Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins

Name: Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (mix of sweet and tart)

Highlighted under: Cozy Food

I absolutely love baking these Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins! Every time I make them, the warm aroma of cinnamon fills my kitchen, making it feel cozy and inviting. The combination of apples and yogurt creates a moist texture that's absolutely delightful. I often enjoy them as a quick breakfast or as a sweet snack with my afternoon tea. Plus, they are incredibly easy to whip up, reminding me that homemade treats don't require a lot of fuss. Trust me, you’ll want to add this recipe to your collection!

Created by

Cleo Winter

Last updated on 2026-01-15T19:29:35.119Z

When I first experimented with these muffins, I wanted to create a recipe that incorporated healthy ingredients without compromising on flavor. The yogurt not only adds moisture but also makes the muffins super soft. I replaced some of the butter with apple sauce to keep them light yet flavor-packed. After baking, the muffins turned out perfectly spiced, with a delicious balance of sweetness from the apples!

One of my favorite tips for this recipe is to use a mix of tart and sweet apples. This adds layers of flavor and ensures that each bite is a delightful surprise. I usually go for Granny Smith for a little zing against the cinnamon and sugar! These muffins freeze well, too, making them perfect for meal prep.

        Why You’ll Love These Muffins
        Moist and fluffy texture with a hint of spice
Sweet, juicy apple pieces in every bite
Wholesome ingredients make them a guilt-free treat

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving that moist and fluffy texture in these Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins lies in the combination of yogurt and applesauce. Yogurt not only adds moisture but also enhances the tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples. When selecting apples, a mix of sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp and tart ones like Granny Smith will provide a delightful balance, offering bursts of flavor in every bite.

Using all-purpose flour ensures the right structure for the muffins, allowing them to rise beautifully. However, if you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour. This change will slightly alter the texture, making the muffins denser, but will add a nutty flavor and extra fiber, which is fantastic for a wholesome treat.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your muffins come out perfectly every time, avoid overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Stir just until you no longer see flour; this helps maintain a light texture, preventing dense muffins. If you spot some lumps, that's perfectly fine! Lumps are a sign that the batter is not overworked.

When filling the muffin tins, it's best to use an ice cream scoop or a measuring cup for uniformity. This not only ensures even baking but also makes the muffins look professional. Keep an eye on the baking process; a good visual cue for doneness is a golden-brown top and a toothpick coming out clean after insertion into the center.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start baking to streamline the process.

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apples

1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (mix of sweet and tart)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare the muffin tin before beginning.

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well blended.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together yogurt, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in diced apples.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked muffins with a cup of tea or coffee!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, feel free to sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These muffins can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy mornings. Once baked, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep them moist, you might consider placing a slice of bread in the container; this will help retain moisture during storage.

For longer preservation, these muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy one, just pop it in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds for a warm, fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Adding a handful of nuts like walnuts or pecans can introduce a delightful crunch, while dried fruits like cranberries or raisins provide a chewy contrast. If you crave a bit of extra sweetness, consider adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips to the batter. Just remember to adjust the sugar level slightly to balance it out.

When serving, try pairing these muffins with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese for a decadent treat. They also make a wonderful accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. For a festive twist, serve warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, enhancing the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour, but the muffins may be denser.

→ How do I store these muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I omit the sugar?

While you can reduce the sugar, it is recommended to keep at least some for flavor balance.

→ What type of apples work best?

A mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness works wonderfully.