Saturday mornings smell like cinnamon in my kitchen. It’s the scent that pulls everyone out of bed before the coffee’s ready. These Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins were born from one of those cozy mornings warm, soft, gently sweet, and filled with tiny bites of tender apple. They’re the kind of muffin you want to reach for all year long.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins
Naturally Sweet & Hearty
These muffins bring the perfect balance of flavors and textures. You get natural sweetness from apples and applesauce, a tender crumb from hearty oats, and warmth from ground cinnamon. They’re soft but satisfying, never too sweet, and absolutely comforting.
Quick, Easy, and Family-Friendly
The prep is simple—no mixer, no fancy steps. Just two bowls, a whisk, and a muffin tin. They bake in under 25 minutes and are great for kids, adults, and anyone in between. Great for breakfast, lunchboxes, or snacks on the go.
Perfect for Any Season
Apple and cinnamon feel like fall, but this recipe works in any season. Use fresh Honeycrisp or Granny Smith in autumn, and firm Fujis when it’s warmer. Oats and cinnamon stay cozy no matter the weather.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins & Substitutions
- 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- A pinch of nutmeg or cloves
- Swap oil for Greek yogurt or mashed banana for less fat
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin or grease it well.
- In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, applesauce, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently. Don’t overmix—lumps are okay.
- Fold in chopped apples.
- Fill muffin cups about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- For fluffier muffins, stir just until combined. Overmixing creates dense muffins.
- Use firm apples so they don’t turn mushy in the oven.
- If you want sweeter muffins, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top after baking.
Muffin Yield & Timing
How Many Muffins This Makes
This recipe makes exactly 12 medium muffins. You might get 10 if you’re generous with the batter.
Prep, Bake, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
- Total Time: About 30–35 minutes
Customization Ideas
Add-Ins (Nuts, Fruits, Spices)
Try chopped walnuts for crunch, or toss in raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy bite. A touch of nutmeg or cloves adds even more spice.
Gluten-Free or Vegan Swaps
Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour. For vegan muffins, swap the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk and oil.
Lower Sugar or Lower Fat Options
Reduce the brown sugar or sub with maple syrup or honey (just note the texture may change). To lower fat, use 2 tablespoons of oil and more applesauce or a mashed banana.
How to Store and Reheat
Room Temperature, Fridge, or Freezer
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temp.
- In the fridge, they’ll keep for about a week.
- For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Best Ways to Reheat
Pop one in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. Or warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes until soft again.
Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins Recipe Card
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Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins – Easy & Delicious Treat
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Wholesome, moist muffins filled with tender apple pieces, hearty oats, and warm cinnamon. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk (or plant-based)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped apples (peeled, cored)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); line or grease muffin tin.
2. Mix dry ingredients: oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, applesauce, oil, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet with dry ingredients until just mixed (okay if slightly lumpy).
5. Fold in chopped apples.
6. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
7. Bake 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in tin for 5 min, then on wire rack.
Notes
Quick oats can be used but may change the texture.
Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp.
For lower sugar, reduce brown sugar or substitute with maple syrup or honey.
Avoid overmixing to keep muffins fluffy.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
More Such Recipes
Love easy apple bakes? You might also enjoy my Blueberry Cottage Cheese Muffins – a fruity, protein-packed breakfast treat.
Or try Easy Apple Dumplings – a sweet, apple-filled pastry dessert for something sweeter.
Looking for a make-ahead breakfast? This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake – warm, comforting and apple-rich morning dish is a cozy choice.
Craving bite-sized treats? Apple Pie Bites – simple, cinnamon-spiced mini apple treats never last long in our house.
FAQs About Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins
Are apples and cinnamon oatmeal good for you?
Yes! Apples give fiber and natural sweetness. Oats are heart-healthy and keep you full. Cinnamon adds flavor without calories. Together, they make a nourishing combo.
How to make apple cinnamon oatmeal taste better?
Use fresh apples, warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, and natural sweeteners. A splash of vanilla and a touch of salt also boost flavor.
What is the secret to fluffy muffins?
Don’t overmix the batter. Use room temperature ingredients. Letting the batter rest a few minutes can also help hydrate the oats and create softer muffins.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins are warm, moist, and just sweet enough. They’re great fresh, freeze beautifully, and welcome all kinds of custom twists. Whether you eat them for breakfast or a quick snack, they’re the kind of comfort food that fits any season. Bake a batch, share a few, and save some for later.
You can also stay inspired by following along on Pinterest or over on Facebook. I’d love to see your muffin moments!