Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins

Name: Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup applesauce; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 cup diced apples (peeled and cored); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Easy Comfort Dishes

I absolutely love starting my day with these Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins! The combination of tender, spiced apple bits and warm cinnamon creates a delightful aroma that fills my kitchen. As I watch them rise in the oven, I can’t help but feel excited for that first bite. These muffins not only taste amazing but are also a healthy way to fuel my morning. With their easy preparation, I can whip them up in no time, making mornings a little brighter and a lot tastier!

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2026-02-10T17:25:36.799Z

When I first decided to create these Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins, I wanted them to be moist and flavorful. I found that using a mix of both applesauce and diced apples gives the muffins that perfect balance of texture and sweetness. It’s important to let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking, as it helps the flavors meld beautifully while ensuring the muffins turn out light and fluffy.

One of my favorite tips is to use freshly grated nutmeg in addition to the cinnamon; it enhances the flavor profile in a way that store-bought spices just can’t match. These muffins are perfect for meal prep, and they freeze exceptionally well, allowing me to enjoy them for weeks to come!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Deliciously warm and comforting flavors
Perfectly moist with a tender crumb
Easy to make, ideal for busy mornings

The Role of Apples and Applesauce

In this recipe, diced apples and applesauce play crucial roles in adding moisture and natural sweetness to the muffins. The applesauce replaces some of the fat while keeping the muffins incredibly soft, making them a healthier option without sacrificing texture. I recommend using a variety of apple that balances tartness and sweetness, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, which adds a pleasant contrast to the cinnamon and nutmeg spices.

The diced apples provide delightful bursts of texture and flavor in every bite. To avoid mushy pieces, ensure to cut the apples into even-sized cubes, no larger than ½ inch. This allows them to cook evenly and maintain a satisfying bite. Additionally, if you prefer a stronger apple flavor, consider using unsweetened applesauce to deepen the taste, as it intensifies the apple essence without adding excess sweetness.

Perfecting the Muffin Technique

When mixing your batter, it's essential not to overmix after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins rather than the desired fluffy texture. Just stir until no dry flour is visible, then gently fold in the apples and walnuts. This folding method gently incorporates the add-ins without activating too much gluten, ensuring a light, tender crumb.

Keeping the oven at a steady 350°F (175°C) is crucial for even baking. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or a fork into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to open the oven door too early, as this can cause the muffins to sink. I find that letting them bake for 18-20 minutes yields the best results, but each oven is unique, so keep an eye on them toward the end.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delightful muffins:

Muffin Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup applesauce
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup diced apples (peeled and cored)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Mixing these ingredients together is the first step to creating your muffins!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your muffins:

Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with cooking spray.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the applesauce, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.

Combine and Fold

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the diced apples and walnuts, being careful not to overmix.

Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, try adding dried cranberries or raisins to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.

Storing and Freezing Your Muffins

To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them. Allow the muffins to cool completely, then wrap each one in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will retain their quality for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for about 30 seconds until warm.

If you'd like to revive the texture of your muffins after freezing, consider reheating them in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This method will help restore their softness and warmth, making them feel just-baked again.

Delicious Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins to customize these muffins. For a hint of tropical flavor, try adding shredded coconut or diced pineapple along with the apples. If you want a nutty crunch without walnuts, sunflower seeds or pecans make excellent alternatives. Additionally, a sprinkle of raisins or dried cranberries can elevate the sweetness and provide additional texture.

You can also adjust the spices according to your preference. For a warm autumn twist, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the mix, which complements the apple and cinnamon beautifully. Various spices add a new layer of flavor, making it an exciting experience each time you bake these muffins.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the applesauce?

Yes, you can substitute with mashed bananas for a different flavor.

→ How do I store leftover muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Absolutely! Just substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

→ What can I do with stale muffins?

You can turn stale muffins into bread pudding or toast them for a crunchy snack!