Apple Muffins

Looking for a simple, homemade muffin recipe that tastes like autumn in every bite? These Apple Muffins are soft, flavourful, and topped with fresh apple quarters for a stunning presentation—all made with pantry-friendly ingredients you probably already have.

40 min

Easy

12 Print

Recipe Ingredients

4 apples (1 for batter, 3 for topping)
4 tablespoons lemon juice
125 grams unsalted butter, at room temperature
125 grams caster sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature
75 grams Greek yogurt
150 grams plain flour
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Icing sugar for dusting

Methods

1. Prepare the Apples

Peel all 4 apples. Finely dice 1 apple and toss it with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent it from browning. This diced apple is for the batter.

Quarter the remaining apples, score them lengthwise, and drizzle with the remaining lemon juice. Set aside the scored apple quarters for the topping.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and prepare a standard 12-hole muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with muffin liners.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, cream together 125 grams of unsalted butter and 125 grams of caster sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until well incorporated. Next, add 75 grams of Greek yogurt and continue mixing at low speed.

Finally, fold in the diced apples.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine 150 grams of plain flour, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

5. Mix the Batter

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until the ingredients are combined.

6. Assemble the Muffins

Divide the batter evenly between the muffin liners. Place a scored apple quarter on top of each muffin. Press it lightly so it sticks.

7. Bake in Two Steps

Bake the apple muffins in the preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 5 minutes. This helps the muffins to rise.
Then lower the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden brown, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean.

Watch the apple quarters in the oven—they may brown more quickly. If necessary, cover with foil halfway through the baking time.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once the muffins have cooled slightly, dust them with icing sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Baker’s Note

These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They also freeze beautifully—perfect for making ahead for busy mornings or a cosy snack later.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Muffins

Mixing Method: To prevent dense muffins, avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients to the wet.

Chill the Batter (optional): Allowing the batter to rest in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before baking can help develop gluten slightly, resulting in a more textured muffin.

Variations to Try

Extra Moist Muffins: Replace 25 grams of butter with 25 grams of apple sauce.

Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or half a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.

Looking for more simple yet delicious recipes to incorporate apples? Check out the following recipes:

Creamy Apple Sauce Crêpe Rolls

Apple Cinnamon Scones

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Final Thoughts

With minimal effort and maximum flavour, these soft and moist apple muffins are the ultimate homemade treat. Store some in an airtight container for an easy breakfast or snack throughout the week.

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