These Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are warm, fluffy, and bursting with sweet apple pieces and cozy cinnamon flavors. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Honestly, they make my kitchen smell amazing while baking! I love having one with a cup of tea in the afternoon—it’s like a hug in muffin form. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the star! They give the muffins texture and heartiness. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can work, but they will give a softer texture.
All-Purpose Flour: This provides structure to the muffins. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat flour or oat flour can be used instead. Just note that it may alter the texture slightly.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a nice caramel-like flavor. You can replace it with coconut sugar for a less processed option or use all granulated sugar if needed. Brown sugar works best for that rich taste!
Apples: I love using a sweet apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp for these muffins. You can also use Granny Smith for a tart kick! If fresh apples aren’t available, unsweetened canned apples or even dried apples can work in a pinch.
How Do You Ensure the Muffins Are Light and Fluffy?
The secret to light and fluffy muffins lies in mixing without overdoing it. Here’s how:
- Mix the dry ingredients separately and the wet ingredients separately first.
- When combining, stir gently. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins because it develops the gluten.
- Don’t skip the rising agents! Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh for maximum lift.
With a light hand and some attention, you’ll end up with wonderfully fluffy muffins that are perfect for enjoying any time of day!
Delicious Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar mixed with 1–2 tbsp milk or apple juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
You can whip up these Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins in about 15 minutes of prep time and 20–25 minutes of baking time. In less than an hour, you’ll have a dozen delicious muffins to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure your muffins bake evenly. While the oven is warming up, you can prepare your muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper liners for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these ingredients together so they’re well mixed. This ensures an even rise when baking!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. This will give your muffins a nice moist texture and sweet flavor.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Add the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apple chunks, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the batter. The apples will add sweetness and a delightful texture to your muffins.
6. Fill the Muffin Tins:
Divide the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This gives the muffins room to rise without spilling over.
7. Bake Your Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking time for the best results!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them to firm up and makes transferring easier. If you’d like, drizzle with the optional powdered sugar glaze after they’ve cooled for a sweet finishing touch.
Enjoy these tasty and comforting Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’re a fantastic snack or breakfast treat any time! 🥰
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may make the muffins denser. You might want to try a 50/50 mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a lighter texture.
Can I Make These Muffins Vegan?
Yes! To make them vegan, simply replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water, let it sit for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based oil or vegan butter. Additionally, make sure to use a sugar that is certified vegan.
How Should 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 individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Can I Use Instead of Applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of mashed bananas or yogurt. Both options will keep the muffins moist while adding their own unique flavors!
