These Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are warm and cozy, perfect for breakfast or a snack! Enjoy the sweet bits of apple mixed with hearty oats and a dash of cinnamon.
Trust me, they smell amazing while baking! I love having one with a cup of coffee in the morning—they’re a delightful way to kickstart my day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the star of the muffins, giving them a hearty texture. If you only have quick oats, you can use them, but they may make the muffins a bit softer.
Whole Wheat Flour: I think whole wheat flour adds great flavor and nutrition. However, if you’re in a pinch, all-purpose flour works too. For a light muffin, some even use gluten-free flour blends.
Applesauce: Using unsweetened applesauce keeps these muffins moist without overwhelming sweetness. For a change, try mashed bananas or yogurt if applesauce isn’t available.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both options add sweetness, but they do have different flavor profiles. If you’re avoiding sugar altogether, consider using a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
Milk: Any milk type will do, whether it’s dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk—just use what you have on hand!
How Do I Make Sure My Muffins Rise Well?
Achieving perfectly risen muffins often comes from the right combination of baking powder and baking soda. This recipe uses both to help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
- Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh! Old leavening agents can lead to flat muffins.
- Don’t overmix the batter; just combine the wet and dry ingredients until you see no dry spots. Overmixing can make the muffins dense.
- Fill the muffin cups about ¾ full. This allows enough room for the muffins to rise without spilling over.
With these tips in mind, your Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins will turn out deliciously fluffy and charmingly spiced! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (any kind, dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
Add-Ins:
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
Optional Glaze:
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tsp milk or apple juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes from start to finish, including cooling time. Super quick and easy for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for the batter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk the egg with the applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, milk, and melted coconut oil until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Add the Apple:
Now, fold in the finely chopped apple pieces so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. This gives the muffins room to rise without overflowing.
7. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Muffins:
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional Glaze:
If you want to add a glaze, mix the powdered sugar with milk or apple juice until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled muffins for a sweet finishing touch!
10. Enjoy:
Serve your Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins warm or at room temperature. They stay fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days, so you can enjoy them throughout the week!
Happy baking! I hope you love these muffins as much as I do!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one substitute designed for baking to ensure the right texture!
How Can I Make These Muffins Sweeter?
If you’d like the muffins to be sweeter, consider adding a little more maple syrup or honey—an extra tablespoon can make a difference. Alternatively, toss in some chocolate chips or raisins for added sweetness!
Can I Freeze Leftover Muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a quick snack!
What Type of Apples Work Best?
For a balanced flavor, I recommend using sweet apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Their sweetness pairs perfectly with the spice of cinnamon, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!
