Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins on a crisp morning. These muffins blend hearty oats, juicy apple chunks, and just the right touch of cinnamon for a satisfying, wholesome treat.
Made in one bowl with simple ingredients, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins are perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or a midday snack. The oats make them extra filling, while fresh apples keep them moist and flavorful for days.
Quick, nutritious, and incredibly cozy, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins are a delicious way to add warmth and comfort to your routine. Once you try them, they’ll become a weekly favorite.
Why This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffin Recipe Stands Out
Apple cinnamon has been a classic flavor combo for generations—especially in the fall, when apples are fresh and bursting with flavor. These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins take that timeless pairing and elevate it with hearty oats for added texture, fiber, and lasting energy.
Unlike heavy muffins that leave you hungry soon after, these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins are packed with complex carbs to keep you satisfied for hours. They're the perfect balance of cozy flavor and real nourishment.
What makes this recipe shine is its flexibility. You can easily make gluten-free Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins, or switch it up for a dairy-free version without sacrificing taste or texture.
Pair these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins with your morning coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. For a full breakfast lineup, serve them alongside banana oatmeal muffins or apple cinnamon overnight oats.
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Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- Large egg
- Milk
- Melted butter or coconut oil
- Vanilla extract
- Unsweetened applesauce
Mix-ins:
- Diced apples
- Chopped walnuts (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare and Mix
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners
- In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine all wet ingredients until smooth
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined - don't overmix!
Add Mix-ins and Fill
- Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using) with just a few strokes
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full
Bake and Cool
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
- Prepare and Mix: Dry ingredients being whisked; wet ingredients nearby
- Add Mix-ins and Fill: Batter with apple chunks being scooped into lined tin
- Bake and Cool: Muffins cooling on rack, golden brown, rustic look
Equipment For Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins
- Standard Muffin Tin: Heavy-duty, non-stick 12-cup tin for even baking
- Paper Liners: High-quality liners prevent sticking and make cleanup easy
- Digital Kitchen Scale: For consistent results, especially with flour measurements
- Wire Cooling Rack: Prevents soggy bottoms and maintains tender texture
- Apple Corer: Makes quick work of apple preparation
Expert Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and milk to room temperature for better mixing and more tender muffins
- Don't Overmix: Stop folding as soon as you can't see dry flour streaks - lumpy batter makes fluffy muffins
- Apple Preparation: Toss diced apples with a tablespoon of flour before adding to prevent them from sinking
- Test for Doneness: Muffins are done when tops spring back lightly and toothpick has just a few moist crumbs
- Even Baking: Rotate your muffin tin halfway through baking for even browning
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Replace flour with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and melted coconut oil instead of butter
- High-Protein: Add 2 scoops vanilla protein powder and reduce flour to ¾ cup
- Apple Pie Style: Add ground ginger and cloves, top with cinnamon sugar before baking
- Fall Twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra autumn flavors
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days with paper towel to absorb moisture
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week, warm 15-20 seconds in microwave before serving
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months, thaw overnight or microwave 30-45 seconds
- Make-Ahead: Prepare dry ingredients the night before, mix wet ingredients in the morning
- Batch Cooking: Double recipe and freeze half for busy mornings
The 10-Minute Muffin Secret Grandma Never Told You
When I first started baking Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins, they were good—but not unforgettable. Then I stumbled across a quiet trick, one my grandmother used but never wrote down: let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking.
That short pause? It changes everything.
During those 10 minutes, the oats absorb moisture and the flour fully hydrates. The result? Incredibly soft, bakery-worthy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins with a tender crumb that stays moist for days. It’s the kind of simple secret that makes people ask, “What’s your trick?”
So don’t skip the rest—it’s the difference between homemade and truly memorable.
FAQ
What is the secret to moist muffins?
The secret to moist apple cinnamon oatmeal muffins is using applesauce, not overmixing the batter, and adding fresh diced apples. Room temperature ingredients blend better, while brown sugar retains moisture. Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes only - overbaking creates dry muffins. Let batter rest 10 minutes before baking for extra tenderness.
Is apple cinnamon oatmeal healthy for you?
Yes, apple cinnamon oatmeal muffins are healthy! Oats provide fiber and protein for sustained energy, while apples add vitamins and antioxidants. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels. These muffins contain whole grains, natural fruit, and less sugar than traditional muffins, making them a nutritious breakfast or snack option for active lifestyles.
What does applesauce do in muffins?
Applesauce in apple cinnamon oatmeal muffins adds natural moisture and sweetness while reducing fat content. It creates tender, fluffy texture and helps bind ingredients together. Applesauce also extends shelf life, keeping muffins fresh longer. This healthy substitute enhances apple flavor while making muffins less dense than butter-only recipes, perfect for guilt-free breakfast treats.
How do you make apple and cinnamon oatmeal?
To make apple cinnamon oatmeal muffins, mix dry ingredients (oats, flour, cinnamon, baking powder). Combine wet ingredients (egg, milk, applesauce, vanilla). Fold wet into dry ingredients until just combined. Add diced fresh apples. Fill muffin cups ¾ full and bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and springy.
Bake It, Love It, Share It
These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins prove that a healthy breakfast can be just as cozy and crave-worthy as your favorite treat. With their perfect balance of sweet apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and hearty oats, it’s no surprise they’ve become a reader favorite. Whether you're baking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply treating yourself, these muffins deliver both flavor and nourishment in every bite.
What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability—gluten-free, dairy-free, or just straight from the pantry, these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins rise to the occasion.
If you’re loving this recipe, don’t miss our Moist Banana Greek Yogurt Bread Recipe for another wholesome breakfast option, or indulge your savory side with the Quick & Easy Cream Cheese Garlic Bread—perfect for brunch spreads or cozy dinners.
Try these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins this weekend and experience the comfort of baking with fresh, real ingredients. Don’t forget to rate the recipe, drop your favorite variations in the comments, and tag your creations—I’d love to see how you make it your own!
Happy baking and see you in the next recipe!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins
Equipment
- 1 12-cup muffin tin Standard size, non-stick
- 12 Paper liners Optional but recommended for easy cleanup
- 1 Mixing bowls One large, one medium
- 1 Whisk or spatula For combining dry and wet ingredients
- 1 Apple corer or knife For prepping apples
- 1 Wire cooling rack Keeps muffins from getting soggy
Ingredients
- 1 cup Old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup Brown sugar Light or dark
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Nutmeg Optional
- 1 Large egg Room temperature
- ¾ cup Milk Dairy or non-dairy
- ¼ cup Melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ cup Unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup Diced apples Peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup Chopped walnuts Optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Whisk oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt
- Combine egg, milk, butter/oil, vanilla, applesauce
- Fold wet into dry until just mixed
- Stir in apples and walnuts
- Let batter sit 10 minutes
- Scoop batter ¾ full into muffin tin
- Bake 18–22 mins, until golden and toothpick comes out clean
- Cool 5 mins in pan, then transfer to rack
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