There’s nothing quite like a batch of Apple Butter Muffins emerging fragrant and fluffy from your oven! These beauties capture all the cozy notes of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar, creating a tender muffin that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a sweet treat any time of day. Apple Butter Muffins are my go-to for chilly mornings, school lunches, or whenever I need a little edible comfort—they blend that nostalgic, homemade feel with a flavor that always manages to surprise and delight. With just the right balance of spice and apple richness, you’ll see why this recipe is a household favorite!

Apple Butter Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Apple Butter Muffins is a breeze, thanks to a simple lineup of pantry staples and a few kitchen favorites. Each ingredient brings a special something to the texture, color, or comforting taste of every bite. Here’s why you’ll love every addition:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your muffins, giving them structure without making them dense.
Baking powder: Adds the crucial lift for a light, fluffy crumb.
Baking soda: Works with the tangy dairy to create extra rise and softness.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and amplifies flavor.
Ground cinnamon: This is your fall-in-a-bite, lending cozy aroma and warmth.
Ground nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg deepens that spice profile so every muffin sings with autumnal notes.
Unsalted butter, melted: Offers richness, moisture, and an irresistibly tender texture.
Brown sugar, packed: Brings caramel notes and extra softness.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with that signature muffin domed top.
Eggs: Essential for binding and giving structure to the muffin crumb.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and makes the kitchen smell dreamy.
Apple butter: The true star—it infuses the muffin with rich apple flavor and keeps it glorious and moist.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and a plush, tender interior that sets these muffins apart.
Optional topping – Coarse sugar or streusel: Gives a sparkling, bakery-worthy finish (highly recommended for fun!).

How to Make Apple Butter Muffins

Step 1: Prep the Muffin Tin and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup with a bit of butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your Apple Butter Muffins release easily and look as gorgeous as they taste.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Take a moment to inhale that lovely spice scent—it sets the mood for these warmly spiced muffins! Combining the dry ingredients first guarantees even flavor all the way through.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Get out a large mixing bowl and whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Next, add in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, apple butter, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. This mixture should look rich, creamy, and just a little irresistible—go ahead, sneak a taste!

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or large spoon. Stop mixing as soon as you see the flour disappear—overmixing is the enemy of fluffy muffins. The batter will be thick and luscious, speckled with rich spices and flecks of apple butter.

Step 5: Fill and Top the Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among your muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of coarse sugar or a handful of streusel on top for sparkle and crunch. This step turns these muffins from homemade to bakery-worthy!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with an incredible aroma that pretty much broadcasts “fall is here!” The muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cool and Devour

Let the Apple Butter Muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling—if you can wait that long! They’re wonderful warm but also develop even deeper flavor as they rest.

How to Serve Apple Butter Muffins

Garnishes

For a wow-worthy finish, dust the tops of your Apple Butter Muffins with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a light drizzle of vanilla glaze, or a dollop of whipped cream. A touch of cinnamon or extra apple butter on the side makes them feel absolutely luxurious.

Side Dishes

These muffins play well with others! Pair them with creamy Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast, or alongside scrambled eggs and a strong cup of coffee for the ultimate brunch. For snacks, they’re perfect solo or with a handful of walnuts or dried cranberries.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling Apple Butter Muffins high on a pretty cake stand for parties, wrapping them in festive parchment for lunchboxes, or turning slightly stale ones into a decadent bread pudding. I also love splitting one in half and spreading with extra apple butter for double the deliciousness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Butter Muffins stay moist and tender for up to three days if stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Slip a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and keep them bakery-fresh. They’re perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts all week long.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, Apple Butter Muffins freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or for a quick fix, just a few seconds in the microwave.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked taste, warm muffins in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives their texture and lets those apple spice aromas fill your kitchen all over again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple butter in these muffins?

Absolutely! Homemade apple butter makes these muffins taste even more special—just ensure it’s thick and not too runny for the best results. It’s a wonderful way to use up a fall harvest or a weekend cooking project.

Are Apple Butter Muffins suitable for freezing?

Yes, these muffins are freezer-friendly. Once they’re completely cool, wrap them individually for best freshness. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and enjoy—no one will guess they weren’t baked that day!

Can I substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt?

You sure can! Both sour cream and plain Greek yogurt give the muffins that signature tender crumb, so use whichever you have on hand. Greek yogurt offers a touch more protein; just use the plain, unsweetened variety.

How can I make these muffins dairy-free?

It’s totally doable—swap the butter for your favorite vegan butter or neutral oil, and substitute dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Choose plant-based milk for your glaze, if using. The result is still deliciously moist and flavorful!

Why did my muffins come out dense or gummy?

This often happens when the batter is overmixed or if too much liquid is added. Gently fold the dry and wet ingredients together just until combined, and measure apple butter carefully for the best fluffy texture every time.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve made a batch of Apple Butter Muffins, chances are they’ll become a regular feature in your home! Their warm, spiced flavor and ultra-moist crumb make them irresistible for breakfast, snack time, or cozy gatherings. I hope you enjoy baking (and sharing) these as much as I do—give them a try, and prepare for your kitchen to smell like pure apple-cinnamon heaven!

Apple Butter Muffins Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and moist Apple Butter Muffins that are perfect for breakfast or a snack. These spiced muffins are filled with warm fall flavors and topped with a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup apple butter
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Optional Topping:

2 tablespoons coarse sugar or streusel

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, apple butter, and sour cream, mixing well.
Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Fill Muffin Cups: Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full. Top with coarse sugar or streusel if desired.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an extra treat, drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American