If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite, look no further than these Apple Butter Muffins! Imagine the warm aroma of cinnamon and apple wafting through your kitchen as you bake up a batch of tender, moist muffins, each packed with sweet apple butter and just the right amount of aromatic spice. Whether it’s for breakfast, a midday snack, or a comforting treat alongside your coffee, these muffins deliver classic flavor with a nostalgic twist you’ll want to share with family and friends (but we won’t judge if you keep them all to yourself).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple yet irresistible, with each ingredient playing a unique role in creating the perfect Apple Butter Muffins. From luscious apple butter to a touch of warm spice, here’s how these essentials transform plain muffins into a fall favorite.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that ensures your muffins are soft and fluffy, never dense or tough.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel sweetness and keeps the crumb moist and tender.
- Baking soda: Gives your muffins the lift they need for that gorgeous domed top.
- Baking powder: A supporting leavener that ensures the perfect rise.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The classic spice that pairs perfectly with apples and fills each muffin with warmth.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a slightly sweet, nutty aroma.
- Apple butter: The star ingredient, lending rich apple flavor, moisture, and natural sweetness.
- Milk: Ensures a supple batter and keeps the muffins light.
- Vegetable oil: Gives the muffins a soft, tender texture and keeps them fresh longer.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together for structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a delicate, fragrant flavor into every bite.
- Optional coarse sugar: Adds a bit of sparkle and crunch to the muffin tops—totally worth it!
How to Make Apple Butter Muffins
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat
Kicking things off, you’ll want to set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get your muffin tin ready. Either line it with paper cupcake liners or spray it lightly with nonstick spray. This step keeps your Apple Butter Muffins from sticking and makes cleanup a total breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl, and whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This not only evenly distributes the rising agents and spices but also breaks up any little lumps for a perfectly smooth batter later on.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine your apple butter, milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. The apple butter here works magic, giving your muffins an incredibly moist texture and fragrant apple flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix—stopping when you still see a few streaks of flour will keep your Apple Butter Muffins light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill and Top
Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. For an irresistible bakery look and a gentle crunch, sprinkle the tops generously with coarse sugar. Little touches like this can really make the muffins feel special.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes. You’ll know your Apple Butter Muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack so the bottoms don’t get soggy.
How to Serve Apple Butter Muffins
Garnishes
Try a delicate dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm honey for a simple but beautiful finish. A tiny dollop of extra apple butter on top of each muffin also looks delightful and amplifies the apple flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with creamy Greek yogurt and sliced fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast platter, or serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for an indulgent brunch spread. They’re equally wonderful with a piping hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Apple Butter Muffins on a rustic wooden board for a fall-themed gathering, or package them up in cute parchment wrappers for grab-and-go snacks. For parties, cut muffins in half and layer with apple slices and whipped cream for an easy muffin shortcake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Apple Butter Muffins have completely cooled, pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, making them ideal for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Freezing
Planning ahead? These muffins freeze like a dream! Just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months — simply thaw at room temperature when you have a craving.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked taste, warm your Apple Butter Muffins in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. For an extra-crisp top, slice and toast them lightly before slathering on some butter or even more apple butter.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple butter instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter works beautifully and can really personalize the flavor of your Apple Butter Muffins. Just make sure it’s not too thin—thick, jam-like apple butter will yield the best texture.
Can I make Apple Butter Muffins gluten free?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour. Check the baking powder and apple butter labels to be sure they’re gluten free as well.
What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
Melted butter or a neutral oil like canola or sunflower both work well in this recipe. Coconut oil adds fun flavor notes, but be sure it’s in liquid form before you use it.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries add delicious crunch and bursts of flavor. Just fold in about 1/2 cup right after combining the wet and dry ingredients.
How do I prevent my muffins from being dense?
The secret to fluffy Apple Butter Muffins is not to overmix the batter. Stir until just combined and bake immediately after filling the muffin tin for the best rise.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve had one bite, these Apple Butter Muffins are bound to become a beloved part of your baking repertoire. The combination of apple, spice, and cozy aroma makes them an irresistible treat for any time of year. Bake a batch soon and enjoy sharing the warmth—your kitchen (and everyone who tastes them) will thank you!
Print
Apple Butter Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these moist and flavorful Apple Butter Muffins. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these muffins are filled with warm spices and the sweet taste of apple butter.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin with liners or grease.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix apple butter, milk, oil, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine and Bake: Gently mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Fill muffin cups and bake for 16-18 minutes until done.
- Cool and Serve: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- These muffins freeze well and are perfect for quick breakfasts.
- You can add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
