Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins

Name: Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups grated apple (about 2 medium apples)

Highlighted under: Daily Planning

I absolutely love baking these Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins whenever I have a craving for something warm and comforting. The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon creates an aroma that fills the kitchen and entices everyone to gather around. Using yogurt not only keeps the muffins moist but also adds a hint of tanginess that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples. These muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a snack, and they’re so easy to make that I often whip up a batch on weekends to share with friends and family.

Created by

Francesca Holt

Last updated on 2026-01-15T17:09:40.174Z

When I first made these Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins, I was playing around with ingredients I had at home. The yogurt not only adds moisture but also helps the muffins rise beautifully, creating a light and fluffy texture. I always enjoy incorporating seasonal fruits into my baking, and apples are a perfect match for cinnamon. The warmth from the spices and the natural sweetness from the apples makes these muffins a favorite in my household.

One tip I swear by is grating the apples instead of chopping them. This way, they blend seamlessly into the muffin batter and ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. If you want an extra kick, you can also sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans into the mix for a nice crunch. Making these muffins feels like a warm hug on chilly mornings!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Moist and fluffy texture from yogurt
Delicious combination of cinnamon and apple
Perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea

The Role of Yogurt

Using yogurt in these Cinnamon Apple Muffins serves a dual purpose: it ensures a moist texture while also adding a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the apples. The live cultures in plain yogurt can also enhance flavor depth. You can experiment with different types of yogurt, such as Greek yogurt for added creaminess or non-dairy options for a vegan twist, keeping in mind that you may need to adjust the sugar content due to varying sweetness levels.

Another benefit of yogurt is its ability to act as a natural leavening agent when combined with baking soda. This reaction produces carbon dioxide bubbles that help the muffins rise, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have yogurt, buttermilk or sour cream can serve as suitable substitutes, providing similar moisture and acidity.

Apples: The Star Ingredient

When choosing apples for this recipe, opt for varieties that are both sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. This combination will add complexity to your muffins. Grating the apples brings their natural juices into the batter, enhancing moisture and flavor. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you could dice the apples, but be mindful that this may affect the overall moisture content; you might need to add a splash more yogurt or oil to compensate.

To intensify the apple flavor, you can add a teaspoon of apple pie spice or nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. You can also fold in some chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and sweetness. If you're making these muffins for younger children or those who prefer a milder taste, consider peeling the apples before grating.

Ingredients

For the Muffins

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup plain yogurt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups grated apple (about 2 medium apples)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and sugar.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the yogurt, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Apples

Gently fold in the grated apples until evenly distributed.

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 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider topping the muffins with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk, or sprinkle some oats on top before baking for a crunchy texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins can be made ahead and stored for freshness. Once cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until warmed through.

If you're planning on making these muffins for a gathering or to share, consider doubling the batch. The recipe scales well, but you might want to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining to maintain the desired texture. Keep an eye on baking times; larger batches may need an extra few minutes in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are delightful warm right out of the oven, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. For a special touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. They make an excellent addition to brunch alongside fresh fruit and coffee or tea, offering a comforting, homemade feel.

For a fun twist, consider drizzling the cooled muffins with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk, or sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top before baking for an extra sweet crunch. Variations like adding lemon zest or incorporating spices can transform these muffins into delightful seasonal treats!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! You can substitute with grated zucchini, mashed bananas, or even pears for a different flavor.

→ How should I store the muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze well. Just make sure they are completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

→ What can I add to make these muffins more nutritious?

You can add nuts, seeds, or even a handful of oats for extra fiber and nutrients.