Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of freshly baked apple cinnamon muffins? These tender, fluffy treats are packed with juicy apple pieces and a hint of cinnamon, making them the perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon snack. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details of making these scrumptious muffins!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 12 muffins. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and baking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each muffin (approx. 100g) contains about 180 calories, 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, 8g fat, and 1g fiber, making it a satisfying option for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently.
- Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy your warm apple cinnamon muffins with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon if desired!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Additionally, use unsweetened applesauce in place of oil for a lower-fat version. Almond milk can replace regular milk for a dairy-free choice.
Serving and Pairings
These muffins pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for added richness.
Storage and Reheating
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins.
- Using too much flour will make the muffins dry.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect texture.
- Baking at an incorrect temperature can result in unevenly cooked muffins.
- Skipping the cooling time can make them gummy.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh apples for the best flavor.
- Let the muffins cool completely before storing.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger.
- Try adding raisins or cranberries for an extra twist.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears or berries work great as delicious alternatives to apples in muffins, adding different flavors and textures.
How can I make these muffins gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the muffins fresh, but you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and mix them with wet ingredients just before baking.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
Muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
What can I do with leftover muffins?
Leftover muffins can be crumbled over yogurt or ice cream for a tasty dessert, or used in a bread pudding.
Conclusion
These apple cinnamon muffins are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. With their warm spices and sweet apple pieces, they are sure to become your go-to treat for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a delightful snack throughout the week.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced apples
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently.
- Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy your warm apple cinnamon muffins!
