Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Featured in: Daybreak Buddy Bites

These moist cinnamon apple muffins combine seasonal diced apples and fragrant ground cinnamon for a comforting treat. The batter is gently mixed to keep a tender crumb, enriched with eggs, milk, and vegetable oil or butter for moistness. Topped optionally with a cinnamon sugar sprinkle, they bake quickly to a golden finish. Enjoy warm or cooled, optionally adding nuts for crunch or swapping apples for pears. Simple tools and common ingredients make these approachable for any baking enthusiast.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:41:00 GMT
Freshly baked Cinnamon Apple Muffins, golden brown and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for fall flavors. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Cinnamon Apple Muffins, golden brown and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for fall flavors. | buddybiteskitchen.com

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

I first made these cinnamon apple muffins on a chilly weekend when I wanted something sweet and simple that would fill the kitchen with the scent of baking apples. They've quickly become a favorite treat in our house, especially in autumn.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium apples: peeled, cored, and diced
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: 250 g
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: 200 g
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon:
  • 2 tsp baking powder:
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda:
  • 1/4 tsp salt:
  • 2 large eggs:
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter: 120 ml
  • 1/2 cup milk: 120 ml
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract:
  • Topping (optional): 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare:
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.
Combine wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Make batter:
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:
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups.
Add topping (optional):
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.
Warm Cinnamon Apple Muffins with tender apple pieces, perfect for a cozy morning breakfast or snack. Save to Pinterest
Warm Cinnamon Apple Muffins with tender apple pieces, perfect for a cozy morning breakfast or snack. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Everyone gathered in the kitchen to taste test these warm muffins fresh from the oven. My little one loves helping sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top, and it's now our weekend baking tradition.

Required Tools

You'll need a 12-cup muffin tin, a couple of mixing bowls, a whisk, a spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a peeler and knife for prepping your apples.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat, eggs, and potentially dairy if using butter or milk. For dairy-free, choose plant-based milk and oil. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens before serving.

Nutritional Information

Each muffin has approximately 210 calories, with 8 g total fat, 33 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein, making them a balanced treat or snack option.

A close-up of delicious, fluffy Cinnamon Apple Muffins, ready to eat and bursting with apple spice. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of delicious, fluffy Cinnamon Apple Muffins, ready to eat and bursting with apple spice. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Serve these cinnamon apple muffins while still warm for extra comfort. They're a great make-ahead option for busy mornings, too.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I substitute the apples for another fruit?

Yes, pears or other seasonal fruits can be used as a flavorful alternative to apples while maintaining moisture and texture.

What type of cinnamon should I use?

Ground cinnamon works best for an even distribution of warm spice throughout the muffins.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

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

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk and vegetable oil in place of milk and butter to keep the muffins dairy-free.

What is the purpose of folding the apples in gently?

Folding prevents overmixing, which helps retain a tender crumb and keeps apple pieces intact throughout the batter.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Moist muffins bursting with diced apples and warm cinnamon, perfect for a cozy start or snack.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Daybreak Buddy Bites

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Yield 12 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

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 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

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.

Step 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs with vegetable oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 04

Incorporate wet into dry: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.

Step 05

Add diced apples: Fold diced apples carefully into the batter ensuring even distribution.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Apply optional topping: Combine brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over each muffin cup if desired.

Step 08

Bake muffins: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 09

Cool and transfer: Allow muffins to cool in pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy if milk or butter is used.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 210
  • Fat Content: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 33 grams
  • Protein Content: 3 grams