Lu-Ann Simon October 10, 2025

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Apple Muffins

Name: Apple Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.25 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1.5 cups packed brown sugar; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 egg; 0.5 cup butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups diced apples; 0.5 cup packed brown sugar (for topping); 0.333 cups all-purpose flour (for topping); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping); 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)

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Nothing warms a home quite like the aroma of freshly baked Apple Muffins wafting through the air. Imagine starting your day with a cozy breakfast, the tender muffins bursting with sweet, tart apple flavor. These delightful treats are perfect for brightening a chilly morning or serving alongside tea in the afternoon. Easy to make and even easier to eat, Apple Muffins provide a delightful combination of texture and taste that will please kids and adults alike.

Reasons to Love Apple Muffins

These Apple Muffins are a beloved favorite for so many reasons. They are perfectly moist, with a tender crumb that is infused with the natural sweetness of apples. The subtle hint of cinnamon adds warmth, making them feel like a hug in muffin form. Whether you enjoy them first thing in the morning or as an afternoon snack, every bite is sure to carry a sense of home and comfort.

Moist and tender texture
Bursting with sweet apple flavor
A warm, delightful aroma
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Perfect for sharing with friends and family

Gather These Ingredients

Before you begin, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready. Feel free to substitute apples with your favorite varieties or use applesauce for a different twist. Here’s what you need to whip up these scrumptious Apple Muffins:

2.25 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1.5 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
0.5 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups diced apples
0.5 cup packed brown sugar
0.333 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Step by Step

First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper muffin cups for easy removal.
To create the base for the muffins, start by stirring together 2.25 cups of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This mixture will provide the structure for your muffins.
In a separate bowl, mix together 1.5 cups of packed brown sugar, buttermilk, 0.5 cup of melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth batter.
Next, pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Gently sprinkle the diced apples on top and stir just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will ensure your muffins stay light and fluffy.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top for maximum height.
To prepare the topping, stir together 0.5 cup of brown sugar, 0.333 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of melted butter while tossing with a fork until the mixture is well combined. Sprinkle this over the tops of the muffins for a sweet, crunchy crown.
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed. This is the moment you want to look for, as it indicates they are perfectly baked.

Prep ~ 15 min, Cook ~ 25 min, Total ~ 40 min, Servings ~ 12, Kcal ~ 210

Prep Ahead

Preparing these Apple Muffins in advance can make your mornings effortlessly sweet. You can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and store them in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, consider assembling the muffins into the tin and covering it tightly, ready to pop in the oven in the morning. This way, you can enjoy warm muffins fresh out of the oven even on the busiest days.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any muffins left after your delightful breakfast, don’t worry, storing them is easy. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, for longer storage, wrap them individually and place them in the freezer, where they can stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. A great tip is to place a cup of water in the microwave with them to maintain moisture.

Treats to Enjoy with Apple Muffins

These Apple Muffins stand perfectly alone, but you might also consider pairing them with:

A warm cup of spiced chai or coffee for a comforting beverage
A dollop of whipped cream or fresh butter for added richness
Fresh fruit, like sliced oranges or berries, to add a refreshing contrast
A side of yogurt for a deliciously creamy treat
Honey or maple syrup drizzled over the muffins to enhance sweetness

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Feel free to make these Apple Muffins your own with creative variations and swaps:

Use different types of apples like Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness.
Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
Mix in nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a satisfying crunch.
Substitute some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetening option.
Try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg for a cozy spice twist.
Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture.
For a unique flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest for freshness.
You can even experiment by adding chocolate chips for a sweet treat everyone will love.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Keep these tips in mind to achieve the best results with your Apple Muffins:

Ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Do not overmix the batter; gentle folding is key to a fluffy muffin.
Use a toothpick to test for doneness and ensure baking until just set.
If using fresh apples, consider dusting them with a little flour to keep them from sinking.
For even cooking, try rotating the muffin tin halfway through the baking process.

Apple Muffins, FAQs

Can I use other types of milk instead of buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk, yogurt, or milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a similar acidity.
How long do these muffins last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Apple Muffins will stay fresh at room temperature for about three days and in the freezer for up to two months.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding 0.5 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans will give a delightful crunch and added flavor.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
You can use any variety you prefer, but tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet apples such as Fuji or Honeycrisp work particularly well.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that the rest of your ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Muffins are not just a recipe; they are a delicious moment to savor, whether it’s shared with family at breakfast or enjoyed alone with a cup of tea. The combination of warm spices, sweet apples, and a touch of brown sugar creates a delightful experience that brings comfort and joy. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to these scrumptious muffins soon – they are sure to become a cherished part of your baking repertoire!

Apple Muffins

Author: lu-ann
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Deliciously moist and tender apple muffins bursting with sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper muffin cups.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together 2.25 cups of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix together 1.5 cups packed brown sugar, buttermilk, 0.5 cup melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, sprinkle diced apples on top, and stir until just combined.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top.
In a small bowl, mix together 0.5 cup brown sugar, 0.333 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and drizzle in 2 tablespoons melted butter, stirring until combined. Sprinkle this topping over the muffins.
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed.