Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins

Name: Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 cups peeled, diced apples

Highlighted under: Sweet Food

I love starting my day with something warm and delicious, especially when it involves my favorite flavors of cinnamon and apple. These Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins are the perfect solution for a busy morning. They are easy to whip up, and the combination of sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon fills my kitchen with an inviting aroma. Plus, they can be made ahead and stored for quick breakfasts throughout the week. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make a double batch!

Created by

Octavia Bellamy

Last updated on 2026-02-10T17:17:36.485Z

When I first decided to create a breakfast muffin with a twist, I was inspired by the classic combination of apples and cinnamon that my grandmother used to make. After several trial batches, I discovered that adding a touch of brown sugar and a hint of nutmeg really enhanced the flavor profile, making every bite a delightful experience. The muffins turned out moist, fluffy, and perfectly spiced.

Another great aspect of this recipe is its versatility. I often switch up the types of apples based on what's in season, and I've even added nuts for an extra crunch. This adaptability, coupled with the fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake, makes these muffins a favorite in our household!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon and apple
Perfectly moist and fluffy texture
Easy enough for a beginner baker

Perfecting Your Muffin Technique

The key to achieving a perfectly fluffy texture in these Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins lies in the mixing technique. When you combine the wet ingredients with the dry ones, be gentle; overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Stir until just combined, allowing for some lumps in the batter. This will help retain the light, airy quality you want. Also, folding in the diced apples gently ensures that they are well-distributed without breaking apart and making the mixture gummy.

Take note of the baking time as well; every oven is slightly different. While the recipe suggests 18 to 20 minutes, keep an eye on your muffins after the 15-minute mark. Look for a golden-brown color on the tops and insert a toothpick to check for doneness. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for perfectly baked muffins.

Ingredient Insights

Choosing the right apples is crucial for the flavor profile of these muffins. Sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith not only provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the sugar but also retain their shape while baking. If you prefer a more subdued sweetness, consider using a mix of apples to create depth in flavor. Additionally, you can even add some chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and surprises in every bite.

The spices used in this recipe play an integral role in building flavor complexity. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg evoke warmth, making your muffins comforting and perfect for cool mornings. You might also experiment with a pinch of allspice or ginger for a different twist. Just be cautious not to overpower the cinnamon; a little goes a long way when working with potent spices.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These muffins can be made ahead and stored, making them perfect for meal prep. After they have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to three months and thawed at room temperature or warmed in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Serving these muffins is an opportunity to get creative! Consider topping them with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish. Alternatively, spread a touch of cream cheese or almond butter on a warm muffin for a delightful snack. Adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking can also provide a lovely crunch for an additional layer of texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful baking experience:

Muffin Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 cups peeled, diced apples

Mixing these simple ingredients will create a delicious batter!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your muffins:

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to mix well.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just mixed. Fold in the diced apples.

Fill Muffin Tin

Scoop the batter evenly into the muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full.

Bake

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your warm muffins with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, if desired!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or raisins. Experiment with different apple varieties for a unique taste each time.

Key Baking Tips

To ensure even baking, rotate your muffin tin halfway through the baking time. This helps counteract any hot spots in your oven, resulting in uniformly baked muffins. If you notice they are browning too quickly, you can loosely cover them with foil toward the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning while ensuring they bake fully.

If you find that your muffins are too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the granulated sugar by a half cup. The brown sugar will still lend moisture without sacrificing the flavor too much. Alternatively, if you want to cut out refined sugars altogether, using a natural sweetener like maple syrup might work, but you should reduce the liquid in the recipe to balance it out.

Enjoying Variations

Feel free to customize these muffins to match your flavor preferences or dietary restrictions. You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the texture, making them denser but adding a nuttier flavor that complements the apples well.

For a nut-free version, you can easily use additional apples or even mashed bananas as a substitute. If you want to jazz them up, consider incorporating orange zest into the mixture for a citrusy brightness that pairs wonderfully with the spiced apples. The beauty of these muffins is their versatility, so don't hesitate to get adventurous!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

→ How do I store leftover muffins?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely! You can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Just thaw them before enjoying.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can replace each egg with a tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water for a vegan option.