Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Featured in: Seasonal Cooking Ideas

These moist muffins blend diced seasonal apples with warm cinnamon to create a fragrant and tender treat. The batter combines simple dry and wet ingredients, folded gently to preserve texture. Optional cinnamon-sugar topping adds a sweet crunch. Quick to prepare and easy to bake, these muffins make a cozy breakfast or snack, with versatile options to swap apples for pears or add nuts for extra texture. Serve warm with butter or honey for a comforting experience.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:43:00 GMT
Golden cinnamon apple muffins fresh from the oven, showing delicious apple chunks. Pin it
Golden cinnamon apple muffins fresh from the oven, showing delicious apple chunks. | smartyskitchen.com

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

I first made these muffins on a chilly morning to use up extra apples from our local market. They quickly became a staple because everyone loves their comfort and gentle sweetness.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium apples: Peeled, cored, and diced (budget-friendly variety like Gala or Fuji)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: 250 g
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: 200 g
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Provides warm flavor
  • 2 tsp baking powder: Helps muffins rise
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda: Tender texture
  • 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness
  • 2 large eggs: For richness
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter: 120 ml
  • 1/2 cup milk: 120 ml
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds aroma
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional): For topping
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional): For topping

Instructions

Prepare oven and tin:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Mix dry ingredients:
Whisk flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Mix wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil or melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
Combine batters:
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
Fold in apples:
Stir in diced apples.
Fill muffin tin:
Divide batter evenly among 12 muffin cups.
Mix and add topping (optional):
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over each muffin.
Bake:
Bake 18–22 minutes, or until toothpick in center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let muffins cool 5 minutes in tin, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
A close-up of tender, spiced cinnamon apple muffins, perfect for a tasty treat. Pin it
A close-up of tender, spiced cinnamon apple muffins, perfect for a tasty treat. | smartyskitchen.com

My kids love helping sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping before the muffins go into the oven. Baking these together has become a beloved family weekend tradition.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk. For dairy-free muffins, use plant-based milk and oil. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Required Tools

You will need a 12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, peeler, and knife for this recipe.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Each muffin provides approximately 210 calories, 8 g total fat, 33 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

Warm, fluffy cinnamon apple muffins, sprinkled with cinnamon, ready to eat and enjoy. Pin it
Warm, fluffy cinnamon apple muffins, sprinkled with cinnamon, ready to eat and enjoy. | smartyskitchen.com

Enjoy these cinnamon apple muffins warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I substitute other fruits for the apples?

Yes, pears or other seasonal fruits can be used instead of apples for a different but delicious flavor.

How can I add extra crunch to these muffins?

Adding half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans before baking enhances texture and adds a nutty crunch.

What is the best way to check if the muffins are baked through?

Insert a toothpick into the center; when it comes out clean, the muffins are done baking.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives to make the muffins dairy-free.

Is it important not to overmix the batter?

Gently mixing until ingredients just combine helps keep the muffins tender and prevents toughness.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Moist muffins with seasonal apples and warm cinnamon, ideal for breakfasts or snacks.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
20 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.

Step 05

Incorporate fruit: Fold the diced apples carefully into the batter.

Step 06

Fill muffin cups: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups.

Step 07

Add optional topping: Combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over each muffin if desired.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Cool muffins: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them 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 Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy if using butter or milk. For dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and oil.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 3 g