Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (So Moist!)

These apple cinnamon muffins are incredibly moist and bursting with cozy spice, truly perfect for a comforting morning bite or a simple snack any time. I just adore how each tender piece of apple marries with the sweet, crunchy topping, making every mouthful absolutely delightful.

Golden-brown apple cinnamon muffins in brown paper liners on a white plate, ready to be enjoyed.

Why This Recipe Is So Good

When you’re craving that quintessential taste of autumn or just a warm, homey treat, these really are some of the best apple cinnamon muffins you can bake from scratch. I think this recipe is a wonderful go-to when you want that classic fall flavor because it’s straightforward and truly lets the sweet apples shine.

These easy muffins make a lovely addition to breakfast, brunch, or just enjoyed as a snack during the day and they honestly come together in hardly any time at all. It’s a simple yet perfect way to celebrate apple season or bring a little bit of that harvest feeling indoors any time of year.

Golden-brown apple cinnamon muffins in brown paper liners on a white plate, with fresh apples and rustic decor in the background.

The delicious combination of tender apples and warm cinnamon creates a truly wonderful bakery-style muffin. Finished with a sweet, slightly caramelized crumble topping, these muffins are an absolutely perfect vehicle for enjoying apples whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or tucked into a lunch box.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Article

Muffins with a streusel topping are always such a delightful little indulgence and these happen to have lovely little bits of real apple baked right inside.

Making These Apple Muffins Is Easy

You might notice this recipe calls for a few different spices, but chances are you already have most of them waiting in your pantry right now. That’s what makes simple recipes like this so convenient.

Close-up of a golden apple cinnamon muffin showcasing its tender apple pieces and crunchy topping.

Key Ingredients for Your Apple Sour Cream Muffins

Apples: Naturally, these are the absolute highlight of this recipe. They bring that lovely natural sweetness and tender texture. This recipe is quite forgiving and works beautifully with many different kinds of apples. I often reach for a Granny Smith for a bit of tartness or a sweet Gala apple, but please feel free to experiment with your own favorite variety and see what you like best.

Butter: Honestly, isn’t butter just one of life’s greatest pleasures. It brings richness and helps create that wonderful texture. I personally always bake with real butter whenever possible, though I do try to use just the right amount for the best result without overdoing it. If you happen to have margarine on hand, it will also work perfectly fine in this recipe.

Sour cream: This ingredient is the unsung hero for keeping these muffins incredibly moist and giving them that wonderfully soft crumb. It adds richness without making them heavy.

Apple cinnamon muffins on a white plate with a basket of fresh apples in the background.

Simple Variations You Can Try

If you want to add another layer of flavor and texture, you can easily stir in about half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter right before you add the apples. They toast up slightly as the muffins bake and add a lovely crunch.

Equipment You Will Need

To make a batch of these comforting muffins, you’ll just need a few basic kitchen items. You’ll want a large mixing bowl for combining your batter ingredients. You’ll also need a standard muffin pan, and I recommend lining the cups with paper liners or giving them a good spray with non-stick cooking spray for easy removal. Finally, a wire rack is handy for letting your freshly baked muffins cool properly.

Apple cinnamon muffins displayed on a wooden stand, highlighting their golden-brown tops and crumbly texture.

How to Make These Apple Cinnamon Muffins

I’ve included the full details in the recipe section further down, but here is a quick visual overview of the steps involved. The complete instructions you’ll need are in the recipe card.

The first thing you will need to do is get your apples ready. This means peeling them, coring them, and then dicing them into small pieces. I find using a good peeler makes this step go super fast. I often use Granny Smith apples when I make these muffins.
Make sure to peel the apples completely before you start cutting them into little pieces. Once they are diced, set them aside for just a moment.
If you’re wondering the best way to dice apples for baking to get nice, even pieces, I usually slice the apple around the core, then cut those pieces into strips, and finally dice the strips into small cubes about the size of a dime or maybe a little larger.
Then, making the batter follows a simple process.
Second, you will focus on mixing all of your dry ingredients together thoroughly in that large bowl.
Third, you add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir everything just until it’s combined.
Fourth, you will get your delicious crumb topping ready for sprinkling over the batter.
Fifth, it’s time to pour or scoop the muffin batter into your prepared muffin tin cups.

Finishing Your Homemade Easy Apple Muffins

And the final step before they go into the oven is adding that lovely cinnamon streusel topping generously over the top of each filled muffin cup.

Seeing those beautiful crumb-topped apple muffins lined up in the tin is just so satisfying.

Don’t forget to save this recipe so you can easily find it next time you want to bake some homemade goodness.

Apple cinnamon muffins in white liners on a white plate, surrounded by rustic decor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cinnamon Muffins

What kind of apples are best for baking muffins?

Many varieties work well. I like using Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Gala for sweetness. Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even a mix can also be delicious.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the batter the night before. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake in the morning. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time.

How should I store leftover apple cinnamon muffins?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

My crumb topping disappeared while baking what happened?

This usually means the butter in the topping wasn’t cold enough or the pieces were too large. Using very cold, small cubes of butter helps create that distinct crumb texture that holds up while baking.

Can I use milk instead of sour cream?

Sour cream adds moisture and richness that milk won’t replicate. While milk could be substituted, the texture of the muffins would likely be less tender and moist. I highly recommend sticking with sour cream for the best results.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking

You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick or a thin wooden skewer into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean with no wet batter attached, they are ready. A few moist crumbs are okay.

Can I add other spices?

Absolutely. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice would complement the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully. You could also add a tiny bit of ground ginger for a little warmth.