These Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are a warm and cozy treat! Packed with sweet apples and a hint of cinnamon, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of these muffins baking. It’s like a big hug from your kitchen. I love to enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a cup of tea!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the muffins, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can replace half of it with whole wheat flour for more fiber.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: They add texture and are essential for the oat flavor. Quick oats can substitute but may yield a softer muffin. I prefer the old-fashioned kind for that chewy bite!
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a lovely caramel flavor. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but it might slightly change the taste.
Apples: Granny Smith apples add tartness that balances the sweetness. If you have a sweeter variety on hand, like Honeycrisp, that works too! Just adjust the sugar a bit based on the apple’s sweetness.
Buttermilk: It gives moisture and tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes as a quick substitute.
How Can I Ensure My Muffins Rise Perfectly?
Getting those muffins to rise nicely starts with your leavening agents. Baking powder and baking soda are key! Make sure they are fresh because expired agents won’t give a good rise. Here’s how to get them right:
- Measure accurately: Too much or too little of leavening agents can affect the rise.
- Mix the dry ingredients well before adding wet. This distributes the leavening agents evenly.
- Don’t overmix: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients just until mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
By following these tips, your Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins will turn out fluffy and delicious every time!
Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt as substitute)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Extra oats and a cinnamon sugar mixture for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. Including cooling time, set aside around 45 minutes to an hour before you can enjoy your delicious muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup so that the muffins come out easily later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Stir everything together well so that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined; don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy—this is perfect for muffins!
5. Add the Apples:
Carefully fold in the chopped apples. Try to mix them evenly without overworking the batter.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Evenly divide the muffin batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This way, they will have room to rise without overflowing.
7. Add Your Toppings:
If you’d like, sprinkle some extra oats and a little cinnamon sugar on top of each muffin for added texture and flavor!
8. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Muffins:
Take the muffins out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps them set perfectly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature. They are delightful on their own or with a bit of butter, honey, or cream cheese. Enjoy your homemade Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins that are soft, moist, and filled with yummy apple flavor!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that the texture may be a bit denser, but it will still taste delicious!
What Type of Apples are Best for This Recipe?
Granny Smith apples are a great choice because they add nice tartness that balances well with the sweetness of the muffins. Fuji or Honeycrisp apples can also work well for a sweeter flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag before freezing.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped walnuts, pecans, or even raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind to adjust the measurements to not exceed the overall volume of the batter.
