Apple Butter Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Butter Muffins are the perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and warmth. The apple butter not only adds a unique depth of flavor but also helps keep the muffins incredibly moist. The cinnamon and nutmeg create an inviting, comforting aroma as they bake, making these muffins an ideal addition to any autumn gathering or a quick, satisfying treat. They’re simple to make, versatile, and make your kitchen smell like heaven while baking. Plus, they pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240g) apple butter

• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk

• 1/2 cup (50g) chopped apples (optional, for added texture)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Mix the dry ingredients:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugar:

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the wet ingredients:

   • Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.

   • Stir in the apple butter until smooth and well incorporated.

5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients:

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

   • If you’re adding chopped apples, fold them into the batter at this point.

6. Fill the muffin tin:

   • Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

7. Bake the muffins:

   • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The muffins should be golden brown on top.

8. Cool and serve:

   • Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 18-22 minutes

• Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Spiced Apple Muffins: Add chopped fresh apples or a handful of dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for extra texture.

• Nutty Apple Butter Muffins: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a bit of crunch.

• Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter and milk.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these muffins gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: These muffins freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer.

• Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual muffins for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins without apple butter?

While apple butter is the key ingredient for flavor, you can substitute it with unsweetened applesauce. However, the muffins may be a bit less rich and sweet without the spice notes that apple butter provides.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

How do I make these muffins healthier?

To make these muffins healthier, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour, use a sugar substitute like stevia, and reduce the butter by using applesauce.

Can I add more spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or allspice for more complexity and warmth.

Can I use store-bought apple butter?

Yes, store-bought apple butter works perfectly in this recipe. However, homemade apple butter adds a richer, more authentic flavor.

Can I add a crumb topping to these muffins?

Yes, a crumb topping made from butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon would make a delicious addition to these muffins.

Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to around 10-12 minutes.

How can I make these muffins even fluffier?

For fluffier muffins, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the muffins to be dense. Also, make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh to ensure they rise properly.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk to make the muffins dairy-free.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out wet, bake them for a few more minutes.

Conclusion

Apple Butter Muffins are the perfect treat for those who love the warm, cozy flavors of autumn. They’re soft, moist, and subtly spiced, with the unique sweetness of apple butter bringing everything together. Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a great way to bring a bit of comfort into your day

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