.com

Enjoy these cinnamon apple muffins as a grab-and-go breakfast or share them at brunch. Their comforting flavor makes any moment feel special.

Kitchen Guide

Can I substitute apples with other fruits?

Yes, pears or other seasonal fruits work well as substitutes, providing similar moisture and sweetness.

How can I add extra crunch to the muffins?

Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking for added texture.

What is the best way to check muffin doneness?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are fully baked.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk and oil instead of dairy milk and butter to keep them dairy-free.

What is the ideal oven temperature and baking time?

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Moist Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Fragrant, moist muffins featuring diced apples and warm cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or a snack on a budget.

Prep duration
15 min
Kitchen time
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

What you'll need

Fruit

01 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 2 teaspoons baking powder
05 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 2 large eggs
02 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
03 1/2 cup milk
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping (optional)

01 2 tablespoons brown sugar
02 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method

Phase 01

Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.

Phase 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

Phase 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil or melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Phase 04

Incorporate wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain muffin tenderness.

Phase 05

Fold in apples: Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overworking the mixture.

Phase 06

Portion batter: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

Phase 07

Add topping: If desired, mix the brown sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over each muffin for a sweet crust.

Phase 08

Bake muffins: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Phase 09

Cool muffins: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Kitchen tools needed

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Peeler and knife

Allergy notes

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice when uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (milk or butter). Use plant-based milk and oil for dairy-free option. Check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 3 g