Cinnamon Apple Delight Muffins
These delightful Cinnamon Apple Delight Muffins are bursting with the wholesome goodness of fresh Granny Smith apples and warm spices, making them the perfect treat for any time of day. With a beautiful balance of sweet and spice, these muffins are both fluffy and satisfying, while the comforting aroma of baked apples will fill your kitchen. Originally shared by my friend Jenny at a potluck, they're quickly become a favorite in my house. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, you’ll love the tender texture and the delicious cinnamon topping that adds an irresistible crunch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 cups (Sifted)
Baking Powder
1 3/4 teaspoons
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup
Shortening
1/3 cup
Large Egg
1 (Beaten lightly)
Milk
1/4 cup
Granny Smith Apple
1/2 cup (Grated)
Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup (Melted (or less, to taste))
Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon ((or less, to taste))
Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup ((for topping, or less, to taste))
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your muffin tin by greasing or lining with muffin liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and sugar until well combined.
3
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the shortening into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, and grated Granny Smith apple until fully blended.
5
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients all at once and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
6
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8
Once baked, remove muffins from the pan and allow them to cool slightly. For the topping, dip the tops of each muffin into melted butter, then coat generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon Apple Delight Muffins?
They are fluffy muffins bursting with fresh Granny Smith apples and warm spices, finished with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping.
What variety of apple is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Granny Smith apples because their tartness and firm texture hold up well during baking.
How should I prepare the apples?
The apples should be grated before being measured and added to the wet ingredients.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best baking results.
How long do these muffins need to bake?
Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What fats are used in the batter and topping?
The batter uses shortening for a tender crumb, while melted unsalted butter is used for the cinnamon-sugar topping.
How do I combine the shortening with the dry ingredients?
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the shortening into the dry mixture until it resembles fine crumbs.
Can I use muffin liners for this recipe?
Yes, you can either grease the muffin tin directly or use paper muffin liners.
Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
Overmixing can lead to tough muffins; it is better to have a few lumps in the batter to ensure a light and tender texture.
How much should I fill the muffin cups?
Spoon the batter into the prepared tins until each cup is about 2/3 full.
What ingredients are in the topping?
The topping consists of melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.
How do I apply the cinnamon sugar coating?
Once slightly cooled, dip the top of each muffin into melted butter and then into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Which spices are used in the muffin batter?
The muffin batter is seasoned with ground nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, sifting the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and sugar ensures they are well combined and the muffins are airy.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including items for the batter and the topping.
Are these muffins good for breakfast?
Absolutely, they are a perfect treat for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Can I adjust the amount of topping?
Yes, you can use less butter, cinnamon, or sugar in the topping depending on your personal taste preference.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was originally shared by a friend named Jenny at a potluck.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe calls for sifted All-Purpose Flour.
How do I prepare the egg for the batter?
The egg should be lightly beaten before being whisked with the milk and grated apple.
Can I serve these muffins warm?
Yes, they are best served warm to fully enjoy the tender texture and aromatic spices.
What gives the muffins their crunch?
The irresistible crunch comes from the cinnamon sugar mixture applied after baking.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors.
What is the texture of these muffins like?
They are described as both fluffy and satisfying with a tender crumb.
What categories do these muffins fall under?
They are categorized as muffins, apple treats, quick breads, desserts, and comfort food.
Should the butter for the topping be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies using unsalted butter for the melted topping.
Can I add more apples if I like them chunkier?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of grated apple; adding more may alter the moisture balance and bake time.
How do I know the muffins are cool enough to top?
Allow them to cool slightly after removing them from the pan so they are easy to handle but still warm enough to absorb the butter.
What leavening agent is used?
Baking powder (1 3/4 teaspoons) is used to help the muffins rise.
How much sugar is in the muffin batter itself?
There is 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in the dry ingredients of the muffin batter.