These Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are warm and cozy, perfect for breakfast or a snack. With tasty chunks of apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon, they smell amazing while baking!
I love how easy these muffins are to whip up. You just mix the ingredients and pop them in the oven. Plus, they make my kitchen smell like a fall paradise! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: Essential for texture and heartiness, but you can use quick oats if that’s all you have. Just note that the muffins might have a softer texture.
Whole wheat flour: It adds nutrition and flavor. If you want a lighter muffin, you could use all-purpose flour instead, but I love the nutty taste of whole wheat!
Brown sugar: This gives sweetness and moisture. If you’re looking to cut sugar, try using coconut sugar or another natural sweetener in the same amount.
Applesauce: This keeps the muffins moist and adds apple flavor. You can substitute with mashed bananas or even pumpkin puree to switch things up.
Milk: Any milk works, whether dairy or plant-based, like almond or oat milk. I often use almond milk for a slightly nutty flavor.
How Do I Get the Muffins to Rise Beautifully?
Getting your muffins to rise well can sometimes be tricky. The key is in how you mix the batter and your baking powder.
- Ensure your baking powder is fresh. Outdated baking powder won’t help your muffins rise.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding wet ingredients to dry. Stir until just combined to keep it light.
- Make sure to preheat your oven fully before baking. A hot oven is crucial for a nice rise!
Following these tips can lead to perfectly fluffy muffins that are sure to please. Enjoy baking your Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins!
Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced small
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts) for topping (optional)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats for topping
- Optional glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp apple juice or milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 18-22 minutes to bake. You will need a little time for cooling afterwards, so plan on approximately 45 minutes total before you can enjoy these delightful muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners to make it easier to remove the muffins later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is mixed evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will give your muffins great moisture and flavor!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough!
5. Add the Apples:
Fold in the diced apple pieces gently so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. If you like, sprinkle the tops with additional rolled oats and chopped nuts for a nice crunchy topping.
7. Bake the Muffins:
Pop the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of one muffin; it should come out clean when they’re ready.
8. Cool the Muffins:
When baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Drizzle with Optional Glaze:
If you’d like to add a sweet touch, whisk together the powdered sugar with apple juice or milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled muffins for a delicious finish!
10. Enjoy!
Your moist and flavorful Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm or at room temperature. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack!
This recipe brings together hearty oats, wholesome apples, and comforting cinnamon, topped sweetly with a drizzle of glaze. Happy baking!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the whole wheat and all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture!
What Apples Are Best for Baking?
For baking, I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or a sweet variety like Honeycrisp. Both hold up well during baking and add great flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Make These Muffins Vegan?
Yes! You can easily make them vegan by substituting eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and using a plant-based milk and oil. Enjoy!
