These apple cinnamon oat muffins are soft, tasty, and packed with warm flavors! With sweet apples and a hint of cinnamon, they make a lovely snack or breakfast treat.
I love how easy they are to whip up! They’re perfect for keeping in the kitchen for a quick bite. Plus, they make your house smell amazing while baking—who can resist that? 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are essential for texture, giving the muffins a hearty feel. You can use quick oats in a pinch, but they may result in a softer texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but you can easily substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind it might make the muffins slightly denser.
Brown Sugar: If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, try using coconut sugar or honey. If using honey, reduce the liquid in the recipe a little.
Apples: Use any apple variety you like! I personally enjoy using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Fuji or Honeycrisp are perfect for sweetness.
Milk: Any milk will do, including plant-based options like almond or oat milk. This adds a nice flavor while keeping it dairy-free.
What’s the Best Way to Mix the Batter Without Overmixing?
Mixing properly is key to fluffy muffins! When you combine wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Here’s how:
- Combine dry and wet ingredients separately first.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Use a spatula to fold everything together quickly, but stop as soon as you see no more dry flour—lumps are okay!
Overmixing can make muffins tough, so keep it light and quick. Happy baking!
Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp apple cider or milk
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients. The baking takes about 20-25 minutes, plus an additional 5 minutes for cooling in the muffin tin. Total time: around 40-50 minutes for these delightful muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for even baking. Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing the cups so the muffins release smoothly after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Give it a good stir to make sure everything is mixed evenly.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients well ensures you have a nice, creamy mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t worry if there are a few lumps; this keeps the muffins soft and fluffy!
5. Fold in the Apple:
Carefully fold in the finely chopped apple pieces. This adds fantastic flavor and texture to your muffins, making each bite delicious!
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. If you like, sprinkle a few extra oats on top for some added crunch before baking.
7. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they’re ready to be taken out!
8. Cool the Muffins:
After baking, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent them from getting soggy.
9. Drizzle with Optional Glaze:
If you’d like to add a sweet touch, mix the powdered sugar, apple cider or milk, and cinnamon until smooth to make a simple glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled muffins right before serving for a delightful finish!
Enjoy your warm, cozy apple cinnamon oat muffins—perfect with a cup of tea or coffee!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary a bit, but you’ll still get tasty muffins!
How Can I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly!
Can I Substitute Other Fruits for Apples?
Absolutely! Pears or mashed bananas work great as substitutes. You can also use a mix of fruits like blueberries or cranberries for a delicious twist. Just adjust the sweetness level if the fruit is particularly sweet.
What Should I Do If My Muffins Turn Out Dense?
If your muffins are dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix gently and stop as soon as there are no visible dry patches. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements if possible!
