Cinnamon Apple Spice Muffins

Deliciously soft and dense, These Cinnamon Apple Spice Muffins are so loaded with fresh apples and tons of Fall spices. Perfect for on the go breakfast, a snack or a dessert!

This post was originally published in September 2019 – I’ve since updated the photos and a few of the paragraphs in the blog post. The European trip that I discuss within this blog post was taken in October 2019!

So, I’m going to let you in on the saddest secret ever. As I write this blog post, it is literally 96 degrees where I live. *cries forever*. 

However, that is NOT stopping me from wearing cardigans inside, painting my nails dark colors and of course, baking allll of the Fall things! This Chai Spiced Coffee Cake is one of my favorites right now! 

Is it bad that I’m looking forward to next week when the high is only 82?! Truly, where I live in NC, it doesn’t really begin to feel like Fall until mid October. Sigh. 

BUT, have I told you guys that Ben and I are going to London and Paris for two weeks in Mid- October? You can bet I’m looking forward to the cooler weather there…not to mention the amazing leaves changing!! I’ve never been to Paris so needless to say, my heart is so happy! 

Anyway, let’s get back to the real star of the show here: Cinnamon Apple Spice Muffins!! 

Why You’ll Love These Muffins: 

I truly think these are the best way to ease into Fall. They’re super delicious, wholesome and loaded with delicious spiced apple flavor. 

I like that these are baked with a combo of whole wheat and all purpose flour – the whole wheat gives it a little more of a nutrition base and adds a nuttiness to it!

The fresh diced apples are paired with delicious applesauce to keep the muffins super moist. 

For spice? Tons of cinnamon, and the crunchiest muffin topping thanks to turbinado sugar! 

They’re not overly sweet, just enough. They are super moist and of course, they are extra buttery thanks to the…well, salted butter! 

What apples should I use? 

For these Cinnamon Apple Spice Muffins, I used gala apples! Aside from honeycrisp, they are my go-to apple. You can also use granny smith apples! I just prefer using a sweeter apple.

Personally, I didn’t peel them. For some reason, growing up, my Mom always told me that the skin on things has the most nutrition (apples, potatoes etc.) so I rarely peel fruits or veggies. Not sure if there is any research behind that or maybe I just want to please my Mom LOL! 

Another form of apples I used in this recipe to add to the amazing apple flavor is applesauce! I love the unsweetened kind that you can buy in most grocery stores. It makes sure the muffin is super duper moist and it gives it amazing apple flavor. 

The apples combined with the cinnamon and cozy spices all result in the most delectable, warm and perfect Fall muffin! Let’s get into how to make them!

Ingredients You Need:

• softened salted butter
• granulated sugar 
• brown sugar 
• turbinado sugar 
• egg 
• unsweetened applesauce 
• gala apples 
• whole wheat and all purpose flour 
• baking powder and baking soda 
• cinnamon and nutmeg 

Best Muffin Baking Tips:

Begin by preheating the oven to 375. You wanna make sure it’s hot when you add those muffins in!

Next, grab a large bowl, combine the softened butter + sugars. Beat with a handheld mixer  for 1-2 minutes or until fluffy. Next, add in the egg and beat until combined. 

Time to add in the dry ingredients. You can use a sifter if you want – or you can just add them straight into the dry ingredients. Just be sure to fully combine them and make sure no flour is streaking through it. 

To this, add in applesauce and beat until fluffy. Gently fold in the diced apples just until combined. Your mixture should look something like this: 

Next, grease your muffin tin. Fill up the tins ¾ of the way full with the batter. NOTE: I’ve used both a jumbo 6 count muffin tin and a normal 12 count muffin tin and BOTH work well for this recipe. 

Top each muffin with about ½-1 tbsp of turbinado sugar – this ensures that the muffin will have a crunchy top – don’t skip this step! 

Bake those babies up and seriously be happy about how delicious your house smells! 

Enjoy with a schmear of butter, or peanut butter for a hit of protein and a pinch of salt on top! Maybe even a drizzle of honey. 

Best with your morning coffee or afternoon tea! Yumm-o! Hope y’all loved this recipe. Can’t wait to continue sharing delicious Fall recipes with you! XO. 

Did you enjoy this recipe? Here are a few more you might like: 

Double Chocolate Banana Muffins 

Vegan Orange Spice Muffins  

Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Muffins 

Thank you so much for following along here, friends! Want to see more? Be sure to follow ourbalancedbowl on Instagram and tag me with your photo if you end up making a recipe! You can also post a photo of your recipe to the Our Balanced Bowl Facebook page! Like a recipe that you saw? Follow me on Pinterest here! I always love to see your re-creations! If you do make a recipe, it would make my whole day if you were to rate and comment so I can get your feedback! Lots of love! – Haylie