There’s something about waking up to the smell of warm apples and cinnamon that instantly softens the start of a day. These apple muffins with fresh apples capture that feeling perfectly, offering a little sweetness and comfort in every bite. They’re moist, tender, and dotted with juicy chunks of apple that surprise you as you chew.
I remember one morning last fall when I tried making these muffins. I was half-distracted by the kids arguing over breakfast and my phone buzzing in the background. The batter looked a bit lumpy — which I wasn’t sure about — but I went with it anyway. When they came out of the oven, the kitchen smelled like an orchard, and I couldn’t wait to try one. The slightly crisp top gave way to a soft, fragrant crumb, and those fresh apple pieces were just the right touch. Not perfect, but exactly what I needed that morning.
Why You’ll Love It
– The fresh apples keep each muffin moist and full of natural sweetness, so you don’t feel like you’re eating a dry, crumbly snack.
– It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy tricks, just honest baking.
– The warm spices bring cozy fall vibes, but honestly, they’re welcome all year round.
– These muffins aren’t overly sweet, so they work for breakfast or a quick snack without feeling like dessert.
If you’re worried about the muffins turning out too dense or dry, trust me, the fresh apples do most of the work here. It’s a forgiving recipe that seems to bounce back even if your timing is a bit off.
PrintApple Muffins with Fresh Apples
Deliciously moist apple muffins made with fresh apples, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 large egg
1 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Fold in the diced fresh apples gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Kitchen Notes
You don’t need any fancy equipment for these — just a basic muffin tin and a mixing bowl will do. When serving, these muffins pair wonderfully with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey, especially if you’re eating them right out of the oven. For a little twist, I sometimes add a handful of chopped walnuts or swap out the cinnamon for a dash of cardamom, but honestly, I haven’t tested all these variations enough to swear by them. If you want an extra touch of sweetness, a quick dusting of powdered sugar after baking is nice, too.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
A: You can, but fresh apples give a better texture. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well so the batter doesn’t get soggy.
Q: How long do these muffins stay fresh?
A: They keep well at room temperature for about three days in an airtight container. You can freeze extras for longer storage.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, swapping regular milk for a plant-based alternative works fine.
Give these apple muffins a try next time you want something warm and comforting, but not too sweet, to start your day. I bet they’ll become one of those simple go-tos you turn to when the morning feels just a bit too hectic.