Apple Cider Muffins

Apple Cider Muffins

12 servings
These apple cider spice muffins have deep apple flavor and a moist texture thanks to a triple-dose of pure apple: apple cider, applesauce, and shredded apple. Like fall-favorite apple cider donuts, in muffin form! Be sure to use fresh apple cider, not hard cider and not apple cider vinegar.

Ingredients

  • fresh apple cider

    not apple cider vinegar

    ¾ c
  • all-purpose flour
    1 ¾ c
  • baking powder
    1 tsp
  • baking soda
    ½ tsp
  • salt
    ¾ tsp
  • ground cinnamon
    2 tsp
  • ground allspice
    ¼ tsp
  • ground cloves
    ¼ tsp
  • ground nutmeg
    ¼ tsp
  • vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
    ½ c
  • light or dark brown sugar
    ½ c
  • granulated sugar
    ½ c
  • eggs

    at room temperature

    2 large
  • unsweetened applesauce
    ¼ c
  • peeled and shredded apple

    about 1.5–2 apples

    1 ½ c
  • chopped walnuts

    optional

    ¾ c
  • granulated sugar
    ½ c
  • ground cinnamon
    1 ½ tsp
  • unsalted butter

    melted

    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Reduce the apple cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced to 1/4 cup (60g/ml), about 20 minutes. It won’t necessarily be any thicker, but it should be a bit darker. Pour the reduced apple cider into a heat-safe bowl or glass liquid measuring cup, and set aside (or refrigerate to speed things up) to cool to room temperature before using in step 4.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or use muffin liners. Set aside.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg.

  4. 4

    In a medium bowl, whisk the oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, applesauce, and reduced apple cider until combined. Pour the oil mixture into the flour mixture and whisk until combined. Fold in the shredded apple and chopped walnuts (if using).

  5. 5

    Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling all the way up to the top.

  6. 6

    Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Continue to bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 15–16 minutes more. Cool the muffins in the pan set on a cooling rack for 10 minutes, then transfer the muffins from the pan to the rack.

  7. 7

    Whisk the sugar and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Lightly brush the top of a warm muffin with melted butter then dip the top into the cinnamon-sugar. Peel off the liner and roll the entire muffin in the cinnamon-sugar to fully coat. (Or coat just the tops.)

  8. 8

    Cover lightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The sugared coating draws out moisture, so the muffins become a bit sticky by day 2.

Apple Cider Muffins

Apple Cider Muffins

4.9(609)70 min12 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 609 ratings

sallysbakingaddiction.com
4.9(609 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving the cozy, spiced essence of fall in a tender, moist package? These Apple Cider Muffins bring all the beloved flavors of autumn right to your breakfast or snack table, reminiscent of your favorite apple cider donuts but in convenient muffin form.

Why These Muffins Taste So Good

The secret to their incredibly deep apple flavor and wonderfully moist texture lies in a triple dose of pure apple. This recipe thoughtfully layers fresh apple cider, smooth unsweetened applesauce, and finely shredded apple into the batter. This unique combination ensures every bite is bursting with authentic apple goodness, perfectly complemented by a blend of warm spices.

What to Expect

You can look forward to a truly comforting breakfast experience. Each muffin offers a tender crumb and an undeniably moist interior, thanks to the layered apple components. The aroma alone, filled with cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg, will transport you to crisp autumn days. They strike a delightful balance between sweetness and the tartness of fresh apple, making them perfect alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

Customization & Variations

These Apple Cider Muffins are delicious as is, but offer easy ways to adapt. If you're not a fan of nuts, simply omit the chopped walnuts—they're listed as optional! For a textural contrast, consider adding a handful of dried cranberries or golden raisins to the batter. While not specified, a light sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking could add a pleasant crunch, or even a drizzle of simple glaze after cooling for extra sweetness.

Serving & Context

These spiced muffins are ideal for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a quick grab-and-go morning treat, or a delightful addition to a fall brunch spread. They pair beautifully with a hot mug of coffee, a glass of milk, or, fittingly, a fresh cup of apple cider.

Frequently Asked Questions