Some mornings just beg for a little treat that feels like a warm hug. Muffins with apple pie filling are exactly that kind of comfort—soft, tender, and filled with all those familiar spices that remind you of crisp fall days. They’re not just any muffins; they hold a surprise in each bite that makes waking up feel a little sweeter.
I remember the first time I baked these—it was one of those chaotic mornings, where the kids were running around and I was half-distracted by emails. Somehow, the timer went off just as I was about to pour my coffee. I grabbed a muffin right out of the oven, still warm and smelling like cinnamon and baked apples. The gooey apple filling oozed slightly as I bit in, and for a moment, the morning madness paused. It wasn’t perfect—my kitchen was a bit messier than usual, and I think I left a smear of batter on the counter—but that imperfect moment was exactly right.
These muffins aren’t for when you want something fancy or fussed over. They’re for those honest mornings when you need a little bit of nostalgia and comfort wrapped up in a handheld snack. It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- Soft, moist crumb with just enough spice to make you smile.
- Sweet apple pie filling inside that feels like a secret gift in every bite.
- Quick to mix up, perfect when you’re juggling too many things at once.
- They won’t win any beauty contests—they’re rustic and homey, with a few spills and cracks—but that’s part of their charm.
If you’re worried about making something too complicated early in the day, these muffins have got you covered. They come together in under an hour, and even if your morning is a little rushed or scattered, they’re forgiving.
PrintMuffins with Apple Pie Filling
Deliciously moist muffins filled with sweet and spiced apple pie filling, perfect for breakfast or a 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
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
1/2 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 it lightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the melted 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 gently, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 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 them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In my kitchen, I rely on a simple muffin tin and a good oven thermometer to keep things steady. No fancy tools needed. Sometimes I like to warm one up with a little butter or cream cheese spread, which feels like a small indulgence, especially with a cup of tea or coffee. If you want to mix it up, I’ve tried stirring in a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture, or swapping out the apple pie filling for pear preserves when apples are out of season—though I’m not totally sure it hits the same cozy note. Adding a pinch of cardamom instead of nutmeg gives it a slightly different warmth, but I usually stick to the classics.
FAQ
Can I make these muffins ahead of time? Definitely! They keep well in an airtight container for a few days and freeze beautifully for longer storage.
Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling? You could, but you’d want to cook them down with sugar and spices first to get that same soft, sweet filling effect.
Are these muffins good for kids? Absolutely. The sweet apple flavor and gentle spices make them a favorite for little hands and picky eaters alike.
Next time you’re craving something cozy and a little nostalgic, give these muffins a try. They might just become your go-to morning pick-me-up—especially on those days that start a little messy but still deserve a warm, sweet moment.