Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins

Name: Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 large apple, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Soft Recipes

I absolutely love baking, especially when it involves the delightful combination of apples and cinnamon. These Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins are a personal favorite, not just because they’re quick to whip up, but also for their moist texture and comforting flavor. The yogurt makes them incredibly light while the warmth of cinnamon paired with tender chunks of apple creates a mouthwatering experience. I often enjoy these muffins for breakfast or as a snack, and they never fail to impress family and friends.

Created by

Aileen Prescott

Last updated on 2026-01-15T20:45:36.471Z

When I first tried making these Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to prepare. I typically use Greek yogurt, which not only adds a wonderful creaminess but also keeps the muffins moist. One important tip I discovered is to let the batter rest for a few minutes before filling the muffin cups, which enhances the texture.

My family goes wild for these muffins, and I love to bring them to potlucks. The combination of sweet, tender apples with the aromatic hint of cinnamon creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen. Plus, they freeze well, so I can always have a batch ready to go!

        Why You Will Love These Muffins
        Moist and fluffy texture from yogurt
Delightful balance of sweet apples and warm cinnamon
Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack

      

The Role of Yogurt in Muffins

In these Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins, Greek yogurt serves a critical role in achieving a moist and tender crumb. Yogurt’s acidity reacts with the baking soda, creating a light and fluffy texture that’s hard to resist. If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with regular yogurt or even buttermilk, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor might slightly differ.

Another benefit of using yogurt is that it adds a bit of tanginess, balancing the sweetness from the apples and sugar. This flavor profile prevents the muffins from becoming overly sweet and enhances the overall taste, making each bite satisfying. To enhance the tanginess, you may even consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest.

Mixing Method Matters

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, it's important to avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined, leaving a few lumps. This step is crucial because overmixing can lead to gluten development, resulting in dense and chewy muffins rather than the light and fluffy ones you’re aiming for. If your batter feels too thick, you can add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

To achieve that perfect rise, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Stale leavening agents can hinder the muffins from rising properly, leaving you with flat baked goods. A quick test for baking powder is to add a teaspoon to water; if it bubbles vigorously, it’s still active and good to use.

Variations and Additions

Though the classic combination of apples and cinnamon is delightful, don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. For a nutty twist, consider adding in some chopped pecans or replacing walnuts entirely. You can also swap some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative, which adds a lovely nuttiness to the muffins.

Don’t forget about spices! Beyond cinnamon, you could experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a bit of ginger for a spicier flavor. For a fun addition, try folding in dried cranberries or raisins, which can complement the apple nicely, or for a burst of freshness, toss in some blueberries alongside the apples.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious muffins:

Muffin Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 large apple, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Mix these ingredients thoroughly for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your muffins:

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or lining with muffin cups.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Apples

Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your warm and fragrant muffins!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. You can also substitute applesauce for half of the oil for a lighter version.

Storage Tips

To keep your Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you're looking to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. Allow the muffins to cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

If you find the muffins becoming a bit dry after a couple of days, simply warm them slightly in the microwave or in a toaster oven. A quick sprinkle of water before heating can create steam, which helps regain some moisture, making them taste freshly baked again.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are not only perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a side of Greek yogurt or a spread of almond butter for breakfast. You can serve them warm with a drizzle of honey for a sweet morning treat. I love enjoying them with a cup of coffee or tea, especially during the cooler months.

For a fun brunch idea, consider serving these muffins as part of a muffin platter alongside other flavors, like blueberry or banana nut. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving can also add a touch of elegance and sweetness, making them visually appealing and even more tempting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you notice your muffins have turned out flat, double-check that your leavening agents are fresh, as previously discussed. Additionally, ensure your oven is accurately calibrated; an oven thermometer can help with this. Sometimes, opening the oven door too early can cause them to deflate, so it's best to let them bake undisturbed until the time is up.

Should your muffins come out too dense, this is often a result of overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Make sure to spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to using too much. Remember, a light hand goes a long way in achieving that fluffy texture!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute plain yogurt or any non-dairy yogurt for a different flavor.

→ How do I store the muffins?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.

→ Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely! Try adding blueberries or cranberries for a twist.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute in this recipe.