Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Featured in: Sweet Bites

These muffins combine diced seasonal apples with fragrant cinnamon for a moist, tender texture. The batter blends simple dry ingredients with eggs, oil, and milk, creating an easy-to-make batter. A sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar topping adds a sweet, crunchy finish. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they can be customized with nuts or alternative fruits for variety. Baking time is about 20 minutes in a preheated oven, yielding a dozen delicious muffins to enjoy warm or cooled.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:50:00 GMT
Golden-brown Cinnamon Apple Muffins, fresh from the oven, with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. Pin
Golden-brown Cinnamon Apple Muffins, fresh from the oven, with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. | grillandbites.com

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

I made these muffins last fall when apples were in season. They filled my kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and reminded me of mornings spent baking with my grandma.

Ingredients

  • Apples: 2 medium apples (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, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prep Muffin Tin:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
Whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine and Fold:
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined.
Add Apples:
Fold in diced apples.
Fill Muffin Cups:
Divide batter evenly among 12 muffin cups.
Add Topping:
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over muffins.
Bake:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool:
Let muffins cool in tin for 5 minutes, transfer to rack to cool completely.
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The first time my kids tried these, they came back asking for seconds. Now they're a weekend favorite we all look forward to baking together.

Required Tools

Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, peeler and knife

Allergen Information

Contains: wheat (gluten), eggs, milk. For dairy-free, choose oil and plant-based milk. Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per muffin: 210 calories, 8 g fat, 33 g carbs, 3 g protein

A close-up of fluffy Cinnamon Apple Muffins, perfect for a cozy fall breakfast or brunch. Pin
A close-up of fluffy Cinnamon Apple Muffins, perfect for a cozy fall breakfast or brunch. | grillandbites.com

Serve warm with a little butter or honey for a delicious final touch. These muffins stay moist for days and freeze well for meal prep.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?

Yes, pears or other seasonal fruits work well as alternatives, maintaining moisture and flavor.

How do I get a crunchy topping on these muffins?

Mix brown sugar with ground cinnamon and sprinkle over the muffin batter before baking for a sweet, crunchy crust.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk and oil instead of dairy milk and butter to make a dairy-free version without compromising moisture.

What is the best way to store these muffins?

Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are fully baked and ready to cool.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Moist muffins filled with diced apples and warm cinnamon for a comforting treat.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
20 min
Overall duration
35 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian

Components

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

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.

Phase 02

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

Phase 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil or melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Phase 04

Incorporate wet into dry: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Portion batter: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.

Phase 07

Apply optional topping: Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle over each muffin before baking.

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (milk or butter). Use plant-based milk and oil for dairy-free variation.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Protein: 3 g