Easy Apple Muffins

Nothing beats the warm smell of freshly baked Easy Apple Muffins wafting through the kitchen on a crisp fall morning. I remember the first time I made these delightful treats; it was a spontaneous decision inspired by a basket of ripe apples sitting on my counter. The moment I pulled them from the oven, I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my home. Each muffin is soft, moist, and packed with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple, reminiscent of cozy afternoons spent with family and friends.

These muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, and they’re surprisingly easy to whip up! Even on busy mornings, I love having a batch ready to grab on the way out the door. The best part? You can use whatever apples you have on hand. Whether you prefer a sweet Pink Lady or a tart Granny Smith, each bite is sure to bring a smile. So let’s dive into the kitchen and transform those apples into something truly magical with this Easy Apple Muffins recipe!

What You’ll Need for Easy Apple Muffins

When it comes to baking Easy Apple Muffins, the ingredients are simple yet effective, working together to create a delicious treat. The key players in this recipe include both all-purpose and whole wheat flour, which provide a lovely structure, while applesauce adds moisture without excess fat. The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar delivers that comforting sweetness we all adore.

• 1 cup all purpose flour: This is the base of your muffins, providing structure and a light texture.
• 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour: It adds a nutty flavor and increases the nutritional value.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: A warm spice that brings sweet and cozy notes to the muffins.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, cooled slightly: Keeps the muffins moist and adds a subtle tropical flavor.
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
• 2 eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• 3/4 cup cooked plain oatmeal: Adds heartiness and texture to the muffins.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the muffins moist while adding natural sweetness.
• 1 cup finely chopped apple: Fresh apple pieces provide juicy sweetness and flavor.
• 2 Tbsp all purpose flour: Used for the streusel topping to create a crumbly texture.
• 2 Tbsp old fashioned oats: Adds a chewy texture to the streusel topping.
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens the streusel topping and enhances its flavor.
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon: Enhances the flavor of the streusel topping.
• 2 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Binds the streusel ingredients together for a crumbly topping.

Cooking Instructions for Easy Apple Muffins

Now let’s get down to the fun part—baking these delicious Easy Apple Muffins! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a wonderful batch ready to enjoy.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven is fully heated to ensure even baking. While it’s warming up, grease a 12 count muffin tin and set it aside for later.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the all purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, light brown sugar, eggs, cooked plain oatmeal, and unsweetened applesauce. This mixture should be smooth and well combined, providing the base for your muffins.
4. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will help keep your muffins tender.
5. Fold in the finely chopped apple until evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding bursts of flavor in every bite.
6. Next, divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups. I find that using a spring-loaded cookie scoop makes this task much easier and cleaner!
7. In a separate bowl, prepare the streusel topping. Combine the all purpose flour, old fashioned oats, brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and ground cinnamon. Mix these ingredients well.
8. Add the cold unsalted butter pieces into the streusel mixture. Using your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles wet sand that clumps together when pressed.
9. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter in the muffin cups, ensuring each muffin gets a delicious crunchy topping.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
11. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Things Worth Knowing

Variations to Try

If you’re looking to switch things up with your Easy Apple Muffins, here are some fun variations to consider. These tips can help you customize your muffins to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Storage: Keep any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them to extend their freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze these muffins for later enjoyment! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw before enjoying.
• Mix-ins: Get creative with mix-ins! Consider adding chocolate chips, raisins, or even shredded carrots for added flavor and nutrition.
• Apple Varieties: Experiment with different types of apples! Each variety will bring its unique flavor and texture—try combinations for a fun twist!
• Spices: For a little extra kick, add nutmeg or ginger to the batter for a warm spiced flavor that complements the apples.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if you want to make these muffins gluten-free. Make sure to check that the oats are certified gluten-free as well.

Perfect Pairings for Easy Apple Muffins

Serving your Easy Apple Muffins is just as important as baking them! Here’s how to enjoy them to the fullest:

• Breakfast Delight: Serve these muffins alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Snack Time: Perfect for an afternoon snack, these muffins can be paired with a dollop of yogurt or a smear of peanut butter for added protein.
• Brunch Favorite: These muffins are an excellent addition to brunch spreads—pair them with a fresh fruit salad or a cheese platter.
• Holiday Treats: During the fall season, these muffins make a wonderful treat for Thanksgiving gatherings or family get-togethers.
• On-the-Go: Wrap them individually for a quick breakfast option when you’re in a hurry. They’re easy to grab and eat while commuting!
• Seasonal Pairing: In fall, complement these muffins with spiced cider or hot apple cider for a festive touch.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy Apple Muffins truly embody the essence of fall baking with their warm flavors and comforting texture. I invite you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful experience of making and sharing these muffins with family and friends. They are simple enough for any beginner baker yet rewarding enough to impress seasoned pros. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and let the aroma of freshly baked muffins fill your home!

Easy Apple Muffins

The ultimate comfort food, these Easy Apple Muffins are fluffy, moist, and studded with tender apple pieces. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they deliver a delightful taste of fall with every bite. Try making them today for a warm, cozy treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 160

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil cooled slightly
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup cooked plain oatmeal see note
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup finely chopped apple I used a Pink Lady and I left the skin on
• 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp old fashioned oats
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven is fully heated to ensure even baking. While it’s warming up, grease a 12 count muffin tin and set it aside for later.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the all purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, light brown sugar, eggs, cooked plain oatmeal, and unsweetened applesauce. This mixture should be smooth and well combined, providing the base for your muffins.
4. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will help keep your muffins tender.
5. Fold in the finely chopped apple until evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding bursts of flavor in every bite.
6. Next, divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups. I find that using a spring-loaded cookie scoop makes this task much easier and cleaner!
7. In a separate bowl, prepare the streusel topping. Combine the all purpose flour, old fashioned oats, brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and ground cinnamon. Mix these ingredients well.
8. Add the cold unsalted butter pieces into the streusel mixture. Using your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles wet sand that clumps together when pressed.
9. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter in the muffin cups, ensuring each muffin gets a delicious crunchy topping.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
11. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Oatmeal Texture: Make sure that your oatmeal is creamy. If it has been refrigerated and firmed up, whisk in a splash of water to make it creamy again.
• Avoid Overmixing: Don’t overmix your batter, or your muffins will be tough. Mix the batter until just combined.
• Dividing Batter: Use a spring-loaded cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly in the muffin tin.
• Testing for Doneness: Muffins are done when you touch the top of the muffin and it springs back or you insert a toothpick in the middle, and it comes out clean. Do not overbake.

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Meet Quinn Taylor

Great food doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be smart. I focus on streamlining our recipes so you get maximum flavor with minimum stress. I cooked, timed, and tasted this dish multiple times to ensure it fits perfectly into your busy life while still delivering that 'wow' factor.