There’s something quietly satisfying about the moment you bite into a warm muffin that’s hiding a surprise inside. These apple pie filling muffins have that magic. I remember one chilly morning when I pulled them from the oven, the kitchen smelling like a blend of cinnamon and baked apples. I was juggling a million things—emails pinging, kids asking questions, and my coffee cooling on the counter. Somehow, grabbing one of these muffins and taking that first bite felt like a tiny pause button. The soft crumb wrapped around sweet, spiced apple chunks, and even though I was distracted by the phone ringing, I caught myself savoring the cozy flavors. It’s not a perfect, polished moment; it’s a real slice of everyday comfort.
Why You’ll Love It
- The muffins are moist and tender, with pockets of apple pie filling that add bursts of flavor in every bite.
- The spice blend is subtle, enhancing the apple without overpowering it—perfect if you don’t want a heavy-handed dessert flavor.
- They come together fairly quickly, which means you can whip them up even on a busy morning.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fancy techniques, just straightforward baking that yields cozy results.
- These muffins aren’t overly sweet, which makes them versatile for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
If you’re ever hesitant about baking muffins because you think they might turn out dry or dense, these gently crumbed muffins will surprise you. They hold just the right amount of moisture, thanks to the buttermilk and butter, so no worries about them feeling like a chore to eat.
PrintApple Pie Filling Muffins
Deliciously moist muffins filled with sweet and spiced apple pie filling, perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup apple pie filling, chopped into small pieces
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, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Fold in the chopped apple pie filling pieces evenly throughout the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 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 before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Notes
Don’t fret about having special pans or tools—regular muffin tins work just fine here. I usually just line the cups with paper liners, but greasing the tin is an easy alternative if you’re out of liners. These muffins are lovely on their own, but I sometimes spread a bit of softened butter or cream cheese on top to mix things up. You could swap the apple pie filling for fresh diced apples tossed in cinnamon and sugar, though I haven’t tested that swap extensively, so results might vary slightly. Another idea is folding in some chopped nuts for crunch, which I’ve done when I needed a bit more texture. Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of caramel sauce over the warm muffins is a treat, but definitely not necessary.
FAQ
Can I make these muffins ahead of time? Yes, they keep well for a few days at room temperature in an airtight container, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
Do I have to use buttermilk? Buttermilk adds tenderness, but you can substitute with milk plus a splash of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
Can I use homemade apple pie filling? Absolutely, just chop it into small pieces so it distributes evenly through the batter.
Are these muffins very sweet? They’re mildly sweet and balanced, so perfect if you prefer something not too sugary.
When a craving for something warm and comforting hits, these apple pie filling muffins are waiting. Once you try them, I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for one more than once on a quiet morning or a hectic afternoon.