Apple Cider Muffins Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cider Muffins are delightfully flavorful treats infused with apple pie spice and fresh apple cider. They make a perfect companion to your morning coffee, a cozy dessert, or a sweet snack anytime you crave a warm, autumn-inspired bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
• 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ cup (124 g) apple cider or apple juice
• ¼ cup (61 g) whole milk, room temperature
• ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the beaten eggs, vegetable oil, apple cider, and milk until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just a few lumps remain; the batter will be somewhat runny.
5. Step 5: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out mostly clean.
7. Step 7: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: For the topping, melt the butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together the sugar and apple pie spice.
9. Step 9: Dip the tops of each cooled muffin first into the melted butter, then roll in the spiced sugar mixture to coat. Return muffins to the rack to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade apple pie spice sparingly; if substituting, start with half the amount called for to avoid overpowering the muffins.
• For a healthier twist, try replacing half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Add in chopped nuts or small apple chunks to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm them briefly in the microwave or oven until just heated through for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, you can use apple juice as a substitute for apple cider. It will still provide a nice apple flavor, though cider offers a slightly deeper, tangier taste.

How do I prevent the muffins from becoming dense?

Be careful not to overmix the batter; stir until just combined to keep the muffins light and tender. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh to help with proper rising.

Apple Cider Muffins Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

Apple Cider Muffins are moist and flavorful, bursting with apple pie spice and the sweetness of apple cider. Perfectly tender with a delightful cinnamon-sugar topping, these muffins make an ideal treat for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack alongside your favorite coffee or tea.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Muffins

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
• 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ cup (124 g) apple cider or apple juice
• ¼ cup (61 g) whole milk, room temperature

Topping

• ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and apple pie spice. Stir to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, vegetable oil, apple cider (or apple juice), and whole milk until fully blended and smooth.
4. Make the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until most lumps disappear. The batter will be slightly runny, which is expected for moist muffins.
5. Fill muffin cups: Fill each muffin liner about two-thirds full with batter, ensuring even portions across the 12 cups for consistent baking.
6. Bake the muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, indicating doneness.
7. Cool the muffins: Remove the tin from the oven and let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare topping: While the muffins cool, melt the unsalted butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and apple pie spice for the topping.
9. Coat the muffins: Dip the tops of the cooled muffins into the melted butter, then roll each top in the spiced sugar mixture to coat thoroughly. Place the coated muffins back on the cooling rack.
10. Serve: Allow the topping to set briefly before serving. Enjoy these delicious apple cider muffins warm or at room temperature with your favorite hot beverage.

Notes

• This recipe uses store-bought apple pie spice for balanced flavor. If substituting with homemade apple pie spice, start with half the recommended amount to avoid overpowering the muffins.
• To keep muffins moist, avoid overmixing the batter; a few lumps are acceptable.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative for the topping.
• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Apple Cider Muffins, apple pie spice muffins, fall muffins, cinnamon muffins, breakfast muffins, quick muffins