There’s nothing quite as comforting as pulling a tray of warm Cinnamon Apple Walnut Muffins out of the oven. These muffins bring together tender bites of apple, crunchy walnuts, and the coziest blend of warming spices. Perfect for a lazy weekend morning, bustling school-day breakfast, or a sweet midday treat, this recipe captures the very essence of home-baked goodness. With a soft crumb and irresistible aroma, Cinnamon Apple Walnut Muffins deliver all the flavors of fall in a single, perfect package.

Cinnamon Apple Walnut Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great muffins start with simple, well-chosen ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. Each element plays a special role, building the flavor and creating the delightful texture in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the muffin, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help the muffins rise beautifully, ensuring they’re light and fluffy instead of dense.
Salt: Just half a teaspoon brings out the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Two teaspoons of cinnamon infuse the muffins with warmth and classic comfort.
Ground nutmeg: A subtle half-teaspoon adds an extra layer of spice, deepening the flavor profile without overwhelming the cinnamon.
Unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter creates a moist, rich base for the batter and enhances the flavor.
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: This duo brings balance—white sugar for structure, brown sugar for extra moisture and a hint of molasses.
Eggs, room temperature: Eggs bind the batter and help with lift and structure; using them at room temperature ensures a smoother mix.
Vanilla extract: A simple teaspoon rounds out the cozy, bakery-style flavor.
Milk: Half a cup of milk provides moisture, helping everything come together into a luscious batter.
Peeled and finely chopped apples: The star ingredient! Finely chopped apples add moisture, sweetness, and little bursts of fruit in every bite.
Chopped walnuts: Walnuts provide crunch and a lovely earthy note to complement the apples and spices.
Coarse sugar (optional): A sprinkle on top adds sparkle and a little extra crunch for bakery-style appeal.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Walnut Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—getting that hot blast ready is key to the perfect muffin rise. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners for quick clean-up, or lightly grease if you prefer that rustic, crisp edge.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps distribute the spices and leaveners evenly, so every muffin is consistently delicious and beautifully spiced.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the melted butter with both sugars until the mixture looks thick and smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and the milk, blending until everything is silky and combined.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just barely combined—no need to overwork the batter. This step keeps the muffins tender and avoids any toughness. Gently fold in the finely chopped apples and chopped walnuts, so the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed but the batter stays light.

Step 5: Fill and Top the Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. If you love a bit of sparkle and crunch, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar before baking. It’s a small step that adds delightful texture and a bakery-style finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the muffins are golden. Let them cool in the pan for five minutes—this helps set the crumb—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (or dig in while they’re still warm and fragrant—no judgment here!).

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Walnut Muffins

Garnishes

Add a final flourish by dusting the cooled muffins with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a quick drizzle of warm honey. For an extra treat, serve them with a pat of sweet butter or a dusting of cinnamon sugar right before eating.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Apple Walnut Muffins are versatile and pair wonderfully with a creamy vanilla yogurt, a bright fruit salad, or a simple cup of coffee or chai tea. For brunch, consider adding savory egg bites or a platter of crisp bacon to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a pretty breakfast spread, arrange the muffins in a rustic basket lined with a cheery kitchen towel. You can also serve them as part of an autumn brunch board with sliced apples, cheese, and nuts—the warm muffins fit right in. Wrapped individually in parchment, they make a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover Cinnamon Apple Walnut Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacking.

Freezing

If you want to keep muffins longer, freeze them! Individually wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them all in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months without losing flavor or quality.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked vibe, reheat muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them into a low oven for five to ten minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as the day they were made, with the apples becoming just a bit more tender and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast, Snack

Absolutely! Pecans add a lovely richness, or you can try hazelnuts for a unique twist. Just be sure to chop them to a similar size as walnuts so every muffin bakes evenly.

What kind of apples work best for Cinnamon Apple Walnut Muffins?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape and offer a delightful contrast to the sweet, spiced batter. Avoid overly soft apples, which can break down during baking.

How do I keep my muffins from getting dense or tough?

Be gentle with the batter! Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour and can lead to dense, chewy muffins instead of light, tender ones.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for soft, melt-in-your-mouth bites, but if you enjoy a little extra texture and color, feel free to leave the peels on (just wash the apples well).

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

For the best rise, it’s ideal to bake the muffins right away, but you can chop the apples and nuts ahead or even mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine right before baking for speedy mornings.

Final Thoughts

There’s no better way to welcome the smell of baking into your home than with a batch of Cinnamon Apple Walnut Muffins. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and find yourself falling in love with each spiced, apple-studded bite—share them with friends or keep a secret stash just for you! Happy baking!

Cinnamon Apple Walnut Muffins Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cinnamon Apple Walnut Muffins are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Loaded with warm spices, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts, these moist and flavorful muffins are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk

Additional Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
Optional coarse sugar for topping

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Prepare Wet Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Stir in milk until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
Add Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold in the apples and walnuts.
Bake: Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 18–22 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.