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Apple Oat Muffins

These apple oat muffins are a cozy, homemade treat featuring tender chunks of fresh apple and hearty toasted oats. The batter is simple to mix, then baked until golden on top, resulting in crusty edges and moist, flavorful insides with a chewy bite. Their warm aroma and rustic appearance make them perfect for comforting mornings or afternoon snacks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Homemade
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats for toasting and adding texture
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large tart apple like Granny Smith, diced
  • Optional chopped nuts or dried fruit for mixing in

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Place the oats in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, then transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined and evenly distributed.
  4. Peel and dice the tart apple into small chunks. Toss the apple pieces with a teaspoon of lemon juice if desired to keep their color fresh, then set aside.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, melted butter, and buttermilk until smooth and slightly frothy, about 30 seconds. This helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
  6. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula or spoon. Mix just until combined—it's okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
  7. Gently fold in the toasted oats and diced apples, ensuring even distribution without overmixing. If using nuts or dried fruit, add them now.
  8. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the tops slightly.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm for an extra cozy treat.
  11. Enjoy your freshly baked apple oat muffins, with their crusty tops and moist, tender insides filled with fragrant apple pieces and hearty oats. They’re perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for additional texture and sweetness.