There’s something about the smell of apples and cinnamon baking that instantly softens a hectic morning. I remember the first time I made these apple muffins for kids—it was a weekday breakfast scramble, and honestly, I was juggling way too much. The timer dinged somewhere between my half-finished coffee and the scramble to find matching socks. But as I pulled the tray from the oven, the kitchen filled with this cozy, inviting aroma that made everything feel a little more manageable. The muffins were tender, with just the right amount of sweetness and those soft apple bits that peeked through, adding a juicy surprise in each bite. It wasn’t flawless—I may have dropped a few crumbs on the floor, and the timer beeped a bit late—but those little muffins made the chaos feel like a gentle pause.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Soft and moist texture that kids actually enjoy biting into, with gentle apple chunks adding delightful bursts of flavor.
- A hint of cinnamon that’s just enough to warm the taste buds without overpowering the natural sweetness of the apples.
- Simple, straightforward ingredients and a quick prep time—great for mornings when time isn’t on your side.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No need for complicated steps or fancy gadgets to get a comforting breakfast on the table.
- Perfectly portioned for little hands, making breakfast or snack time less of a battle and more of a treat.
If you’re worried about picky eaters or last-minute breakfast chaos, these muffins have your back. They come together quickly and don’t demand much fuss, which means you can focus on other morning rituals—like hunting for that missing shoe or trying to convince your little one to eat something warm before school.
PrintApple Muffins for Kids
Delicious and moist apple muffins made especially for kids, featuring tender chunks of apple and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy 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
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apple (about 1 medium apple)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Fold in the peeled and diced apple pieces evenly into 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 pan for 5 minutes.
Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
The kitchen is your playground here—no special equipment needed, just a muffin tin and basic mixing bowls. If you want to switch things up, I’ve tried adding a handful of raisins once, but I’m not sure every kid will love that surprise. Sometimes swapping out the apple chunks for pear works, but it changes the texture slightly. Oh, and if you’re feeling a little adventurous, sprinkle a bit of oats on top before baking—it adds a nice rustic touch, though it’s not a must. These muffins pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or even a warm cup of tea if you’re the adult in the room.
FAQ:
Can I use other types of apples? Yes, but keep in mind some apples are juicier and may alter the muffin’s moisture slightly. I usually stick to a firm variety, but I haven’t tested them all.
How long do these muffins keep? They’re best eaten within a couple of days at room temperature, but freezing them works great for longer storage.
Is it okay if the batter is a bit lumpy? Absolutely. Overmixing can make muffins tough, so a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Ready to bring a little warmth and sweetness to your morning? Save this recipe, grab your apples, and start mixing. These apple muffins for kids are waiting to become your new breakfast favorite.