Name: Apple Fritter Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484729H14M48S
Total time: PT-484729H14M48S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great, peeled, cored, and diced); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter (melted); 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for glaze); 1-2 tbsp milk (for glaze)

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Short Description

Apple Fritter Muffins are a delightful treat that combine the cozy flavors of apple fritters with the light, fluffy texture of muffins. With chunks of tender apples, a hint of cinnamon, and a glaze that gives just the right amount of sweetness, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. They’re everything you love about apple fritters, without the frying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Who doesn’t love the warm, comforting taste of apple fritters? These Apple Fritter Muffins take everything you adore about the classic fried pastry but in muffin form. They’re soft and moist, packed with sweet apple chunks, and have just the right balance of spice. The addition of a sweet glaze on top elevates them from delicious to irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to make and perfect for sharing!

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need:

Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Cinnamon
Salt
Eggs
Milk
Butter

The full list of ingredients (with exact measurements) can be found below!

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small chunks. You want them bite-sized, but not too small. Toss the diced apples in a bit of cinnamon and a sprinkle of sugar. This step enhances the flavor and gives the apples a slight caramelized sweetness when they bake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. The brown sugar adds a touch of molasses-like richness, while the cinnamon creates that warm, fall-inspired flavor we all love.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter. The wet ingredients bring moisture to the batter and create a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the muffins dense. Gently fold in the spiced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. The batter will rise as it bakes, so give it a little room to expand. If you like, sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon sugar on top of each muffin for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

Bake the muffins at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like apple pie, and you’ll be anxiously awaiting that first bite!

Step 7: Glaze the Muffins

While the muffins are cooling, prepare the glaze. Simply whisk together powdered sugar and a little milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the muffins while they’re still warm for that delicious, gooey finish.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t skip the apple cinnamon toss! Coating the apple pieces with cinnamon and sugar before adding them to the batter helps to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.
Use fresh, tart apples. Granny Smith apples are my go-to because they add a nice tart contrast to the sweetness of the muffin. But Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well!
Avoid overmixing. When mixing the batter, it’s important to stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light, fluffy ones.
Test for doneness. Every oven is different, so check the muffins by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re done.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add-ins: Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch and flavor. You can also add raisins or dried cranberries for a different twist.
Spices: If you’re a fan of extra spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter. They pair beautifully with the cinnamon and apples.
Gluten-Free: You can make these muffins gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that the baking powder you’re using is gluten-free as well.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Apple Fritter Muffins are perfect with a warm cup of coffee or tea, especially in the morning or as an afternoon treat. They’re also fantastic as part of a brunch spread, served alongside:

Freshly brewed coffee or chai tea
Yogurt with granola and fresh fruit
A light salad or smoothie for a balanced breakfast

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: These muffins will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze Apple Fritter Muffins for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
Reheating: To revive the glaze, pop the muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

4 FAQs

1. Can I make these muffins without the glaze?
Yes, absolutely! The muffins are delicious even without the glaze, thanks to the sweetness from the apples and brown sugar. If you prefer them less sweet, just skip the glaze and enjoy them as is.

2. Can I make the batter the night before?
It’s best to bake these muffins fresh for the fluffiest texture. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before, then mix and bake in the morning.

3. Can I use a different type of fruit?
Definitely! Pears or even berries would work beautifully in this muffin recipe. Just adjust the spices to suit the fruit you’re using.

4. Can I add more sugar for a sweeter muffin?
The muffins are already quite sweet with the brown sugar and the glaze. If you like them even sweeter, feel free to increase the sugar by 1/4 cup, but keep in mind the glaze adds extra sweetness too!

Conclusion

These Apple Fritter Muffins are a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of tender apples, cinnamon, and sweet glaze. They’re so easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special breakfast or a cozy snack. The next time you’re craving the flavors of an apple fritter without the fuss, give these muffins a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Apple Fritter Muffins

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice apples into small chunks. Toss them with cinnamon and a sprinkle of sugar.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter.
Mix the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the spiced apples.
Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon batter into a greased or lined muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Glaze the Muffins: Whisk powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle over warm muffins.