Fresh apples folded into spiced batter with cinnamon, oats, and maple syrup make up this incredibly flavorful, delicious and easy healthy apple muffin recipe.
Apple cinnamon has long been one of my favorite baking combinations. A few years ago I started baking more wholesome treats, and then last autumn I got a more immersive experience at an orchard while picking apples for the first time. It was a seasonal highlight for sure!
This muffin recipe captures the cozy and warm flavors I love about fall baking in a quick treat. Cinnamon, nutmeg, oats, and sweet fruit combined with whole wheat flour, a simple batter and crunchy pecans, it’s sooo good! Serve them warm with coffee or tea for a fast, delicious breakfast any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple cinnamon muffins bring comfort without feeling overdone. The ingredients stay simple and the flavor feels natural and warm. They taste satisfying without being overly sweet.
Moist texture: Apples keep the crumb soft and tender.
Naturally sweet: Fruit and a touch of honey add gentle sweetness.
Simple ingredients: Everything comes from basic pantry staples.
Meal friendly: Great for breakfast, lunchboxes, and snacks.
Freezer friendly: They store well for busy weeks ahead.
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 1 and a half cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Half teaspoon salt
- Two medium apples peeled and diced small
- One third cup honey or maple syrup
- One third cup plain yogurt
- One quarter cup melted coconut oil or butter
- One large egg
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
- One quarter cup milk
Step by Step Instructions
1. Heat the Oven
Start by setting the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. This helps the muffins release easily and keeps the edges soft.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a large bowl. Stir well so the spice spreads evenly through the flour. This step helps every muffin taste balanced.
3. Prepare the Apples
Peel and dice the apples into small pieces. Smaller chunks soften better while baking and blend smoothly into the batter without sinking.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk honey, yogurt, melted oil, egg, vanilla, and milk until smooth. The mixture should look creamy and well blended.
5. Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in the diced apples with slow movements to keep the batter light.
6. Fill the Muffin Pan
Spoon batter into each cup, filling about three quarters full. This allows space for the muffins to rise without spilling.
7. Bake Until Set
Place the pan in the oven and bake for eighteen to twenty two minutes. The tops should feel springy and a toothpick should come out clean.
8. Cool Before Serving
Let the muffins rest in the pan for five minutes. Move them to a rack so steam escapes and the texture stays perfect.
Serving Suggestions
Apple cinnamon muffins taste great warm or at room temperature. Enjoy one with coffee or tea in the morning. They also pair nicely with yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
When serving guests, I like placing them on a wooden board with sliced apples and a drizzle of honey nearby. The setup feels simple and welcoming.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, add two tablespoons applesauce to the batter.
- For crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top before baking.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
- For dairy free muffins, use plant based yogurt and milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, replace half the flour for a heartier texture.
Which apples work best?
Sweet crisp apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work well.
How should I store them?
Keep in an airtight container for three days at room temperature.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, freeze fully cooled muffins and thaw as needed.
Final Thoughts
Healthy & Moist Apple Cinnamon Muffins bring together comfort and simplicity in the best way. The soft crumb, warm spice, and apple pieces make them feel familiar and satisfying.
This recipe fits everyday life easily. Bake a batch, enjoy a few, then save the rest for later. Each bite feels calm, cozy, and just right.
Healthy & Moist Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 1 and a half cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Half teaspoon salt
- Two medium apples peeled and diced small
- One third cup honey or maple syrup
- One third cup plain yogurt
- One quarter cup melted coconut oil or butter
- One large egg
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
- One quarter cup milk
Instructions
- Heat the Oven: Start by setting the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. This helps the muffins release easily and keeps the edges soft.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a large bowl. Stir well so the spice spreads evenly through the flour. This step helps every muffin taste balanced.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and dice the apples into small pieces. Smaller chunks soften better while baking and blend smoothly into the batter without sinking.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk honey, yogurt, melted oil, egg, vanilla, and milk until smooth. The mixture should look creamy and well blended.
- Bring the Batter Together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in the diced apples with slow movements to keep the batter light.
- Fill the Muffin Pan: Spoon batter into each cup, filling about three quarters full. This allows space for the muffins to rise without spilling.
- Bake Until Set: Place the pan in the oven and bake for eighteen to twenty two minutes. The tops should feel springy and a toothpick should come out clean.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the muffins rest in the pan for five minutes. Move them to a rack so steam escapes and the texture stays perfect.




