These Oatmeal Apple Muffins are moist, wholesome, and lightly spiced, combining the goodness of oats and the sweet flavor of apples. They are a perfect breakfast, snack, or treat, offering a satisfying texture and a hint of warmth from cinnamon.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apple (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Optional: Sprinkling of sugar or cinnamon sugar for the tops
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in Apple and Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in the diced apple and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Sprinkle Tops (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a little extra sugar or cinnamon sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Notes:
- Oatmeal Type: Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) provide the best texture. Avoid using instant oats.
- Apple Variety: Choose apples that hold their shape well during baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten and can result in tough muffins.
- Nut Variations: You can use different types of nuts or omit them if preferred.
- Storage: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the muffins cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Enjoy these delicious and wholesome Oatmeal Apple Muffins!