Harvest Apple Cider Muffins
Delight in the comforting flavors of autumn with these Harvest Apple Cider Muffins. Packed with fragrant spices and studded with sweet-tart apples, these moist and fluffy muffins are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a delightful treat to share with friends and family. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, these muffins bring the essence of a crisp fall day right to your kitchen. Enjoy warm with a drizzle of honey or a pat of butter for an extra indulgence!
18
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
4 cups (Sifted)
Baking powder
1 1/2 tablespoons (N/A)
Ground cinnamon
2 1/2 teaspoons (Divided)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
Unsalted butter
1 cup (Softened)
Granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (Divided)
Eggs
3 (Large, beaten)
Unsweetened apple cider or apple juice
2 cups (N/A)
Tart-sweet apples
2 cups (Chopped and peeled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line 18 muffin cups with paper liners for easy removal.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
5
With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and apple cider to the butter mixture. Begin and end with the flour, making three additions of flour and two of cider, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6
Carefully fold in the chopped peeled apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
8
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with the remaining 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the tops of the muffins.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 32-36 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Allow the muffins to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of Harvest Apple Cider Muffins?
These muffins feature the comforting flavors of autumn, including fragrant cinnamon, sweet-tart apples, and apple cider.
How many muffins does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 18 muffins.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How should I prepare the muffin tin?
Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners to ensure easy removal after baking.
What type of flour is required for this recipe?
You should use 4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much baking powder should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons of baking powder.
Is the cinnamon used all at once?
No, the 2 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon are divided between the batter and the topping.
How much salt is included in the dry ingredients?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
What condition should the butter be in?
Use 1 cup of unsalted butter that has been softened to room temperature.
How much sugar is needed for the creamed mixture?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of sugar to cream with the butter.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar together?
Cream them on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How many eggs are used in the batter?
The recipe uses 3 large, beaten eggs.
What is the best way to incorporate the eggs?
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yes, you can use either 2 cups of unsweetened apple cider or apple juice.
What is the correct method for adding the flour and cider?
Alternately add the flour and cider on low speed, starting and ending with the flour (three additions of flour and two of cider).
Why is it important to mix until just combined?
Mixing until just combined helps to avoid overmixing, which keeps the muffins moist and fluffy.
What kind of apples work best for these muffins?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of tart-sweet apples.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled and chopped before being folded into the batter.
How much should I fill each muffin cup?
Scoop the batter into the prepared cups until each is about 2/3 full.
How do I prepare the muffin topping?
Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
When should the cinnamon-sugar topping be applied?
Sprinkle the mixture generously over the tops of the batter in the cups before putting them in the oven.
What is the total baking time?
The muffins should bake for 32 to 36 minutes.
How do I check if the muffins are fully cooked?
The muffins are done when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the muffins cool in the pan?
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes.
Where should the muffins finish cooling?
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely after the initial cooling period in the pan.
What can I serve with these muffins for extra indulgence?
They are delicious served warm with a drizzle of honey or a pat of butter.
Is this recipe considered a quick bread?
Yes, these muffins are categorized under quick breads.
What mixer speed should be used when adding dry ingredients?
Use a low speed setting when adding the flour mixture and cider.
What mixer speed is used for creaming the butter?
Use a medium-high speed for creaming the butter and sugar.
Are these muffins suitable for a snack?
Yes, they are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a treat for friends and family.