These Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are warm, fluffy, and bursting with sweet apple pieces and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Making these muffins is a breeze, and your kitchen will smell amazing! I love to enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a little butter. So cozy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: Basic but essential! You can use whole wheat flour for added nutrition. However, it may give a denser muffin, so consider mixing half and half for better texture.
Rolled oats: They provide a hearty texture. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but stay away from instant oats, as they won’t hold up well during baking.
Light brown sugar: This adds sweetness and a slight richness due to its molasses content. You can substitute with coconut sugar or honey, though the flavor may vary slightly.
Apples: Use any apple variety you love! Granny Smith adds tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp offer sweetness. If you don’t have fresh apples, unsweetened applesauce can work, roughly 1/2 cup for 1 cup of chopped apple.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This creates a similar tangy effect.
How Can You Ensure Your Muffins Are Perfectly Fluffy?
Getting muffins to rise well and stay fluffy can be tricky. Here are some tips:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Check Freshness: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh; old leavening agents won’t provide the lift you need.
- Accurate Measurements: Spoon flour lightly into measuring cups to avoid packing it down, which can result in too much flour and dry muffins.
- Oven Ready: Make sure your oven is fully preheated. Baking at the right temperature is crucial for proper rising.
With these tips, your Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins will turn out perfectly every time. Happy baking!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to bake, for a total time of about 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the muffins cook evenly. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using). Stir these together until they’re well mixed.
3. Add the Apples:
Gently fold in the peeled and finely chopped apple pieces into the dry mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed. This adds a lovely fruity flavor to each muffin!
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure these ingredients are well combined for a smooth batter.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold everything together until just combined. It’s okay if there are some lumps! Avoid overmixing, as it can make the muffins tough.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Last touch: sprinkle a few extra rolled oats on top of each muffin for a delightful crunch!
7. Bake:
Put your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin—it should come out clean when they’re ready.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They can be served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins!
These muffins are moist, tender, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. The oats give a wonderful texture both inside and as a crumbly topping. Happy baking!
Can I Substitute Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can use any type of apple you prefer. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp apples bring sweetness. Mix and match to find your favorite combination!
How Can I Make These Muffins Healthier?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Additionally, consider using unsweetened applesauce instead of some or all of the oil to cut down on fat while keeping moisture.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the microwave or oven.
