• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Natalie's Health logo

  • RECIPES
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Dinners
    • Drinks
    • Smoothies
    • Snacks
    • Salads
  • SNACKS
  • BREAKFAST
  • DESSERTS
  • SMOOTHIES
  • HEALTHY LIVING
    • Healthy Living
    • Weight Loss
    • Motivation Monday
    • Seasonal Foods
  • ABOUT
    • ABOUT ME
    • PRESS & MEDIA
    • CONTACT

Home » Recipes » Breakfast » Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Published: Sep 29, 2020 · Updated: Nov 4, 2020 by Natalie · This post may contain affiliate links · 65 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Sweet and full of seasonal flavors, these Apple Cinnamon Muffins are perfect Fall treat. These muffins are loaded with fresh apples and beautiful warm spices. Made with simple but wholesome ingredients, without refined sugars, these apple muffins are equally healthy and delicious. 

Apple Cinnamon Muffins made with fresh apples served on a wooden plate

And here it is. Another apple recipe. Well, what can I say? I'm obsessed with apples lately. They are now in season, juicy and beautiful. With their gorgeous colors and super sweet, who can resist them. I certainly can't.

Apples are on my menu for past few weeks. I love having Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal or Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats for breakfast. But I also enjoy fresh apples as a midday or late-evening snack. With so many apples going on in my life right now, I can only promise to bring you more apple recipes in days to come. Because ... well, why NOT!?

This Apple Cinnamon Muffins recipe is currently a huge hit in my house. We all love these apple muffins because they are soft, flavorful and honestly so darn GOOD! Topped with cinnamon and fresh apples, beautifully flavored with warm Fall spices, these apple muffins are just gorgeous. And to make them you will need only a few simple pantry WHOLESOME ingredients.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins made with fresh apples served on a wooden plate

Ingredients used

These muffins call only for simple ingredients. You probably have everything you need in your pantry already to make these healthy muffins!

  • FRESH APPLES: Apples are definitely a star in this recipe. You can use any type of apples you like or have at hand. When you bake apples they become softer and sweeter, so whichever type you choose, it will be perfect. 
  • WHOLE GRAIN FLOUR: I used whole grain spelt flour, but you can use whole wheat flour. Whole grain flour added more nutrients to these muffins but also contributed to overall rustic taste. 
  • SWEETENER: I used pure maple syrup, but you can easily use honey here if you like. Sirup gave subtle sweetness yet didn't overload muffins with much sweet sugar calories. 
  • APPLESAUCE: Applesauce gave moisture and sweetness. It's basically pureed cooked apples. You can make it yourself at home or grab the jar from the store. Just read the labels and buy one without added sugars.
  • SPICES: I used warm, fall-inspired spices – Ceylon cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to spice these apple muffins. 

Other pantry ingredients you’ll need:

  • Eggs – I used free-range, pasture-raised.
  • Salt – I like to use Himalayan salt.
  • Vanilla extract
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Coconut oil 

Apple Cinnamon Muffins made with fresh apples served on a wooden plate

How to make Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Making these apple cinnamon beauties are no brainer really. As for the equipment, you'll need measuring cups, mixing bowl, whisk and spatula. + Muffin tin and some paper muffin liners. 

  • Start with preparing and measuring all ingredients using measuring cups. Melt coconut oil and let it cool for few minutes on room temperature. Wash and and core the apples, then chop into small dice (I don't peel the apples, but you can if you like).
  • Preheat oven to 350 F (178C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or use muffin liners.
  • Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices together in a bowl until everything is nicely combined.
  • In a separate large bowl whisk the eggs with coconut oil, syrup and vanilla extract. Mix everything with the whisk until you get nice sticky mixture. Add in applesauce. Mix again until combined. 
  • Add flour mixture into wet ingredients. Stir the batter few times using a spatula. Add in diced apples. Fold everything together gently.
  • Spoon the batter into liners, filling them 3/4 full. Light sprinkle with cinnamon and coconut sugar, if desired. 
  • Pop the muffins into the preheated oven, and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 
  • Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Makes 12 muffins that serves 6-12 people. Recommended serving size is one muffin. 

PRO TIPS:

  • What kind of apples are the best? For muffins, I like to use sweet apples, like Gala or Fuji. The best to use are soft apples, not firm ones because they will bake faster. You can use sour apples, like Granny Smith, but you may need to add more sweetener. That's totally based on your preferences. 
  • When folding the batter, use the spatula and don't over-mix it. Little lumps in the batter are ok - a lumpy batter makes a lighter muffin.
  • Optional add-ins: You can add-in dried cranberries, raisins, sultanas, or a handful of chopped walnuts.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins made with fresh apples served on a wooden plate

Substitutions

  • Substitute whole gran Spelt flour with whole gran wheat flour. Or use plain/all-purpose flour if you prefer.
  • In order to get all the health benefits from coconut oil, make sure to choose organic, virgin coconut oil rather than refined versions. You can substitute coconut oil with ghee or grass-fed butter.  
  • You can substitute maple syrup with honey. Make sure you use honey in runny, liquid form, not the raw, solid one. 

Tips for storing

  • Keep the muffins covered in air-tight food container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  • HOW TO FREEZE: Place the muffins in a zip-lock bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature or warm up in the microwave if desired. Be careful not to overheat them.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins made with fresh apples served on a wooden plate

These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are simply gorgeous. Soft, mildly sweet, bursting with spices and fresh apples. They are also everything but plain. Not the usual muffins loaded with fat and sugar, but NUTRITIOUS and filling treat that is free from refined sugars and unhealthy fats. 

Apple Cinnamon Muffins make easy grab-and-go breakfast, but you can also make a batch for afternoon coffee or tea break. This recipe is perfect for the family and busy weekday mornings, not to mention picnics and outdoor fun. Also, it's a great healthy kids lunchbox choice. 

One of the best features of this apple muffin recipe is that it's super easy to make. You can whip up these beauties in no-time, and they are done, from starts to finish in less than 30 minutes. Win!

Enjoy!

Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Print
4.83 from 28 votes

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

These HEALTHY Apple Cinnamon Muffins will be your new favorite snack. These muffins are soft, flavorful and loaded with nutrients. + Refined sugar-free.
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword apple cinnamon muffin recipe, apple cinnamon muffins, healthy apple cinnamon muffins, healthy apple muffins
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 12 muffins
Calories 183kcal
Author Natalie

Equipment

  • Measuring cups
  • Flexible silicone spatula
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • 12-cup muffin pan

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cup whole grain flour whole grain Spelt or whole gran whet flour
  • 2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt
  • 1/4 cup Maple syrup or honey
  • 1 cup applesauce unsweetened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil melted and cooled
  • 1 1/2 cup diced apples Approx. 2 large apples

Instructions

  • Prepare and measure all ingredients using measuring cups. Melt coconut oil and let it cool for few minutes on room temperature. Wash and and core the apples, then chop into small dice (I don't peel the apples, but you can if you like).
  • Preheat oven to 350 F (178C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or use muffin liners.
  • In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients - flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  • In a separate larger bowl whisk the eggs with coconut oil, syrup, and vanilla until you get nice sticky mixture. Add in applesauce. Mix again until combined. 
  • Add flour mixture into wet ingredients. Stir the batter few times using spatula. Add in diced apples. Fold everything together gently.
  • Fill muffin tins 3/4 full with batter. Sprinkle each muffin with cinnamon and coconut sugar (optional). 
  • Bake muffins for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove muffins from the oven. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Makes 12 muffins that serves 6-12 people. Recommended serving size is one muffin.
I used US cup (240ml) as a measure.

Substitutions

  • Substitute whole gran Spelt flour with whole gran wheat flour. Or use plain/all-purpose flour if you prefer.
  • Substitute maple syrup with honey. Make sure you use honey in runny, liquid form, not the raw, solid one. 

Tips for storing

  • Keep the muffins covered in air-tight food container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  • HOW TO FREEZE: Place the muffins in a zip-lock bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature or warm up in the microwave if desired. Be careful not to overheat them.

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 60mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 0.9mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.8mg

More healthy apple recipes to try

  • Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
  • Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
  • Apple Pie Energy Bites
  • Apple Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
  • Apple Pear Crisp
  • 20 Healthy Apple Recipes

This post was originally published on September 20, 2018. It has been updated with more information on September 29, 2020. The recipe remained the same.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

 
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

About Natalie

Natalie is health & wellness coach, with expertise in weight-loss, weight management, digestive health, mental wellbeing. She's passionate about helping others to live healthier and fulfilled lives. Natalie hopes to empower people to take charge of their well-being. She actively coach and writes about healthy lifestyle. Her articles have been featured in Shape, Men’s Fitness, Greatist, Pure Wow, Mashed, The Huffington Post, ELLE Magazine and more.

Want to feel happier and healthier?

Well, of course you do! ... Subscribe here and I'll pop in your inbox with NEW recipes and tips.


And don’t worry, I won't spam you. You can unsubscribe at anytime.
Please read my Privacy Policy and learn how I handle information you send me.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you make a purchase, I’ll make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please know that I only link products that I recommend. Thank you for supporting Natalie’s Health!

Previous Post: « Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Next Post: What's in season: OCTOBER »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jill says

    November 04, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    5 stars
    I am all about apple everything this time of year. These turned out delicious!

    Reply
    • Natalie says

      November 04, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      Glad you liked it :) Thanks for the lovely feedback.

  2. Kerri says

    October 05, 2020 at 12:25 pm

    These scream fall! I've got a couple apples that I need to use up and this looks like the perfect recipe to do it in!

    Reply
  3. Chandice Probst says

    October 05, 2020 at 3:13 am

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness the chunks of apple add so much flavor and they look great too! Thanks!

    Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

I'm Natalie, health & wellness coach with passion for making healthy food taste delicious and helping others discover the life-changing power of real food. On my blog, you'll find HEALTHY RECIPES using real ingredients + healthy living and weight loss tips to help you be healthiest happiest you. More about me!

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

FEATURED IN

CONNECT WITH ME

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

POPULAR POSTS

Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls full of beautiful citrus aroma enriched with healing spice - TURMERIC, and superfood - CHIA SEEDS. These immune boosting, refined sugar-free energy balls are rich in fibers and plant-based proteins. Perfect for everyday snacking. #vegan #glutenfree #healthy #turmeric #chia #lowcarb #nosugar #sugarfree #raw #nobake #balls | www.natalieshealth.com

Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls

Creamy Spicy Broccoli Soup served in a bowl topped with pumpkin seeds

Spicy Broccoli Soup

Strawberry Ginger Smoothie

Strawberry Ginger Smoothie

Creamy and energizing Coffee Breakfast Smoothie full of dark chocolate and coffee flavors. This smoothie is full of nutrients. Perfect meal to start the day! #nosugar #glutenfree #vegan #healthy #breakfast #smoothie #coffee

Coffee Breakfast Smoothie

Turmeric Latte with coconut milk and cinnamon

Turmeric Latte

Iced Coconut Matcha green tea Latte

Iced Coconut Matcha Latte

Footer

FEATURED IN

Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Copyright

Prepared with by Natalie. © Copyright 2016 - 2020 Natalies Health.