Name: Cinnamon Apple Muffins
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1/3 cup honey (plus more for drizzling, optional); 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 6–8 fresh figs (or dried, softened), sliced; 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional)

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These cinnamon apple muffins are my go-to treat when I want something warm, cozy, and filled with the sweet scent of fall. They’re soft, moist, and loaded with tender apple chunks and warm cinnamon spice. Whether I bake them for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or to share with friends, they always turn out delicious and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and satisfying these muffins are. The combination of apples and cinnamon brings a classic, nostalgic flavor that never gets old. They’re incredibly easy to make and fill my kitchen with the most amazing aroma while baking. I also appreciate how versatile they are—I can make them healthier, gluten-free, or dress them up with a crumb topping depending on what I’m in the mood for. Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Unsalted butter (melted) or oil
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Milk or buttermilk
Apples, peeled and chopped (I like using sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, I mix the melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined. I then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk, whisking until smooth.
I pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined—making sure not to overmix.
I gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.
I scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
I bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
I let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 standard muffins and takes around 35 minutes total—15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking.

Variations

I sometimes top them with a cinnamon sugar or oat streusel for a bakery-style finish.
For extra moisture, I add a bit of applesauce to the batter.
I switch out some of the flour for whole wheat when I want a heartier muffin.
I add chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch.
I’ve also made them gluten-free using a 1:1 flour substitute with great results.

storage/reheating

I store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, I pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm a few in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best for muffins?

I usually go for sweet and crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. They hold their shape and add great flavor without getting mushy.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake them the night before or even freeze a batch. They reheat well and still taste fresh.

How do I keep the muffins moist?

I make sure not to overbake them and use brown sugar, which adds moisture. A splash of applesauce also helps if I want them extra soft.

Can I add a topping to these muffins?

Absolutely. I sometimes sprinkle a cinnamon sugar mix or a simple oat crumb topping before baking to add texture and flavor.

Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Yes, I use the same batter and bake mini muffins for 10–12 minutes. They’re great for kids or snacking.

Conclusion

These cinnamon apple muffins are everything I love in a homemade baked good—fluffy, flavorful, and filled with warm, spiced apple goodness. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for any time of day. Whether I’m grabbing one on the go or enjoying it with coffee, they always bring a little comfort and joy to my day.