Moist cinnamon apple muffins

Featured in: Holiday Breakfasts

These moist and fragrant muffins blend diced fresh apples with warm ground cinnamon for a comforting treat. Lightly sweetened and perfectly spiced, the batter combines simple pantry staples with fresh fruit, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack, they can be topped with a cinnamon-sugar mix for extra warmth. Variations include substituting pears or adding crunchy nuts, offering versatility while maintaining rich autumnal flavors.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:20:00 GMT
Warm, golden Cinnamon Apple Muffins with a crumb topping, perfect for an autumn breakfast treat. Save It
Warm, golden Cinnamon Apple Muffins with a crumb topping, perfect for an autumn breakfast treat. | zetluna.com

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

I remember baking these Cinnamon Apple Muffins on a chilly Saturday with my kids. The sweet scent filled our kitchen and made everyone rush in for breakfast.

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 plus 1/2 tsp for topping
  • 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
  • Brown sugar (optional topping): 2 tbsp

Instructions

Prep muffin tin:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Combine dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil or melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
Combine mixtures:
Add wet ingredients to dry, mixing gently until just combined (do not overmix).
Fold in apples:
Gently fold in diced apples.
Fill muffin cups:
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
Add topping:
For topping, combine brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over muffins.
Bake muffins:
Bake 18 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool:
Cool muffins in tin 5 minutes, then transfer to rack to cool completely.
Freshly baked Cinnamon Apple Muffins, moist and tender, showcasing diced apples and cinnamon spices. Save It
Freshly baked Cinnamon Apple Muffins, moist and tender, showcasing diced apples and cinnamon spices. | zetluna.com

My daughter loves bringing these muffins to her grandparents' house and sharing them with the whole family for afternoon snack.

Tool Suggestions

Use a whisk for light batter texture and a sturdy spatula for folding in apples carefully.

Serving Ideas

Serve warm with a little butter or honey alongside a cozy cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or snack.

Nutrition Facts

Each muffin has about 210 calories, 8 g fat, 33 g carbs, and 3 g protein per serving.

Close-up of fluffy Cinnamon Apple Muffins, smelling of cinnamon, ideal with a dollop of butter. Save It
Close-up of fluffy Cinnamon Apple Muffins, smelling of cinnamon, ideal with a dollop of butter. | zetluna.com

Enjoy these cinnamon apple muffins warm from the oven or pack them for a delicious snack on the go.

Common Questions About Recipes

Can I substitute pears for apples?

Yes, pears can replace apples for a slightly different but equally moist and flavorful result.

What is the best way to ensure moist muffins?

Mix wet and dry ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender and moist.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Vegetable oil or melted butter both work well, contributing to the muffins’ moist texture.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling apples creates a smoother texture, but leaving the peel on adds extra fiber and a rustic feel.

How long should the muffins cool before eating?

Allow muffins to cool for about 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a rack to cool completely for best flavor.

Moist cinnamon apple muffins

Moist muffins featuring fresh apple and warm cinnamon, ideal for breakfast or snack times.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
20 mins
Overall Time
35 mins
Authored by Clara

Recipe Type Holiday Breakfasts

Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Output 12 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Veggie-Friendly

The Ingredients 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

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 well.

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 thoroughly combined.

Step 04

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.

Step 05

Add Apples: Fold the diced apples into the batter evenly.

Step 06

Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups.

Step 07

Add Optional Topping: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over each muffin before baking.

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (if using butter or milk). Use plant-based milk and oil for dairy-free option.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 210
  • Fats: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 33 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams