Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Featured in: Warm Baked Recipes

These moist muffins feature diced seasonal apples blended with warm cinnamon, creating a flavorful baked treat. The batter combines simple dry and wet ingredients, ensuring a tender crumb. Baking briefly at 375°F develops a golden crust, while an optional cinnamon-sugar topping adds a sweet crunch. Ideal for breakfast or on-the-go snacks, they can be customized with pears or nuts. Dairy-free swaps and gentle mixing keep these muffins both accessible and delicious.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:35:00 GMT
Cinnamon apple muffins, golden brown and overflowing with diced apples, perfect for a fall treat. Pin It
Cinnamon apple muffins, golden brown and overflowing with diced apples, perfect for a fall treat. | juniperbite.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 rainy fall weekend when my kids were looking for something sweet and warming. The aroma was so inviting that the whole house gathered in the kitchen before they cooled down.

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
  • Topping (optional): 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Pan:
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 combined.
Combine Mixtures:
Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined (avoid overmixing).
Add Apples:
Fold in diced apples.
Fill Muffin Tin:
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
Make Topping (Optional):
Mix brown sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over each muffin.
Bake:
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
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When my sister visited, we turned this muffin recipe into a family baking session and it quickly became a weekend favorite for everyone.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

This recipe contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk. For a dairy-free option, choose plant-based milk and oil. Always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Freshly baked cinnamon apple muffins, warm from the oven, with a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping and crispy edges. Pin It
Freshly baked cinnamon apple muffins, warm from the oven, with a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping and crispy edges. | juniperbite.com

These muffins taste best warm from the oven or reheated with a dab of butter. Enjoy with your favorite hot drink for a comforting treat.

Questions About This Recipe

What type of apples work best?

Using firm, budget-friendly apples like Gala or Fuji works well, as they hold shape and provide natural sweetness.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

Yes, melted butter can replace the oil to add richness and enhance flavor.

How do I avoid overmixing the batter?

Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined; some lumps are fine to keep muffins tender.

Is it possible to add nuts for extra texture?

Absolutely, folding in chopped walnuts or pecans adds crunch and depth to the muffins.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

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

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Fluffy muffins combining diced apples and cinnamon for a warm, cozy taste.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
35 minutes
Juniper Bite Chloe Fischer

Dish Type Warm Baked Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 12 Number of Servings

Dietary Info Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Fruit

01 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (e.g., Gala or Fuji)

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

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

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, vegetable oil or melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 04

Combine Mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 05

Incorporate Apples: Fold diced apples into the batter evenly without crushing them.

Step 06

Divide Batter: Spoon batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

Step 07

Add Optional Topping: Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle mixture over muffins if desired.

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Kitchen Gear Needed

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

Allergen Details

Always check what goes in for allergens, and talk to your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy if using butter or milk. For dairy-free options, substitute with plant-based milk and oil.

Nutrition Information (each serving)

This info’s just a guide, not medical advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 3 g