Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Featured in: Baked Warm Goodness

These moist cinnamon apple muffins blend diced, budget-friendly apples with warm cinnamon and a touch of vanilla. Prepared with simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, and baking powder, they bake quickly into soft, fragrant bites perfect for breakfast or a snack. Optional cinnamon-sugar topping adds a sweet crunch, while substitutions like pears or nuts provide variety and texture. Ideal for an easy, comforting treat any time of day.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:07:00 GMT
Golden brown Cinnamon Apple Muffins, fresh from the oven, ready to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Save to Pinterest
Golden brown Cinnamon Apple Muffins, fresh from the oven, ready to enjoy with a cup of coffee. | messlitreats.com

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

I always make these cinnamon apple muffins in the fall when apples are plentiful and my family craves warm baked treats. The scent filling the kitchen is the best way to start a chilly day.

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 and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prep Muffin Tin:
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
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl whisk the eggs oil (or melted butter) milk and vanilla extract until well combined
Combine Mixtures:
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
Divide Batter:
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
Image of fluffy Cinnamon Apple Muffins, studded with apple chunks, perfect for a fall treat. Save to Pinterest
Image of fluffy Cinnamon Apple Muffins, studded with apple chunks, perfect for a fall treat. | messlitreats.com

My kids love helping me prepare the apples for these muffins stirring the batter and sneaking warm bites straight from the rack

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 serving)

Calories: 210 Total Fat: 8 g Carbohydrates: 33 g Protein: 3 g

Close-up on a batch of warm Cinnamon Apple Muffins, drizzled with cinnamon sugar topping. Save to Pinterest
Close-up on a batch of warm Cinnamon Apple Muffins, drizzled with cinnamon sugar topping. | messlitreats.com

Enjoy these cinnamon apple muffins fresh out of the oven with a cup of tea or coffee They also freeze beautifully for future treats

Common Recipe Questions

Can I substitute other fruits for apples?

Yes, pears or other seasonal fruits can replace apples to vary flavor.

Is it possible to make these dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk and vegetable oil instead of butter or dairy milk for a dairy-free version.

What is the best way to check if the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

Can nuts be added for extra texture?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans provides a pleasant crunch.

How should the muffins be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Soft, fragrant muffins bursting with seasonal apples and cinnamon for a comforting treat.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cooking Duration
20 min
Overall Duration
35 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Portion Yield 12 People served

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

List of Ingredients

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 ½ teaspoon baking soda
06 ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 2 large eggs
02 ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
03 ½ cup milk
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping (optional)

01 2 tablespoons brown sugar
02 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Directions

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

Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Incorporate wet into dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Add diced apples: Fold the diced apples evenly into the batter.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Prepare topping: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle the mixture over each muffin if desired.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.

Step 09

Cool muffins: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (dairy if using butter or milk).
  • For dairy-free option, substitute plant-based milk and oil.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 3 g