15 Best Almond Muffin Recipes

Almond muffins offer a delicious nutty flavor that works with so many different ingredients. These 15 recipes range from classic almond to creative combinations, and many include gluten-free options using almond flour. Almond extract gives that intense sweet almond flavor while sliced or chopped almonds add great crunch and texture. Most of these freeze well too, so you can make a batch and enjoy them later.

Classic Almond Streusel Muffins

These have a double dose of almond – extract in the batter and sliced almonds in the streusel topping. The streusel gets all crunchy and golden in the oven and makes these feel special. Don’t skimp on the almond extract – that’s what gives these their signature flavor. These look fancy enough for brunch with friends but aren’t complicated to make. The contrast between the soft muffin and crunchy topping is what makes these so good.

Cherry Almond Muffins

Cherry and almond is a classic combo that just works so well together. You can use fresh cherries when in season or frozen the rest of the year. Some recipes even use dried cherries which give chewy little bursts of flavor. The red cherries look pretty against the light muffin base. These are perfect for summer when cherries are cheap or around the holidays when you want something a little special for breakfast.

Almond Poppy Seed Muffins

These are like the cousin of lemon poppy seed muffins but with almond flavor instead. The poppy seeds add a nice crunch and those little black specks look pretty in the muffins. Some recipes add a simple glaze on top made with powdered sugar and a little milk or almond extract. These are light and not too sweet which makes them good for everyday breakfasts. They’re simple but the flavor is really good.

Chocolate Almond Muffins

Adding chocolate to almond muffins gives you that perfect combo of nutty and chocolatey. The almond flavor pairs surprisingly well with chocolate. These are great for kids who might not be excited about “just almond” muffins. Perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks when you want something that seems like a treat.

Lemon Almond Muffins

The bright lemon flavor goes so well with the sweet almond in these muffins. Most recipes use both lemon zest and juice for maximum lemon impact. Some add a lemon glaze on top which soaks in a little bit and makes them extra special. These taste fresh and light which makes them perfect for spring and summer mornings. The combo of flavors is more interesting than plain lemon or plain almond muffins.

Raspberry Almond Muffins

The tart raspberries in these balance the sweet almond flavor perfectly. You can use fresh berries when in season or frozen the rest of the year. Some recipes add a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top before baking which gets toasty and adds crunch. The red berries look pretty against the light muffin which makes these nice for brunch with guests. The combo of flavors feels kind of fancy even though these aren’t hard to make.

Blueberry Almond Muffins

Blueberry muffins are always popular and adding almond takes them up a notch. The almond flavor doesn’t overwhelm the blueberries – they work together really nice. Some recipes use almond flour for part of the regular flour which adds extra almond flavor and makes them a bit more moist. These are good year-round since you can always find frozen blueberries. A nice twist on regular blueberry muffins when you want something a little different.

Almond Flour Banana Muffins (Gluten-Free)

These use almond flour instead of wheat flour which makes them gluten-free and gives them a naturally nutty flavor. The banana keeps them moist and sweet since almond flour can sometimes make baked goods dry. They don’t rise as high as regular muffins but that’s normal for gluten-free. These are more filling than regular muffins because almond flour has more protein and fat. Great for people with gluten issues or anyone who wants a more nutritious muffin.

Almond Joy Muffins (Coconut and Chocolate)

These taste like the candy bar in muffin form! They have almond flavor, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips just like Almond Joys. Some recipes even add a whole almond on top to really nail the candy bar look. These are definitely on the dessert end of the muffin spectrum but sometimes that’s exactly what you need. Perfect for chocolate lovers who want something a little more interesting than plain chocolate muffins.

Almond Maple Muffins

The maple flavor in these comes from real maple syrup which gives them a more complex sweetness than just using sugar. Some recipes add a maple glaze on top too for double maple goodness. The maple and almond flavors work surprising well together – kinda like pancakes with almond extract. These are perfect for fall and winter mornings when you want something warm and cozy. My husband loves these ones the best.

Apricot Almond Muffins

Apricots and almonds are natural partners since they’re botanically related. You can use fresh apricots when they’re in season or dried ones the rest of the year. The dried ones give chewy little bursts of fruity flavor throughout the muffin. Some recipes add almond paste to the batter which makes them extra moist and gives intense almond flavor. These are a little different from the usual muffin flavors which makes them interesting.

Orange Almond Muffins

The orange zest and juice in these brightens up the sweet almond flavor. Some recipes use almond flour for part of the regular flour which adds extra nuttiness. A few even add a bit of cardamom which goes really well with the orange and almond. These have a more sophisticated flavor than most muffins, kind of like something you’d get at a fancy bakery. Great with coffee or tea for breakfast or afternoon snack.

Almond Cranberry Muffins

The tart cranberries in these balance the sweet almond flavor perfectly. You can use fresh cranberries when in season (around Thanksgiving and Christmas) or dried ones the rest of the year. The red berries look pretty in the muffins which makes them nice for holiday brunches. Some recipes add white chocolate chips too which works surprisingly well with the cranberry and almond. These are good year-round but especially nice during the holidays.

Cinnamon Almond Coffee Cake Muffins

These are like little individual coffee cakes with layers of cinnamon sugar and topped with an almond streusel. Some recipes include a ribbon of almond paste in the middle which is amazing if you love almond flavor. They take more work than regular muffins since you have to layer the batter and toppings, but it’s worth it for special occasions. Perfect for weekend breakfasts when you have a little more time and want something special.

Almond Butter Protein Muffins

These use almond butter in the batter which makes them more filling and adds protein. Some recipes also include protein powder for an extra boost. The almond butter gives them a denser, fudgier texture than regular muffins which is actually really good. They’re less sweet than most muffins which makes them better for everyday breakfasts or post-workout snacks. These keep you full way longer than regular muffins thanks to the extra protein and healthy fats.