Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Featured in: Home Comforts

These moist and fragrant muffins combine diced seasonal apples with warm cinnamon for a comforting treat. A simple mix of flour, sugar, and spices is balanced by eggs, milk, and vegetable oil to keep them tender and flavorful. Optional cinnamon and brown sugar topping adds a sweet crunch. Ideal for breakfast or a quick snack, these muffins offer budget-friendly ingredients and flexibility with seasonal fruit substitutions. Baking time is around 20 minutes, with easy prep and cleanup.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:12:00 GMT
Warm, golden Cinnamon Apple Muffins fresh from the oven, offering a delightful aroma and flavor. Save
Warm, golden Cinnamon Apple Muffins fresh from the oven, offering a delightful aroma and flavor. | snacksplat.com

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

I first baked these cinnamon apple muffins on a chilly autumn morning, and my kitchen was filled with the sweetest smell. They quickly became a family favorite, especially for busy weeks when we want a quick, comforting treat.

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
  • Brown sugar (optional): 2 tbsp
  • Ground cinnamon (for topping, optional): 1/2 tsp

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:
Preheat the 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 the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Mix Batter:
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 Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups.
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.
These moist Cinnamon Apple Muffins feature diced apples and a cinnamon sugar topping, perfect for brunch. Save
These moist Cinnamon Apple Muffins feature diced apples and a cinnamon sugar topping, perfect for brunch. | snacksplat.com

My kids love helping to sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping before the muffins go into the oven—it's become a weekend tradition at our house.

Required Tools

Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, peeler and knife

Allergen Information

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

Nutritional Information

Per muffin: 210 calories, 8 g total fat, 33 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein

Enjoy flaky, golden-brown Cinnamon Apple Muffins, pictured on a cooling rack ready to be served warm. Save
Enjoy flaky, golden-brown Cinnamon Apple Muffins, pictured on a cooling rack ready to be served warm. | snacksplat.com

Serve these cinnamon apple muffins warm with a touch of butter or honey for the perfect cozy treat.

Recipe Guide

What type of apples work best?

Budget-friendly varieties like Gala or Fuji are ideal for a balance of sweetness and texture.

Can I substitute the apples with other fruit?

Yes, pears or other seasonal fruits can be used as a tasty alternative.

How can I make the muffins dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk and vegetable oil instead of dairy milk and butter.

What gives the muffins their moist texture?

The combination of eggs, milk, and vegetable oil ensures a tender, moist crumb.

Is it necessary to add the cinnamon sugar topping?

The topping is optional but adds a pleasant sweet crunch that complements the spices.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when fully baked after 18–22 minutes.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Moist, fragrant muffins flavored with apples and cinnamon, perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack.

Prep duration
15 min
Kitchen time
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Katie Miller


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Nutrition Labels 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

Step 01

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

Step 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 03

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil or melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 04

Incorporate Wet into Dry: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 05

Add Apples: Fold the diced apples into the batter carefully to distribute evenly.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Apply Optional Topping: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle this mixture over each muffin if desired.

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy if butter or milk is used. For dairy-free variation, use plant-based milk and oil.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

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