This Ina Garten Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is a moist and warmly spiced treat, which uses grated apples and cinnamon streusel topping. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Apple Cinnamon Muffins Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

How To Make Ina Garten Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes and mix with your fingers until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in apples: Gently stir in grated apples until evenly mixed throughout the batter.
- Fill muffin cups: Spoon the batter into prepared muffin tins, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Top with streusel: Sprinkle streusel topping generously over each muffin.
- Bake and cool: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Recipe Tips
- What apples are best for baking muffins?: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great for their flavor and firmness.
- How to make muffins extra moist:: Don’t overmix the batter and be sure to use buttermilk and freshly grated apples.
- Can I freeze these muffins?: Yes, cool completely and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
- How to make without buttermilk:: Substitute with 1/2 cup milk plus 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
- Can I add nuts or raisins?: Absolutely! Stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or raisins with the apples.
What To Serve With Apple Cinnamon Muffins
These muffins make a perfect breakfast or snack paired with:
- A warm cup of coffee or chai tea
- Scrambled eggs
- Fresh fruit salad
- Yogurt and honey

How To Store Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Extend freshness by refrigerating for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in microwave or toaster oven.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
FAQs
Can I use applesauce instead of grated apples?
Grated apples are best for texture, but you can swap with 3/4 cup applesauce if needed.
How do I prevent muffins from sticking?
Use quality paper liners or grease muffin cups well.
Can I turn this recipe into a loaf?
Yes, pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and bake in two muffin pans.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Waffle Iron Hash Browns Recipe
- Ina Garten Granola Bars Recipe
- Ina Garten Quiche Crust Recipe
Ina Garten Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings10
minutes20
minutes270
kcalMoist apple muffins with a sweet cinnamon streusel topping—a comforting breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
- Muffins:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
-
1/2 tsp baking soda
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup buttermilk
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2 medium apples, grated
- Streusel:
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1/4 cup flour
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup light brown sugar
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-
3 tbsp cold butter, cubed
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line muffin tin.
- Make streusel topping and set aside.
- Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar in another. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Alternate mixing in dry ingredients and buttermilk.
- Fold in grated apples.
- Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and top with streusel.
- Bake 18–20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes in pan, then transfer to a rack.
