Are you looking for a delicious and simple Muffin recipe? Look no further. Try these perfectly spiced apple muffins with almonds, made with pure Avocado oil and buttermilk, and then topped with a mixture of warm spices and chopped almonds to finish. The perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or as an addition to your holiday brunch menu!
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What are Spiced Apple Muffins?
Spiced apple muffins are a delicious baked treat made from apples, spices, flour, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients. They typically feature the warm and comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves or allspice, which give them a cozy, autumnal, or holiday feel.
Spiced Apple Muffins Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
For the Spiced Apple Muffins:
- Avocado Oil or Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and richness to the muffins.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor to the muffins.
- Large Eggs: Act as a binding agent and provide structure to the muffins.
- Buttermilk or Whole Milk: Enhances moisture and tenderness in the muffins.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and a unique flavor to the muffins.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Provides a pleasant aroma and flavor to the muffins.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the muffin batter, giving structure and texture.
- Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in the muffins.
- Ground Cinnamon (Divided): Adds warm, spicy flavor and aroma to the muffins, both in the batter and the topping.
- Ground Allspice, Ground Nutmeg, and Ground Cloves: Contribute to the overall spiced flavor profile of the muffins.
- Baking Apples (with Lemon Juice): Provide texture, moisture, and a delightful apple flavor to the muffins.
For the topping:
- Turbinado Sugar or Light Brown Sugar (for Topping): Creates a sweet, crunchy topping for added texture and flavor.
- Almonds or Pecans (for Topping): Add a nutty crunch and additional flavor to the muffin topping.
Tools you'll need
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- 12-cup muffin pan
- 12 paper liners
- 2 medium bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- large ice cream scoop
- Wire rack
- Liquid measuring cup
How to Make Spiced Apple Muffins
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 400 °F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and spices in a large bowl. Set aside. Chop the almonds roughly, add half to the flour mixture, and put the other half into a small bowl with the second teaspoon of ground cinnamon and the 1 extra tablespoon of turbinado sugar. In a medium bowl, beat the avocado oil, honey, and light brown sugar until combined, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition; scrape down the sides of the bowl, as needed. Beat in the buttermilk and pure vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture and fold until just combined. Add the chopped apples and fold in until just combined. Do not over-mix! Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan. The cups should be full. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the top.
Bake the Spiced Apple Muffins for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Next, remove the Spiced Apple Muffins from the oven, cool them for 5 minutes in the pan, then take them out onto a rack for the Spiced Apple Muffins to finish cooling. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Avocado oil or unsalted butter: You can substitute these with other oil, such as canola, vegetable, or coconut. For a dairy-free option, you can use vegan butter or margarine.
- Light brown sugar: You can use dark brown or granulated sugar instead.
- Buttermilk or whole milk: You can use any milk you have on hand, or you can use a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Alternatively, you can make your buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
- Honey: You can substitute honey with maple, agave nectar, or corn syrup.
- All-purpose flour: You can use whole wheat flour, spelt flour, or a gluten-free blend.
- Baking powder: You can make your baking powder by combining 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar.
- Baking apples: You can use any apple you like, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. You can also use other types of fruit, such as pears or bananas.
- Turbinado sugar or light brown sugar: You can use any sugar you like, such as granulated sugar, demerara sugar, or coconut sugar.
- Almonds or pecans: You can use any nuts, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts. You can omit the nuts or use pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you have a nut allergy.
Variations
- Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins: Add a streusel topping to the muffins by combining ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup light brown sugar, ¼ cup chopped nuts, ¼ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces), 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix until the mixture is crumbly, then sprinkle over the muffin batter before baking.
- Apple Cheddar Muffins: Add 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese to the muffin batter, along with the chopped apples and spices. This will give the muffins a savory twist that pairs well with the sweetness of the apples.
- Apple Oat Muffins: Replace ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with quick-cooking oats or old-fashioned rolled oats. This will give the muffins a heartier texture and a nutty flavor.
- Apple Cranberry Muffins: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the muffin batter and chopped apples and spices. This will add a tartness to the muffins that complement the sweetness of the apples.
- Apple Carrot Muffins: Add 1 cup of grated carrots to the muffin batter, along with the chopped apples and spices. This will give the muffins a vibrant orange and add some extra nutrients to the recipe.
- Apple Pumpkin Muffins: Add ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree to the muffin batter, along with the chopped apples and spices. This will give the muffins a seasonal twist and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor.
- Apple Ginger Muffins: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the muffin batter, along with the chopped apples and spices. This will give the muffins a spicy kick and a zesty flavor.
How to Serve
Spiced apple muffins are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert. You can serve them warm out of the oven with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Alternatively, pack them in a lunchbox for a midday snack or enjoy them with tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. Spiced apple muffins are also a great addition to any brunch spread and pair well with savory dishes like omelets or quiches. No matter how you serve them, spiced apple muffins will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Allow them to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure the container is properly sealed to maintain moisture.
To reheat: There are a few options. If you prefer to enjoy them warm, microwave individual muffins for about 10-15 seconds until heated through. Alternatively, you can place the muffins on a baking sheet and reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning. Once reheated, allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Make-Ahead
To make spiced apple muffins ahead of time, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight. After mixing the batter, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. The next day, scoop the chilled batter into the muffin cups, top with the almond and cinnamon sugar mixture, and bake as directed in the recipe. This allows you to have freshly baked muffins in the morning with minimal effort. Adjust the baking time if needed, as the batter will be chilled.
How to Freeze
Scoop the batter into the muffin cups, filling just above three-quarters full. Divide the topping among the muffins, pressing lightly. Freeze until set, about 3 hours. The muffins can be removed to zippered freezer bags at this point and stored for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place the spiced apple muffins in a pan and bake until they are lightly golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.
Tips for Making The Best Spiced Apple Muffins
- Choose the Right Apples: Select apples that are suitable for baking and have a balance of tartness and sweetness. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith apples work well in spiced apple muffins as they hold shape and flavor.
- Properly Measure the Flour: For accurate results, measure the flour correctly. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Avoid packing the flour into the cup, leading to dense and dry muffins.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough muffins. Mix until the ingredients are combined and any streaks of flour disappear.
- Fold in the Apples Gently: When adding the chopped apples to the batter, gently fold them with a spatula. This will help distribute the apples evenly without overmixing the batter.
- Use Buttermilk for Moisture: Buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to the muffins. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup and filling it with milk to reach 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Create a Crunchy Topping: The almond and cinnamon sugar topping adds a delicious crunch to the muffins. Make sure to chop the almonds for a nice texture roughly. Sprinkle the topping generously over each muffin before baking.
- Adjust Baking Time: Monitor the muffins while they bake, as oven temperatures may vary. Start checking for doneness around the suggested baking time, and insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the muffins are ready.
- Allow for Cooling Time: After baking, let the spiced apple muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set and avoids breaking apart when removing them from the pan.
FAQ
My muffins turned out dry. How can I make them moister?
If your muffins turned out dry, it might be due to overbaking or using too much flour. To make them moister, try reducing the baking time slightly to prevent overbaking. Also, make sure to measure your flour accurately, as excess flour can lead to dry muffins. You can also add a bit more buttermilk or applesauce to the batter for extra moisture.
The muffin tops are too brown or burnt. How can I prevent this?
Suppose the muffin tops are browning too quickly or becoming burnt. In that case, it's a good idea to lower the oven temperature slightly and/or cover the muffins with aluminum foil during the latter part of baking. This will help prevent overbrowning while allowing the muffins to cook through.
My muffins are sinking in the middle. How can I avoid this?
Muffins can sink in the middle if they are overmixed or if there's too much leavening agent (baking powder). To avoid this, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix until the ingredients are just combined. Also, make sure you're using the correct amount of baking powder specified in the recipe, and don't overdo it.
The muffin texture is too dense. How can I make them lighter and fluffier?
If your muffins turned out too dense, you can make them lighter and fluffier by using the proper leavening agents (baking powder), not overmixing the batter, and ensuring the oven temperature is accurate. Also, make sure your ingredients (like eggs and buttermilk) are at room temperature, as this can help achieve a lighter texture.
My muffins are too sweet. How can I reduce the sweetness?
If your muffins are too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the sweetness by using less honey or brown sugar in the recipe. You can also experiment with using less sugar in the topping. Adjusting the sweetness to your preference is a matter of personal taste.
Related Recipes:
- Pumpkin Muffins with Pecan Streusel
- Strawberry Muffins
- spiced apple muffins
- Banana Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Chocolate Banana Muffins
- Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins with Pumpkin Spice
Recipe
Easy Spiced Apple Muffins
Tools
Ingredients
For the Spiced Apple Muffins
- 125 ml (½ cup) avocado oil or unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 125 g (⅔ cup) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs , room temperature
- 60 ml (¼ cup) buttermilk or whole milk
- 125 ml (½ cup) honey
- 15 ml pure vanilla extract
- 219 g (1-¾ cup) all-purpose flour, spooned, leveled-off, and sifted
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon , divided
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups baking apple , peeled, cored, and finely chopped or grated (approx. 2 medium apples) combine with the juice from half a lemon to prevent oxidation.
For the topping:
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar or light brown sugar
- 75 g (½ cup) almonds or pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 °F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and spices in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Chop the almonds roughly, add half of them to the flour mixture, and put the other half into a small bowl with the second teaspoon of ground cinnamon and the 1 extra tablespoon of turbinado sugar.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the avocado oil, honey, and light brown sugar until combined, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition; scrape down the sides of the bowl, as needed.
- Beat in the buttermilk and pure vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture and fold until just combined. Add the chopped apples and fold in until just combined. Do not over mix! Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan. The cups should be full. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the top.
- Bake, the Spiced Apple Muffins for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin, comes out clean. Next, remove the Spiced Apple Muffins from the oven, cool them for 5 minutes in the pan, then take them out onto a rack for the Spiced Apple Muffins to finish cooling. Enjoy!
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.