These Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a simple breakfast recipe for fall mornings.
Watch the short video showing you how to make these Apple Cinnamon Muffins, then scroll to the end of this post and print out the recipe so you can make them at home!
Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins
These muffins are wonderful because they have a delicious layer of crumb on the tops. If you’re anything like me, I like to eat the crumbly top before I devour the rest of the muffin! There are tips in the recipe below for flour substitutions and how to cut down on fat.
When my now 6 foot 4 giant child was a wee one, we used to pack the car with a picnic and head to the local San Diego mountains on fall weekends. Those weekends are full of great memories such as going to the pumpkin patch and running through the corn maze, standing on tippy toes near the fences to pat the horses and dig into sheep fur, and sipping hot apple cider when there was a good chill in the air.
We often took our family photo at the pumpkin patch– standing in the remains of a long-ago picked corn field. Those were the days. And they were days I likely won’t be able to get back since 16 year olds aren’t so hip on hanging out with their parents at pumpkin patches any more!
The best part of those fall weekends was our time at the apple-picking orchards. If you’ve never been apple picking, it’s one of those things you must do. It’s not even like the apples are the best apples you’ve ever eaten, but the experience of walking around with a bucket and picking apples directly from the trees is super fun. And it’s really a nice thing for the kids to experience too.
Be sure to investigate (Google!) to see if you have any apple orchards near you. Usually they invite the public in to pick their own apples for a certain dollar amount per basket or by the pound. It’s so much fun!
Kids have always read in books that apples come from apple trees. But to actually stand in front of an apple tree, pick apples and put them in a basket… that’s a completely different experience! They’re seeing the connection between plants and food and what we can create at home with that food. That’s so important!
The best part of the whole apple picking experience is coming home with loads of apples and deciding what you’re going to make. I always make a good batch of applesauce with my apples. And baking cakes, apple bread and these Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins is most often on the agenda too!
Ask your kids what they’d like to make with your bounty of apples, and get them in on the cooking and baking action. You’ll create wonderful memories!
Here are a few baking recipes to try if you have a bucket-full of apples!
Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Recipe Details
Ingredients
MUFFINS:
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored & chopped)
TOPPING:
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper muffin liners.
- In a medium bowl whisk together dry ingredients. Add oil, egg and milk and stir just until combined. Fold in apples. Divide batter between the 12 muffin cups.
- In a small bowl, mix topping ingredients, blending together with a pastry cutter or fork. Sprinkle over unbaked muffins.
- Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean.
Video
Notes
- To lighten up the recipe a bit, fill the 1/3 cup measuring cup with 1/2 applesauce and 1/2 oil. The muffins will turn out just as moist.
- This recipe may also be made with white whole wheat flour in place of traditional whole wheat flour.
I doubled the recipe, used white flour, substituted half the oil with applesauce, used 2 cups chopped apples, and added tsp. vanilla. They were very moist and delicious! I took them to a gathering and they were a hit! I also baked them at 350 and added about 5 minutes to baking time.
This was incredible! Absolute yum! I added chopped walnuts & 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce because it seemed to dry. Def my go to muffin!
Will they freeze?
Yes!
Incredible recipe. Loved them. So easy to make. I used half the oil and half applesauce to make up the 1/3 cup like u suggested. I also used half white sugar and half munk fruit. At the last minute I threw in a few chopped walnuts. Thanks for such a great recipe. Delicious.
They r in the oven now; I am hoping they turn out. The better was so thick I thought I did something wrong. it would have been helpful if I had read the comments first.
I was worried when I finished mixing the batter because it was thicker than what I’m used to. However I kept going and I’m glad I did because the sr delicious. I used all purpose flour instead of wheat flour because I don’t ever use wheat flour. I’m not sure what kind of apples I used because we went apple picking and they were all mixed up lol. The only issue I had was with the crumb topping. It was basically like a dough and there was no sprinkling it on top. I basically had to pick off little pieces and place them all over. It was very tedious and time consuming. Next time I will just make a cinnamon sugar topping. But definitely making these again
Can i double this recipe?
probably!
I did double the recipe, they came out awsome! I used my Tupperware chopper and chopped the apples smaller than the 1st time, came out amazing! Hoping my co-workers like them! My adult son’s devoured them last time!
Taste is great but is dry. Only baked 15 min too.
These are delicious! My 2 apples were probably “large” instead of “medium” because I ended up with a ton of chopped apple. My muffins were probably just as much apple as muffin, but we ended up liking them like that. It’s always helpful to me when recipe authors give a specific amount of a fruit ingredient (“1 cup of chopped apples” vs. “2 medium apples, chopped”) since fruits vary in size.
Very good recipe except the measuring for the topping is inaccurate and isn’t enough to top all 10 or 12 muffins and the bake time and oven temperature is inaccurate. Using a brand new oven. 425 for 25 minutes is what these need following everything measured precisely per the recipe. Not sure if the author is using a measuring cup for all of this or not. Not sure if they’re going off of memory for oven temp and bake time.
How do these keep?
Room temp in a sealed container up to three days. Or you can pop them into the freezer for longer.
Absolutely incredible. I have made these a dozen times and they are amazing every time. Moist, delicious, full of cinnamon flavor and the topping is to die for. I make a whole bunch, let them cool, then wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them in a freezer bag. Pull one out, pop it in the Ninja on bake for five mins, and they taste fresh.
I loved this recipe. It’s quick to put together. Delicious , cheap and loved by the whole family -I have four kids. Thanks for this lovely recipe.
This is hands-down the best Apple Cinnamon Muffin recipe I have ever tried. Not only is the finished product super moist and flavoursome, but the addition of the crispy topping just brings it the the next level. I use this recipe as my go to for apple cake as well, and also a base for most of the other cakes I bake. Wonderful!
Not enough flour, should be 1 1/2. Cups all purpose flour !
It’s 1 cup all purpose and 1/2 cup whole wheat.
I’ve just made this recipe with some old apples that could only have been saved by turning them into something. I used three apples as they were small and I cut the sugar a bit as I don’t really like using so much sugar, especially as the muffins are mainly for my little guy for afternoon snacks. I also grated the apple coz the boy is fussy with bits of things. They’re in the oven now and looking great! Thank you for the recipe:)
This was the best muffin recipe I had ever made! Seriously, my family ate it all in 20 minutes. (It’s a big family.) 10/10!
Oh my God. These are incredible. I used all AP flour because I didn’t have whole wheat, and a small dash of vanilla, but other than that I didn’t change a thing and they are incredible. Even my two year old who is incredibly picky is wolfing it down, saying, “These are so good, Mommy!” I made 18 muffins instead of 12 to cut down on calories, used honeycrisp apples, and baked them for 15 minutes. Absolutely perfect. Thank you so so so much!!!
YUMMY! I used applesauce instead of any oil, all purpose flour and added some walnuts. Love it!!
Totally awesome
These were so yummy and so easy!! I had some leftover apples and this was a perfect way to use them. I used grapeseed oil oat milk, because that is what I had on hand, with great results. At the last minute, I added some chopped walnuts to the topping, and I highly recommend that!! Thanks for the recipe :-).
My husband & I loved these muffins! I did use all white whole wheat flour, melted coconut oil and added about 1/3 cup chopped walnuts. Needed to add an extra splash of milk since batter seemed a little thick. Also shredded one of the apples & chopped the other. I thought after the fact that I could’ve reduced the sugar since I used Pink Lady apples which are already sweet. But in any event they turned out great and I’ll make again!
I must have done something wrong followed the recipe I thought perfectly and mine after cooking 14 mins are just hard and inedible they are so thick and not moist at all so not sure what I did wrong haha
Hello. Just made this recipe just now but I did something wrong when mixing the topping ingredients. Pretty sure I followed the recipe right but the end result ended with a creamy mixture and not crumby. What did I do wrong? Could I use different toppings to avoid this mess up again?
Hmmm, well it sounds like the butter was quite soft. It should be a crumbly mixture– so perhaps a little more firm for cutting into crumbs.
This was a hit even with our Korean friends! They don’t like as much sugar as Americans, so I reduced the sugar by half. The apples, my husband reminds me all the time, really add the sweetness. Also, on some of the muffins I just sprinkled a little sugar and cinnamon on top and thought it was just as good (also a little easier than making the topping).
Finally, I didn’t have any wheat flour so used only all-purpose. Wondering how it would be with some almond flour?
Thanks for the great recipe!
I made mine with almond flour instead of wheat flour and they turned out very good. They were very moist and had a really good flavor!
I just tried this recipe for the first time and it’s a keeper! SO moist and very easy to make. I love a good muffin and this is it!
I wanted to love these muffins. But the after taste of baking powder is awful. I don’t know if I did something wrong or what. But it’s so strong it burned mine and my husbands throat. I followed the recipe to a T. Maybe if I had sifted the dry ingredients. I did double the recipe too.
Something must have gone wrong with doubling the recipe- I haven’t heard this from anyone else!
About 1/2 of my muffins collapsed in the middle… they look like donuts… Anyone else have this difficulty?
Not sure what happened there!
This recipe is sooooo freaking easy and simple!!!! Oh, and delicious!!!!
Hey, my name is Claire Teague and my family does a lot of baking around the house. I live in the countryside of Wooster, Oh. and I go to a college called wcscc in the countryside, for hospitality, and I was suppose to be at school baking today. However, i had a sore throat, and my sisters and i came across this Apple cinnomin muffins recipie. And it was fabulous, I used a little bit of half/half because we didn’t have any milk. So, it still was delicious. Thanks so much. Keep on baking!
Wow!!! These were so easy and the BEST apple muffins I have ever made!! My kids loved them too!
I did this for a school foods project. At first we were extremely doubtful as the batter looked very thick and dry. We trusted the process and baked the muffins , they ended up turning out great! We even added glaze
These apple and cinnamon muffins are the best, absolutely delicious and very moorish..
I made these knowing I would love them because I love anything apple cinnamon but my mom wasn’t too sure because she’s not much of a cinnamon fan. She tried one and she absolutely loved it!! These are so tasty and so easy to make
These were the best apple muffins I have ever made. Tasted like apple pie. The only change I made was using all purpose flour and baked at a 350 for 22 min. I made a double batch & am so happy that I did! My family devoured these!
If I bake in a 9×5 loaf pan, what do you suggest for cook time?
I haven’t tried baking this batter into a loaf, but usually loaves take between 45 and 60 minutes to make.
I have a wheat intolerance so can these muffins be made with plain all purpose flour. Also to make them a little healthier you said to put 1/3 cup of applesauce in the tin. Just want to make sure that I am not substituting the applesauce for something else in the recipe.
Probably on the flour. And on the applesauce… instead of using 1/3 cup oil, fill that 1/3 cup with half applesauce and half oil. That’ll just cut down on the oil a little bit.
I can’t follow a recipe exactly to save my soul. I used some applesauce for half the oil. I went heavy on the apple pieces. The batter seemed very thick before I added the apples so I added maybe a quarter cup water to it. Was tempted to sub in some allspice or mace for the cinnamon…maybe next time? I didn’t need the extra calories so subbed out the granulated sugar for Trivia sugar cane blend. Lastly, I didn’t make the crumb topping. I’m currently waiting for thm to cool enough that I don’t burn my mouth. Smells and tastes delicious!
Any experience swapping canned pumpkin for some or all of the apple? I loved the apple ones, but my husband is a pumpkin enthusiast.
I have not tried that…
Can I use more white flour instead of wheat flour?
Yes.
These are delicious! I substituted applesauce for the oil and they came out great. The crumble is awesome! Can’t wait to make them again!
What’s the best way to store these muffins?
Keep them in a covered container, or they do well in the freezer too in a zip baggie.
Can you use peaches instead of apples?
I don’t see why not!
Hi, I was wondering if I could substitute margarin for butter in the topping portion.
I haven’t tried that.
Can you just use 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour instead?
That should be okay.
OMG THESE ARE AMAZZZZZZZING! If you love apple pie, this is basically the muffin version of it! I used 3 small Granny Smith apples and it was PERFECT. I shared these with family and friends wland we are all obsessed! This is going into my go to apple muffin recipe!!!
Can I make these in mini muffin size? They look amazing!
I haven’t tried that, but it should be fine.
Can these muffins be frozen and eaten later?
I would think so!
Hi! Youre recipe looks really good. I was wondering if there are any specifications to the type of apple? Also, are there any substitutes for it? Merci Beaucoup!!
Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady…
These muffins taste delicious. However, mine didn’t puff up like normal muffins do and they fell apart coming out of the pan. Any ideas? Also, could you use this batter to make bread?
Can you tell me what the calories per serving is without the topping?
no idea!
Can I switch the diced apple with applesauce? If so, how much applesauce should I use?
Diced apple just adds chunky apple flavor to the muffins. If you try to substitute applesauce, that will affect the texture of the muffins… so I wouldn’t try to sub.
Delicious and super easy to make! Thanks for the recipe, definitely a keeper!
Absolutely delicious!!! These muffins are so moist and the topping compares to a coffee cake crumb top. The only changes i made were using quick oats instead of wheat flower and almond milk instead of regular. These are addictive, will absolutely make again.
These look wonderful to make during our cold snap in Ohio right now!!
Easy and very good, I ate 2 right out of the oven and I predict they won’t last till tomorrow!
Would the addition of walnuts work? If so, how much? Maybe 1/3 cup? Thanks
I think that sounds fine!
Made these this afternoon since I had a ton of extra apples from a friends tree. Made a double batch. Swapped the AP and Whole Wheat flour. Used applesauce (home canned) for the oil and only used 1/2 the sugar . Added some nutmeg. Got 18 muffins but I filled the tins almost full. Will definitely make these again
Delicious and quick to make!
Very tasty and so easy to whip up!! Almost taste like caramel apple muffins!
Do you have to use the wheat flour or can you use all purpose flour for it all?
Sure, you can do that!
The muffins turned out so moist. I added nutmeg to the topping. Instead of two big apples, I used six medium crabapples from my tree.
Really good and very easy to make! Perfect for this fall season.
We are huge muffin fans! This is such a great flavor for fall!
These are perfect for fall when all of the fresh apples start popping up in the store.
I wish I could grab one right now!
So perfect for breakfast in my house!
This is a fall essential!!
These muffins are so good! Lovely crumb and the apple cinnamon combo is fab.
these are so perfect for fall!
Weather is finally cooling down and I am so glad to have found a recipe that is sooo worth to turn the oven on. Bring on the apples I am making this apple cinnamon muffins!!! ?
Wow, I need these with my tea this morning!
These muffins are incredible. Like others i made a few changes. I used all A/P flour, subbed 1/2tsp of cinnamon for pie spice and added 1/2 tsp vanilla. I also made half of the batch with some peanut butter cups but haven’t tried yet. The house smells amazing! Such an easy and delicious recipe!
Have tried the recipe it has turned out awesome
Used flaxseed 1 tbsp instead of egg
These were so delicious! I added a total of about 1/2c of milk since it looked too dry to me. Thank you!
Made these today, just as it is printed, delicious! I use MacIntosh since that is what I had. Also made a small batch of vegan for my daughter using coconut oil instead of butter and the applesauce. Turned out so well. Thank you for the recipe!
I also found the batter to be quiet thick but decided to continue using the recipe. I liked the simplicity of the recipe (my 2 year old son also helped!) They turned out a treat and taste very yum!
Do you know the ratio for making them into mini muffins?
Usually double- but you’ll need to reduce the baking time and just keep an eye on them until they’re done.
Tried these tonight and love them! Followed the recipe exactly except I kept the apple peels on and added a splash of extra milk when the batter seemed a bit too thick. I will definitely make these again. Thanks for the recipe! Now I just have to see if I can make them gluten free sometime so my husband can eat them…
I’ve tried it and it’s yum!
And moist also.
Thank you for the recipe!
Tried these tonight, batter was a little thick. It they tasted great!
Batter was thick, but no problem muffins turned out fine. I used all purpose flour for all flour in recipe, Honeycrisp and Gala apples,. added a bit of vanilla, half diced caramel cube per muffin and placed into batter in muffin cup before adding topping. Also added pecans to half of recipe. My hubby loves them! As a bonus the house smells wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Happy to hear you enjoyed them!
Could I use apple cider instead of milk?
I’ve not tried anything but milk, so I’m not sure!
Quick, easy and delicious! I substituted 1/4 c milled flax seed for 1/4 c flour as I didn’t have any whole wheat in the house. Love that you can add the wet into the dry (saves a bowl from needing washing!).
What type of Apple works best for this recipe?
I like to use Granny Smith apples for baking.
Made these tonight with only all purpose flour and they were spectacular!! My new favorite fall treat!
Mine all fell in and are really dry and fall apart 🙁 the only thing I changed was using all purpose flour, since I didn’t have whole wheat on hand.
Batter seems thick. What should I do? Double checked the recipe twice.
I’m not sure- how did they turn out for you?
Do you think i could use all white flour in the recipe and skip the whole wheat ? *i dont have WW in the house and really want to make these!
thanks –
I’m sure that would be fine.