There’s nothing like the first warm bite of these Apple Cinnamon Muffins—soft chunks of apple, a golden crumb, and that sweet cinnamon sugar topping that melts into every bite. Think of them as the weekday version of apple pie: all the comfort, none of the waiting.
These muffins are quick to make, ready in under 40 minutes, and they fill the kitchen with the most irresistible fall aroma. After testing batch after batch, this is the recipe I always come back to—it’s perfectly spiced, tender in the middle, and gone from the plate faster than I can bake them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – No fancy tools, no mixer—just bowls, a whisk, and a spoon.
✔ Fresh Apples – Chunks of Honeycrisp or Granny Smith give a juicy, tender bite.
✔ Perfect Texture – Moist and fluffy with just the right amount of crumb.
✔ Cinnamon Sugar Topping – Sweet, slightly crisp, and totally irresistible.
✔ Freezer-Friendly – Bake ahead, freeze, and reheat for busy mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or DIY with milk + vinegar)
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chopped apples (about 2 medium, peeled and diced)
Topping:
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or lightly grease. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. - Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk oil, eggs, sugars, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth. - Bring It Together
Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently stir until just combined—don’t overmix! - Add the Apples
Fold in the chopped apples. The batter will be thick but scoopable. - Fill & Sprinkle
Divide batter into muffin cups, filling each ¾ full. Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over each muffin. - Bake & Cool
Bake 18–22 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool 5 minutes in the pan, then move to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
🍏 Use buttermilk for the most tender crumb (DIY substitute works too).
🥄 Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
🍂 Swap the cinnamon sugar topping for a simple crumb topping if you like extra texture.
❄️ Freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 2 months—perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Serving Ideas
Serve these warm with a smear of salted butter, alongside coffee, or pack them into lunchboxes for a cozy mid-day snack. They’re also a perfect addition to a fall brunch spread with other seasonal favorites like Cranberry Orange Muffins.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Yield: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Soft, spiced, and filled with chunks of fresh apple, these Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a fall baking favorite. With golden tops, a cinnamon sugar crunch, and a tender crumb, they’re quick, easy, and always a hit.