There’s something about the smell of cinnamon and fresh apples baking that instantly transports you to a quieter, softer morning. These Granny Smith Apple Muffins capture that feeling perfectly — moist, tender, and with just a hint of spice. I remember the first time I made them, the kitchen filled with that comforting scent, and I was halfway distracted by a phone call, so I almost left the batter a little lumpier than ideal. But honestly, that little imperfection made the muffins feel even more homemade, like something my grandma might have pulled from the oven after a long morning.
What I love about these muffins is how they balance sweetness and tartness. The Granny Smith apples add a fresh zing that cuts through the richness, while the cinnamon lingers in the background, cozy but not overpowering. They’re not overly sweet — in fact, they’re simple, and that’s kind of the point. Sometimes you just want a snack that feels wholesome and real, not fussy or too rich.
- Moist and tender crumb with a gentle cinnamon aroma.
- Fresh diced Granny Smith apples give a lively tartness.
- Simple ingredients, no crazy steps — just straightforward comfort.
- They’re sweet but not too sweet; perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
- Not fancy, which means they’re easy to make and easy to love.
These muffins don’t try to be anything other than what they are — a satisfying little bite of calm on a busy morning or a quiet afternoon. If you’re hesitant about baking, don’t be. The batter comes together quickly, and there’s something very relaxing about folding in those apple pieces with a spatula, almost like a little moment of mindfulness.
PrintGranny Smith Apple Muffins
Deliciously moist and tender Granny Smith Apple Muffins with a hint of cinnamon, 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
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch 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, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter, egg, buttermilk, 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 the diced Granny Smith apples into the batter evenly.
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.
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need any special equipment beyond a basic muffin tin and mixing bowls. Serving these warm with a dab of butter feels like a small luxury, but they’re just as good cooled down with a cup of tea. I’ve tried adding chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of oats on top before baking — sometimes I like the crunch, but the muffins are lovely plain too. If you’re in a rush, you could halve the apples or even use frozen diced ones, though fresh definitely gives that best texture.
FAQ
Can I substitute the buttermilk? I usually use milk with a tiny splash of vinegar if I’m out, and it works fine. What about sweetness? If you prefer less sugar, you can dial it down a bit, but the apples bring their own natural brightness. Can I freeze these? Yes, freezing works well — just thaw them at room temperature and maybe warm them up slightly before eating.
Give these Granny Smith Apple Muffins a try next time you want something comforting without fuss. They’re the kind of treat that feels like a gentle hug from the inside out.