Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Featured in: Sweet Cozy Treats

These moist muffins combine sweet diced apples with aromatic cinnamon for a delightful treat. The batter is a simple mix of flour, sugar, and warm spices combined with wet ingredients including eggs, milk, and oil, then gently folded with fresh apples. Baked until golden, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that pairs well with butter or honey. This easy-to-make baked good is suitable for vegetarian diets and can be customized with nuts or alternative fruits.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:36:00 GMT
Golden-brown cinnamon apple muffins, warm from the oven, with a crunchy sugar topping. Save
Golden-brown cinnamon apple muffins, warm from the oven, with a crunchy sugar topping. | forkta.com

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

I remember making these cinnamon apple muffins for weekend brunch when apples were in season. The aroma filled our kitchen with warmth and everyone gathered eagerly around the oven.

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
  • Optional Topping: 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare 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.
Blend wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine batter:
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.
Fill muffin tin:
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.
Freshly baked cinnamon apple muffins, featuring tender apple chunks and a sweet, spicy aroma. Save
Freshly baked cinnamon apple muffins, featuring tender apple chunks and a sweet, spicy aroma. | forkta.com

My kids love helping dice the apples and sprinkling the cinnamon topping, turning baking into a fun family project each autumn.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these muffins fresh from the oven with a warm drink, or pack them into lunchboxes for a wholesome treat anytime.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (if using milk or butter). For a dairy-free option, substitute with plant-based milk and oil.

Nutritional Facts

Each muffin contains approximately 210 calories, 8 g of fat, 33 g of carbohydrates, and 3 g of protein.

A close-up of fluffy cinnamon apple muffins, perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon treat. Save
A close-up of fluffy cinnamon apple muffins, perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon treat. | forkta.com

Make these cinnamon apple muffins to cozy up your mornings or share at gatherings. Everyone will love their soft crumb and sweet apple bursts.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute apples with other fruits?

Yes, pears or other seasonal fruits can be used as a flavorful alternative to apples in the batter.

What type of apples work best for these muffins?

Budget-friendly varieties like Gala or Fuji are ideal as they hold up well and add natural sweetness.

Is it necessary to add the optional topping?

No, the cinnamon-sugar topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and vegetable oil instead of dairy milk and butter for a dairy-free version.

How can I add crunch to these muffins?

Incorporate ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

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

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Created by Mia Parker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Preferences 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

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: 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 bowl.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Incorporate Wet Into Dry: Gently add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 05

Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Add Optional Topping: Combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture 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: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Details

Check every item for allergens, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy if using butter or milk; substitute plant-based milk and oil for dairy-free option.

Nutrition Per Serving

For informational purposes; please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Protein: 3 g