Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins

Name: Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups grated apple (about 2 medium apples)

Highlighted under: Sweet Moments

I absolutely love starting my day with these Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins. They are not only easy to make, but they also fill your kitchen with the most delightful aroma. The combination of tart apples and warm cinnamon offers a comforting flavor that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. I usually whip up a batch on weekends and enjoy them fresh out of the oven, but they also freeze well for busy weekday mornings. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-10T19:09:36.421Z

When I first experimented with these muffins, I wanted to create something that was both comforting and a bit healthier. The use of whole wheat flour and fresh apples means they won't just satisfy your sweet tooth; they'll also keep you feeling energized. I’ve found that grating the apples instead of chopping them allows for better distribution of flavor and moisture throughout the muffins.

I often play around with the spices; sometimes, I add a pinch of nutmeg or even a handful of raisins. However, the classic apple and cinnamon combination never fails to impress. These muffins are perfect for family gatherings or a quiet breakfast at home!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Moist and fluffy with a delicious apple-cinnamon flavor
Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack
Easy to customize with nuts or dried fruits

The Role of Applesauce

Using unsweetened applesauce in these muffins not only provides natural sweetness but also contributes to their moist texture. Applesauce acts as a binding agent, reducing the need for any added fat. The moisture from the applesauce helps maintain the muffins' fluffy consistency, so make sure to measure accurately. If you're out of applesauce, you can substitute with an equal amount of mashed banana or yogurt, although this will slightly alter the flavor profile.

When selecting apples for grating, opt for a mix of tart and sweet varieties such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This balance enhances the flavor of the muffins and gives them a delightful complexity. Grating the apples instead of chopping them allows them to blend perfectly into the batter, ensuring that each bite contains a hint of apple flavor without overwhelming the muffin's structure.

Perfecting Your Muffin Technique

To achieve perfectly rise muffins, consider the mixing method very carefully. Once you've combined the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense muffins due to gluten development, which is not desirable in this light and fluffy recipe. The batter may appear a bit lumpy, and that's perfectly fine! If you notice that the batter is too dry, a splash of milk can help loosen it up.

Another technique to enhance the muffins' golden color is to preheat your oven thoroughly. That initial blast of heat helps create a nice dome shape and browning on the tops of your muffins. Keep an eye on the muffins toward the end of the baking time, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly. Look for a golden-brown color and a firm top—your toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, indicating they're just right.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups grated apple (about 2 medium apples)

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your muffins perfectly.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

Fold in Apples

Spoon the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold in the grated apples until just combined.

Bake

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for later.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. You can also sprinkle some oats on top of the muffins before baking for added texture.

Storage and Freezing

These Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins are ideal for batch prepping. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.

To maintain their moistness while freezing, consider wrapping each muffin individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. This extra layer helps prevent freezer burn, preserving both flavor and texture. When reheating, try adding a pat of butter on top to melt into the muffin for an instant flavor boost!

Customizing Your Muffins

Feel free to get creative with your muffin mix-ins! Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, add a wonderful crunch and additional nutritional benefits. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries are also fantastic options that can complement the apple's sweetness while providing a chewy texture. Just reduce the grated apple slightly to maintain the right batter consistency when adding extra ingredients.

If you prefer not to use honey or maple syrup, you can substitute with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a richer flavor. For a touch of spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to enhance the overall warmth of the muffins. Adjusting the cinnamon level can also tailor the muffins to your personal taste, so it's fun to experiment until you find your perfect balance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly lighter.

→ How do I store leftover muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I make these muffins vegan?

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce, and use a vegan-friendly sweetener.

→ What other fruits can I add?

You can add berries, bananas, or even diced peaches for a fun twist on the recipe.