These Oatmeal Apple Cinnamon Muffins are moist and flavorful delights that showcase the perfect harmony of apple goodness and comforting cinnamon, making them a must-have addition to your fall treats collection.
Why I Loved This Recipe
As a child, I vividly recall the cozy days of autumn when my family and I would head to the local apple orchard.
We’d come home with baskets brimming with fresh apples, and my mom would whip up a batch of these oat muffins that seemed to encapsulate the essence of the season.
The memory of those warm, spiced muffins cooling on the kitchen counter is etched in my mind, and recreating that experience in my kitchen brings me a sense of nostalgia and joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
▪️ Easy-Peasy Goodness: When I say whipping up these muffins is a piece of cake, I mean it! With basic pantry pals and a couple of apples, you’re on your way to muffin heaven. No fancy chef hats are required.
▪️ Cinnamon Bliss: Ever had that cozy feeling of cinnamon swirling through the air? That’s what these muffins bring to your kitchen. The warm, fragrant spice is like a hug for your taste buds.
▪️ Apple Awesomeness: Imagine biting into tender bits of apple nestled in every muffin. That’s a burst of fruity joy right there. The apples add a sweet-tart twist that’s like a flavor party in your mouth.
▪️ Go-Anywhere Treat: These muffins are the perfect partners for your daily adventures. Pack them for a snack at work, a quick bite between classes, or even as an on-the-go breakfast. They’ve got your back.
▪️ Nostalgic Vibes: Remember those days when the kitchen smelled of fresh-baked goodies? These muffins carry that nostalgia. They’re like a delicious time machine, taking you back to cozy memories.
▪️ Share the Love: Trust me, when you make a batch of these, you’ll have friends and family peeking into your kitchen, following their noses. They’re a surefire way to make everyone’s day a tad bit brighter.
▪️ Breakfast Buddies: Ever paired a muffin with your morning yogurt? How about a dollop of ice cream? These muffins are a game for some tasty combos. Get creative and make your mornings rock.
Recipe Notes
▪️ Rolled Oats Rule: When it comes to oats, go for the rolled ones. They give these muffins that awesome chewiness and nutty flavor we all love.
▪️ Pick Your Apples Wisely: Grab some sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They team up beautifully with the cinnamon and add a nice contrast of flavors.
▪️ Not Too Wet, Not Too Dry: When measuring your chopped apples, give them a gentle pat with a paper towel. We want the muffins to be just the right amount of moisture, not soggy.
▪️ Mingle, Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing the wet stuff into the dry stuff, remember, less is more. A few lumps in the batter are okay – we’re going for muffin magic, not muffin marathons!
▪️ The Magic of Muffin Tins: Get yourself a muffin tin – it’s like a muffin’s BFF. It’ll make sure each muffin bakes up evenly and stays in shape. And a silicone spatula? That’s like your sidekick for gently folding in those apple chunks without overdoing it.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
▪️ Muffin Tin: Your muffin’s best friend for even baking, ensuring that each muffin is perfectly golden and delicious.
▪️ Silicone Spatula: This gentle helper helps you fold in apple chunks with care, ensuring a well-mixed batter without a fuss.
▪️ Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise buddies for getting the right amounts of oats, flour, and all the yummy ingredients.
▪️ Paper Liners: Cozy beds for your muffins, preventing sticking and adding a cute touch to your baking.
▪️ Wire Rack: The chill-out spot for your muffins after baking, allowing them to cool evenly and settle into their perfect texture.
▪️ Mixing Bowls: Your muffin’s happy home, where all the ingredients come together to create a beautiful batter ready for baking.
Ingredients
▪️ Rolled Oats (1 ½ cups): These oats are like tiny powerhouses of nutrition. They add a nice chewy texture to the muffins and make you feel full and satisfied.
▪️ All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Think of this flour as the glue that holds everything together. It helps the muffins become nice and fluffy.
▪️ Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): This is like a little helper that makes the muffins puff up and become soft and airy.
▪️ Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Think of baking soda as a secret agent that helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
▪️ Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt is like a magician that balances out all the flavors. It makes the muffins taste just right.
▪️ Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Cinnamon is like a warm hug for your taste buds. It gives the muffins that cozy, comforting flavor.
▪️ Brown Sugar (½ cup): Brown sugar is like a sweet friend that adds a lovely sweetness and a touch of caramel taste to the muffins.
▪️ Buttermilk (¾ cup): Buttermilk is like a secret ingredient that keeps the muffins super moist and tender.
▪️ Melted Butter (1/3 cup): Melted butter is like a flavor booster. It adds a rich buttery taste to the muffins.
▪️ Large Egg (1): The egg is like a team player that holds everything together. It helps the muffins stay fluffy and moist.
▪️ Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla extract is like a little bit of magic that makes the muffins taste even better. It adds a hint of sweetness and a lovely aroma.
▪️ Medium Apples, Peeled, and Chopped (2): Apples are like the stars of the show. They bring a burst of fruity goodness and a juicy bite to the muffins.
Making Of Oats Apple Cinnamon Muffins
1. Preheat and Prep: Alright, let’s get started! First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). While the oven works its magic, line your muffin tin with some cute paper liners or give it a light grease – this helps our muffins come out easily.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, let’s whisk together our rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and a touch of ground cinnamon. Think of this mix as the cozy base that’ll give our muffins that perfect crumbly texture.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Now, in another bowl, let’s whisk together brown sugar (hello sweetness!), buttermilk (for a lovely moistness), melted butter (butter makes everything better, right?), a large egg (our binding buddy), and a splash of vanilla extract (for that warm aroma).
4. Blend Wet and Dry: Here comes the fun part – gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones. We don’t want to overmix, just enough to bring them together. Remember, a few lumps are cool here.
5. Add Apples: Now, let’s introduce our fruity stars – the chopped apples. Be gentle as you fold them into the batter, spreading those apple delights all around.
6. Fill the Muffin Tin: Grab a scoop or a spoon – it’s showtime! Divide the batter equally into those muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. They’re like little muffin beds, ready for baking.
7. Bake to Perfection: Pop your muffin tin into the preheated oven and let the baking magic happen for around 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick you stick in comes out clean – no batter clinging on.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Once they’re baked to a beautiful golden hue, take them out and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Now comes the best part – enjoy these warm, cinnamon-spiced goodies that you’ve created with your own hands!
Substitutions
▪️ Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour: Instead of regular all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour. It gives the muffins a nuttier taste and more fiber, which is good for your tummy.
▪️ Coconut Sugar Instead of Brown Sugar: If you’re looking for a different kind of sweet, try coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. It’s a bit less processed and has a yummy caramel flavor.
▪️ Greek Yogurt for Buttermilk: No buttermilk? No problem! You can use Greek yogurt instead. It adds a tangy taste and keeps your muffins moist and happy.
▪️ Adding a Nutty Crunch: Want a little crunch in your muffins? Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans. They’re like tasty surprises in every bite.
▪️ Dried Fruits for Extra Yum: To make things extra delicious, you can toss in some dried fruits like raisins, dried cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots. They’re like tiny bursts of sweetness.
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
▪️ Nutty Bliss: Want a bit of crunch in every bite? Toss in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add a delightful contrast to the softness of the muffin and bring in a satisfying nutty flavor.
▪️ Fruity Twists: Think beyond apples! Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots to the mix. They’ll burst with sweet goodness and introduce new textures.
▪️ A Touch of Spice: Feeling adventurous? A pinch of nutmeg or cloves can lend a warm, cozy flavor to your muffins, complementing the cinnamon beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
▪️ Classic and Sweet: Keep it simple by savoring these muffins as they are. Their warm, cozy flavors shine all on their own. Just grab a muffin and take a big, satisfying bite – you won’t be disappointed!
▪️ Yogurt Yum: For a creamy twist, pair your muffin with a scoop of creamy Greek yogurt. The tangy yogurt balances the sweetness of the muffin, creating a harmonious combo that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
▪️ Ice Cream Dream: Feeling a bit indulgent? Top your muffin with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm muffins and ice cream is like a little party in your mouth. Sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon on top for a finishing touch.
Serving Size
When it comes to these scrumptious Oat Muffins with Apples and Cinnamon, you’ll end up with about 12 of these delightful treats. It’s like having a cozy batch that’s perfect for enjoying throughout the week. So whether you’re sharing them with family, and friends, or savoring them all to yourself, you’ve got just the right amount to make everyone’s taste buds dance with happiness.
Pro Tips
▪️ Gentle and Easy Wins the Race: When you’re mixing the wet and dry ingredients, remember to be gentle. A few gentle stirs are all you need to bring everything together. Overmixing can make your muffins sad and tough.
▪️ Apple Allies: Chop those apples into similar-sized pieces. This way, you’ll get an apple in every bite. Plus, it helps your muffins bake evenly.
▪️ Stay Cool, Muffins: After they come out of the oven, let your muffins chill in the tin for a bit. This helps them get their act together and keeps them from falling apart.
▪️ Boxing Up Freshness: If you want your muffins to stay happy, keep them in a snug container. They’ll last for about three days, but if you want to be best friends for longer, wrap each muffin in plastic and pop them in the freezer.
▪️ Swap and Play: Feel like a muffin maestro? Go ahead, switch things up! Try different spices or toss in some nuts or dried fruits. Make your muffins as unique as you are.
▪️ Warm Hugs with Vanilla Ice Cream: If you’re feeling fancy, scoop some vanilla ice cream on top of a warm muffin. It’s like giving your taste buds a cozy hug.
▪️ Sharing is Caring: You made these muffins with love, so don’t be shy to share them with friends and family. They’ll appreciate the tasty gesture more than you know.
Storage Tips
▪️ Airtight Containers: After your muffins have cooled down, pop them into an airtight container. This helps keep them from drying out and losing that amazing texture we all love.
▪️ Room Temperature: If you plan to gobble up your muffins within 2-3 days, they’re fine to chill on the kitchen counter. Just make sure they’re in that airtight container.
▪️ Freezing Magic: Now, if you want to save some for later – and trust me, you’ll want to – wrap each muffin individually with plastic wrap. Then, slide them into a resealable bag and freeze. When you’re ready to munch, let them thaw at room temperature or give them a gentle zap in the microwave.
FAQs
Q. Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
While rolled oats work best in this recipe, you can use steel-cut oats if you prefer a heartier texture. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
Q. Can I use vegetable oil instead of melted butter?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil for melted butter. However, the butter adds a rich flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Q. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these muffins gluten-free.
Q. Can I add other spices to the batter?
Certainly! Nutmeg, cloves, or even a pinch of ginger can add depth to the muffins’ flavor profile.
Q. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
While fresh apples are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen apples if necessary. Thaw and pat them dry before adding to the batter.
Oatmeal Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Paper liners (or greasing agent)
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Silicone spatula
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples peeled and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a silicone spatula. A few lumps are okay; don’t overmix.
- Fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly in the batter.
- Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with the batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool further.
Notes
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar.
- Greek yogurt can replace buttermilk.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Include dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra sweetness.
- Enjoy on their own or with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
- For a treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Don’t overmix – a gentle fold is perfect.
- Cut apples evenly for consistent baking.
- Let the muffins cool a bit before moving them to a wire rack.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- To freeze, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and store it in a resealable bag.
- Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave when ready to eat.