These warm and cozy Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are the perfect blend of sweet apples and spicy cinnamon. They’re soft, hearty, and a great way to enjoy breakfast or a snack!
I love making these muffins on chilly mornings. They fill the house with a lovely aroma, and who can resist that? Plus, you can sneak one for a quick treat during the day! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure to your muffins. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix can work beautifully, although the texture might differ slightly.
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats add texture and heartiness. If you prefer a finer texture, quick oats can be used, but they will change the muffin’s chewiness.
Brown Sugar: For that lovely depth of flavor, brown sugar is ideal. You can substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients if using liquid sweeteners.
Applesauce: This helps keep the muffins moist. If you don’t have it, you can mash a ripe banana or use extra diced apples instead, adding a bit more moisture.
Milk: Dairy or non-dairy options both work great. Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk will keep the muffins just as delicious.
How Do I Ensure My Muffins Are Light and Fluffy?
Mixing techniques are key for fluffy muffins. Overmixing can lead to tough baked goods, so here’s how to do it right:
- Combine dry ingredients first, ensuring everything is well mixed.
- When adding the wet ingredients, mix just until there are no dry spots; a few lumps are okay.
- Don’t worry about uniformity. Each muffin will rise beautifully in the oven!
Take care to properly measure ingredients, especially flour. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level off with a knife rather than scooping straight from the bag, which can lead to too much flour and dense muffins.
With these tips in mind, you’ll have delightful, fluffy Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins every time! Enjoy baking!
Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup peeled and diced apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting these delicious muffins ready takes about 10 minutes for prep, and then you’ll bake them for 18-22 minutes. Don’t forget to let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Altogether, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to enjoy these homemade treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or give it a light grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Use a whisk or a fork to mix everything well, ensuring the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, diced apples, milk, oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Mix It Together:
Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be thick but a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. To make them extra special, sprinkle a bit of extra rolled oats on top of each muffin before baking.
6. Baking Time:
Pop your muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, carefully remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are delicious served warm or at room temperature.
8. Serve Your Muffins:
Enjoy your tasty Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins on their own or with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey if you’d like. They make a fantastic breakfast or snack!
These muffins have a wonderful soft texture with cozy cinnamon flavors and delightful bits of apple. The oats add a wholesome touch, making them perfect for any time of day!
Can I Use Other Types of Flour?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just note that swapping may alter the texture slightly, with whole wheat providing a denser muffin and gluten-free options requiring careful measurement and possibly additional liquid.
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them! Just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag; they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I Add Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips into the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just remember to keep the total amount to about 1 cup for best results.
How to Reheat Muffins?
To reheat, simply pop your muffins in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This can help refresh their soft texture!
