Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Featured in: Warm Baked Goods

These moist muffins combine diced seasonal apples with warm ground cinnamon for a fragrant and comforting baked treat. Made with simple pantry staples such as all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder, the batter is gently mixed to keep a tender crumb. A cinnamon-sugar topping adds a sweet, crunchy finish. Perfect for a cozy morning or snack, they bake quickly and yield a dozen deliciously fragrant portions.

Optional ingredient swaps include pears and chopped nuts for added texture. Serve warm with butter or honey for a satisfying experience.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:54:00 GMT
Golden, freshly baked cinnamon apple muffins, warm from the oven, ready to enjoy. Save
Golden, freshly baked cinnamon apple muffins, warm from the oven, ready to enjoy. | olivedune.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 muffins for a chilly weekend brunch and they quickly became a family favorite. They are perfect to bake ahead for busy mornings or share as a comforting treat with friends.

Ingredients

  • Fruit: 2 medium apples (budget-friendly variety, e.g. Gala or Fuji) peeled, cored, and diced
  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter, 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Topping (optional): 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prep the 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:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
Fold in Apples:
Fold in the diced apples.
Divide Batter:
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups.
Add Topping:
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.
Fluffy cinnamon apple muffins, speckled with apple chunks, ideal for a sweet breakfast or snack time. Save
Fluffy cinnamon apple muffins, speckled with apple chunks, ideal for a sweet breakfast or snack time. | olivedune.com

My kids love helping to sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping on these muffins before baking. It is a fun and simple way to spend time together in the kitchen.

Required Tools

Muffin tin (12-cup), mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, peeler, and knife.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (if using dairy ingredients). For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and oil. Always check labels carefully.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

A close-up of delicious cinnamon apple muffins, enticing with cinnamon aroma, perfect for fall. Save
A close-up of delicious cinnamon apple muffins, enticing with cinnamon aroma, perfect for fall. | olivedune.com

These muffins are perfect with coffee and stay moist for several days. Enjoy as a wholesome breakfast or a delicious afternoon snack.

Cooking Questions & Answers

Can I substitute other fruits for apples?

Yes, pears or other seasonal fruits can be used instead of apples to vary the flavor and texture.

How can I add extra crunch to the muffins?

Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunchy texture.

What type of oil works best in the batter?

Vegetable oil or melted butter can be used; both give moist results but butter adds richer flavor.

Are these muffins suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, they contain no meat and can be enjoyed by those following a vegetarian lifestyle.

How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when done.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, replace milk and butter with plant-based alternatives to make a dairy-free version.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Moist and fragrant muffins with diced apples and warm cinnamon, ideal for a comforting breakfast or snack.

Prep Duration
15 min
Time to Cook
20 min
Overall Duration
35 min
Creator: Clara Moretti


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 12 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian-Friendly

What You 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

Steps

Step 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.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Incorporate wet into dry: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.

Step 05

Fold in apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter to distribute evenly.

Step 06

Portion batter: Divide batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups.

Step 07

Add topping: Optional: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle mixture over each muffin.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Cool muffins: Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Notice

Always review each component for allergens, and reach out to medical experts if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (if using butter or dairy milk). For dairy-free options, substitute plant-based milk and oil.

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

These details are for general advice—please consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 210
  • Lipids: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 3 g