11 Best Apple Muffin Recipes

Apple muffins are perfect for fall but taste great any time of year. They make your kitchen smell amazing while baking and are a great way to use up extra apples. These 11 recipes give you lots of options from classic cinnamon apple to more unique flavors. Most apple muffins freeze well, so you can make a big batch when apples are cheap and enjoy them later.

Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins

These have chunks of apple throughout and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping that makes them special. The streusel has butter, sugar, and cinnamon mixed together that gets all crispy in the oven. The contrast between the soft muffin and crunchy top is what makes these so good. Some recipes have you cook the apples first but I think it’s better to just dice them small and use them raw. Perfect for weekend breakfasts when the weather starts getting cooler.

Caramel Apple Crumb Muffins

These taste like caramel apples in muffin form. The caramel can be a swirl in the batter or a glaze on top – some recipes even do both! The crumb topping adds great texture and makes them look bakery-worthy. The trick is cutting the apples small enough that they cook through but not so small that they disappear. These are a bit sweeter than most breakfast muffins but worth the splurge. Great for special brunches or after-school snacks.

Apple Oatmeal Muffins

The oats in these give a hearty texture and make them more filling than regular muffins. They’re less sweet and more substantial which makes them good for everyday breakfasts. Some recipes have you soak the oats in milk first which softens them up. The apples add moisture and little bursts of freshness. These keep you full longer than most muffins thanks to the fiber in the oats and apples. Good for busy mornings when you need something that’ll stick with you.

Brown Butter Apple Cider Muffins

Browning the butter takes a few extra minutes but adds this amazing nutty flavor that makes these taste fancy. The apple cider in the batter (not just juice) gives intense apple flavor throughout, not just in the chunks. Some recipes reduce the cider first to concentrate the flavor even more. These are more complex-tasting than regular apple muffins and worth the extra effort. Perfect for impressing breakfast guests in the fall.

Whole Wheat Apple Walnut Muffins

Using whole wheat flour makes these more nutritious and the walnuts add protein and healthy fats. The apples keep them from tasting too “healthy” or dry like some whole wheat baked goods. These aren’t as fluffy as white flour muffins but thats ok – their heartier texture means they’ll keep you full longer. Good for packing in lunchboxes or grab-and-go breakfasts when you want something substantial.

Maple Apple Spice Muffins

The maple flavor in these comes from real maple syrup which gives them a more complex sweetness than just using sugar. The spices usually include cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes ginger which all work great with apples. Some recipes add a maple glaze on top which makes them extra special. The combo of maple and apple screams fall but tastes good any time of year. Perfect with a cup of coffee on chilly mornings.

Dutch Apple Pie Muffins

These are like having apple pie for breakfast but in a more acceptable form. They usually have a layer of sweetened apples in the middle and a crumbly topping like Dutch apple pie. Some recipes even include a bit of pie crust in the bottom of each muffin cup! They take more work than regular muffins but are worth it for special occasions. Great way to satisfy a pie craving without making a whole pie.

Apple Cheddar Muffins

These savory-sweet muffins might sound weird if you’ve never had apple pie with cheddar cheese, but trust me, it works! The sharp cheddar balances the sweet apples perfectly. These aren’t very sweet compared to most muffins which makes them good for breakfast or with soup for lunch. Some recipes add herbs like thyme or rosemary which goes surprisingly well with apple and cheese. These are great for people who don’t like super sweet breakfast foods.

Apple Carrot Morning Glory Muffins

These have both apples AND carrots plus usually nuts, raisins, and sometimes coconut too. They’re packed with lots of good stuff but still taste like a treat. The shredded carrots and diced apples make them super moist. These are more filling than most muffins because of all the fiber from the fruits and veggies. They’re not the prettiest muffins but who cares when they taste so good and keep you full for hours.

Glazed Apple Fritter Muffins

These taste like apple fritters from the donut shop but are way easier to make. They have chunks of apple and usually cinnamon swirled throughout the batter. The glaze on top is just powdered sugar and milk or apple cider and makes them taste like a proper treat. These are definitely on the dessert end of the muffin spectrum but sometimes thats exactly what you need. Great for weekend brunch or coffee with friends.

Spiced Apple Sauce Muffins

These use applesauce in the batter instead of or in addition to fresh apple chunks. This makes them super moist and gives apple flavor throughout. The spices usually include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves which makes your kitchen smell amazing while they bake. These are less work than muffins that require chopping apples which makes them good for when you’re short on time. They stay fresh for days because of the moisture from the applesauce. Great for using up homemade applesauce if you went apple picking and made too much.