Easy Spiced Muffins with Apple Butter Filling

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These apple butter muffins are perfect for anytime you’re craving a warm & cozy treat. Lightly spiced and filled with an apple butter filling, these muffins are sure to please!

When I first started to make our snacks at home instead of buying so many at the grocery store, I found that muffins were a family favorite. The recipes are usually simple, can be loaded with fruit, and are perfect for kids to snack on or take on-the-go.

And still, years later, muffins (or muffin cakes) are still my go-to homemade treat to keep available for my family. I try to add seasonal fruits to them, so apples, blueberries, or strawberries.

The easy muffin recipe I’m going to share today screams Autumn, in my opinion. But of course, you can enjoy any time of the year!

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Why Choose Spice Muffins?

Spice muffins are a delightful blend of warmth and sweetness, making them an ideal choice for fall and winter baking. The combination of ground cinnamon and the natural sweetness of apple butter creates a rich flavor profile that brings coziness to any occasion. These muffins are moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up a batch of these scrumptious spice muffins, gather the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This will sweeten our muffins and contribute to a tender crumb.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, comforting spice that’s perfect for fall.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our muffins, providing structure.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Essential for helping the muffins rise.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture. You can also use an oil of your choice to replace butter.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds fluffiness.
• 1 cup milk: Contributes moisture and helps achieve a soft texture. Milk substitutes, like oat milk or almond milk can also be used, but may change the final flavor just a bit.
• 1/2 cup apple butter: This will serve as a sweet and flavorful filling, enhancing the muffins’ taste.
• chopped walnuts (optional) : You can top the muffins with some chopped walnuts before baking if you choose.

Kitchen Equipment Required

Just some basic kitchen equipment is needed for this recipe:

• large mixing bowl
• muffin tin
• optional muffin tin liners
• measuring cup and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup to prevent sticking. This recipe yields about 12 muffins, but can easily be doubled or tripled.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and milk until well combined. The melted butter adds richness, while the egg and milk help create a light, fluffy texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine, but you want to avoid large streaks of flour.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin

Scoop about half of the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about halfway. Then, add a couple teaspoons of apple butter in the center of each muffin. Finally, top with the remaining batter, trying to cover the apple butter completely.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay). The muffins should be golden brown on top and fragrant.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are delicious warm, but they also store well for a few days in an airtight container.

Enjoying Your Muffins

These spice muffins are so good on their own, but they are absolutely delicious next to a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. Kids and adults love them for snacks or an easy breakfast.

Storage Tips

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to enjoy their fresh-baked goodness.