These Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are warm, fluffy, and packed with lovely apple bits and rich cinnamon flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Who can resist the smell of baking apples and cinnamon? I like to enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a little butter. Yum! 🧁
Making these muffins is a breeze—I just mix everything together, scoop it into the muffin tin, and let the oven do its magic. Quick, easy, and oh so delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the muffins. If you want a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour, which adds more fiber. Just note that it may make the muffins a bit denser.
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats give great texture to the muffins. If you need gluten-free options, you can use certified gluten-free rolled oats instead. Quick oats work too but they’ll change the texture slightly.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a deeper sweetness. If you want to reduce sugar, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup, though the liquid alters the wet-to-dry ingredient ratio, so adjust accordingly.
Diced Apples: Fresh apples add moisture and flavor. I prefer using Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the sugar. Fuji or Honeycrisp also work and are sweeter.
Buttermilk: It gives the muffins a nice tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar can create a quick substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Muffins Rise Beautifully?
Getting those muffins to rise nicely is all about your mixing technique and the leavening agents. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with fresh baking powder and baking soda. Old leaveners can cause your muffins not to rise.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them. This keeps the chemical reaction between leavening agents and wet ingredients optimal.
- Don’t overmix! Gently fold the batter until combined; a few lumps are okay. This helps keep muffins fluffy!
- Fill your muffin cups about 3/4 full to give them room to rise properly.
Following these steps will help your muffins spring up perfectly every time! Happy baking!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup peeled, diced apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 tbsp vinegar and regular milk)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or apple juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep, and another 18 to 22 minutes for baking. After cooking, let your muffins cool for about 5 minutes in the pan and then on a wire rack. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to enjoy these delicious muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners to make sure your muffins come out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Add the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples with the flour mixture. This helps the apples distribute evenly throughout the batter while baking.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth and well-blended.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined—don’t worry if there are some lumps; this will keep your muffins fluffy!
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This allows enough space for the muffins to rise as they bake.
7. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle a few rolled oats on top of each muffin for a delightful texture and look before baking.
8. Bake the Muffins:
Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean!
9. Cool the Muffins:
Once baked, take the muffins out and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional Glaze:
If you want an extra sweet finish, whisk together the powdered sugar with milk or apple juice to make a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled muffins!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
These muffins are perfect warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful flavors and comforting aroma!
These muffins are not only delicious but also a great way to start your day or to enjoy as a cozy afternoon snack. Plus, the combination of apples and cinnamon is just perfect for any season!
Can I Use a Different Type of Apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, you can use any variety you like. Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples are also great options for additional sweetness and flavor.
Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, or add it separately according to the package instructions for best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delightful addition. You can also add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture. Just make sure to adjust the total volume of mix-ins so the batter remains balanced!