Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a must-have treat for autumn days. Loaded with crisp, juicy apples and ground cinnamon these moist, fluffy muffins are topped with pretty apple roses.

I finally figured out why I look terrible in selfies: it’s my face. I used to blame my front-facing camera, but it isn’t Samsung’s fault that I’m not photogenic–it’s my mother and father’s. Despite my faulty DNA, I keep trying for a miracle with hair and makeup but the fact that I melted my forehead with a curling iron this morning isn’t helping matters.

Between giving up on my hairdo halfway through and having blistery burns above my right eye I look like the Bride of Frankenstein four weeks before Halloween. If I go out in public, I risk terrifying small children and triggering an angry mob to attack with torches and pitchforks. My only recourse is to stay home and cover the mirrors to keep from breaking them with my own reflection.

Since making myself look presentable is a lost cause, I’m switching my makeover efforts to muffins. Let me tell you, I have my work cut out for me. Most muffins are boring and brown and look like they belong on a constipation commercial. Not wanting to bake fluffy, fiber supplements for this week’s blog, I’ve been racking my brain for inspiration. It finally hit when I saw Guns N’ Roses in concert Saturday and got a revelation to top a batch of muffins with apple roses.

Like the band’s front man, Axl Rose, Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Apple Roses rock. Headbanging and soft chewing don’t sound all that compatible but, trust me, they are. In fact, apple muffins go with anything–including big hair, loud music and leather pants. Just don’t eat too many at once or your leather pants won’t fit for the next concert.

Before sharing the recipe for Apple Cinnamon Muffins, here are a few tips and tricks to help you out:

Ingredient Tips and Tricks

Choose apples that are shiny, bruise-free and firm when you squeeze them. I like Honeycrisp apples for baking muffins, but Granny Smith, Gala and Fuji apples also work great.

Preparation Tips and Tricks

Always use the spoon and level method to measure flour. Scooping flour is a no-no. That technique overpacks flour into the measuring cup which will result in drier, denser muffins than the moist muffins you’ll get with properly measured flour.

Above all, do not overmix or overbake the batter or else the end result will be muffins that are dry and dense.

When making the apple roses, cut apples into very thin slices then soften in the microwave until they flex without breaking.

Have fun when arranging apple slices into rose patterns because free-form petals taste just as good as tight blooms.

How to Store and Freeze Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.

Freeze muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then bring muffins to room temperature before enjoying.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Apple Cinnamon Muffins. Please leave a comment and a rating at the bottom of this blog if you adore apple season. And, while you’re at it, sign up for my weekly Recipe Newsletter so you never miss a tempting recipe.

Finally if you’re a muffin fanatic, you’ll love this recipe for Blackberry Muffins with Oats and Honey. Made from scratch with no refined sugar, these wholesome breakfast treats are the perfect use for juicy berries.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Heather Wolf

Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a must-have treat for autumn days. Loaded with crisp, juicy apples and ground cinnamon these moist, fluffy muffins are topped with pretty apple roses.

5 from 16 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 38 minutes mins

Course Muffins

Cuisine American

Servings 18

Ingredients

  

Apple Rose Toppers

• 6 apples

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 cup full fat sour cream room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract pure
• 2 Tbsp whole milk room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour unbleached
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt fine
• 2 cups diced apples

Instructions

 

Apple Roses

• Cut apples in half horizontally then, with a sharp knife or mandolin, cut apples into very thin slices. Cut each slice into equal halves then remove and discard seeds.
• Arrange apple slices in a single layer on a heat-safe plate then microwave on high for approximately 2 minutes or until slices flex without breaking. Cover plate with plastic wrap and set aside while you prepare muffins.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Add muffin liners to a standard tin and set aside.
• Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, sour cream, vanilla and milk to a large mixing bowl then whisk vigorously until combined.
• In a separate bowl sift together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
• Add dry ingredients to wet then stir with a wooden spoon until just moistened and flour is still visible. Do not overmix.
• Add diced apples then gently fold them into the batter with a spatula until evenly distributed.
• Place batter in muffin liners filling 2/3 of the way. Note: do not overfill or batter will spill over the apple roses in the oven.
• Tuck and roll a single apple slice then roll another slice around that one, repeating with more slices until they resemble rose petals. Gently place the finished rose into batter of one unbaked muffin then repeat until all muffins are topped with roses.
• Bake for 18 minutes or until muffins are golden brown and a tester placed in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.
• Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes then remove from pan and cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
• Muffins can be stored at room temperature up to 2 days in an airtight container or frozen up to 2 months.

Keyword apple, cinnamon, muffins