Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Featured in: Comfort Baking

This batch creates 12 moist muffins featuring diced apples and warm cinnamon. The mixture combines dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices with wet ingredients including eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla. Gently folding in fresh apples adds natural sweetness and texture. Baking at 375°F for about 20 minutes yields tender, fragrant muffins perfect for breakfast or anytime snacking. Optional cinnamon sugar topping offers a sweet crunch. Variations with pears or nuts can customize flavor and texture.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:52:00 GMT
Freshly baked Cinnamon Apple Muffins, golden brown and enticing, ready for a warm breakfast treat. Save
Freshly baked Cinnamon Apple Muffins, golden brown and enticing, ready for a warm breakfast treat. | butterhearth.com

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

These cinnamon apple muffins were among the first treats I baked for a brunch with friends. The fresh apples make them super moist, and the cinnamon adds a comforting warmth that everyone loves.

Ingredients

  • Apples: 2 medium (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 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 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 well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry:
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
Add Apples:
Fold in diced apples.
Fill Muffin Tin:
Divide batter evenly among 12 muffin cups.
Add Topping:
For optional topping, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over each muffin.
Bake:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let muffins cool in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Warm, spiced Cinnamon Apple Muffins with a sweet, cinnamon-sugar topping, perfect for an autumn snack. Save
Warm, spiced Cinnamon Apple Muffins with a sweet, cinnamon-sugar topping, perfect for an autumn snack. | butterhearth.com

These muffins are a hit at family breakfasts. My kids love to help sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top, and our kitchen always smells amazing when they're baking.

Notes

Serve warm with a little butter or honey. If you like crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.

Required Tools

Muffin tin (12-cup), mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, peeler, and knife

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (if using butter or milk). Use dairy-free options as needed and always check product labels.

A close-up of fluffy Cinnamon Apple Muffins, showing diced apples within a tender, delicious crumb. Save
A close-up of fluffy Cinnamon Apple Muffins, showing diced apples within a tender, delicious crumb. | butterhearth.com

Each bite of these cinnamon apple muffins is soft, flavorful, and just sweet enough. Enjoy them any day for a comforting homemade treat.

Recipe Questions

Can I substitute pears for apples?

Yes, pears can be used in place of apples for a different but equally delicious flavor and texture.

What oil can I use instead of vegetable oil?

Alternatives include melted butter, coconut oil, or other mild-flavored oils suitable for baking.

How do I know when muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with few crumbs, they are ready.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to replace all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

How should muffins be stored for freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Soft muffins with diced apples and cinnamon, ideal for a cozy morning or snack.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

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

Stage 01

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

Stage 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

Stage 03

Mix wet ingredients: Whisk eggs, oil or melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until fully blended.

Stage 04

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

Stage 05

Fold in diced apples: Carefully fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter.

Stage 06

Portion batter: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups.

Stage 07

Add topping: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over each muffin if desired.

Stage 08

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

Stage 09

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy if butter or milk is used. For dairy-free preparation, use plant-based milk and oil. Check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Protein Content: 3 g