Name: Apple Cider Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (250ml) fresh apple cider or cloudy apple juice; ½ cup (120g) applesauce; ¼ cup (60g) apple butter; 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar; ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil or any neutral oil; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp vanilla bean paste; 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour (plain flour); 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda); 2 tsp apple pie spice (or substitute with 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and a large pinch cloves); ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon; ¼ cup (65g) unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 45 reviews

Apple Cider Muffins Recipe is a truly delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of cozy autumn mornings. Bursting with warm spices and the subtle tang of fresh apple cider, these muffins are moist, tender, and irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or to impress at your next brunch, this recipe brings a wonderful homemade charm that everyone will adore. The combination of applesauce, apple butter, and the magic apple cider reduction creates an enchanting depth that will have you reaching for seconds without a second thought.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small bowls and two eggs arranged neatly on a surface with a white marbled texture. There are three larger bowls at the top, filled with white flour, brown sugar, and white granulated sugar. Below them, smaller bowls contain dark brown paste, clear yellow liquid, honey-colored liquid, and a light brown puree in a white bowl with a handle. Around the bottom left, there is a small white bowl with a dark spice mix and a white bowl with a yellow block that looks like butter. Two brown eggs sit near the center, and a very small bowl with a dark liquid is on the left. All ingredients are carefully placed in a flat lay style. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Apple Cider Muffins Recipe are refreshingly simple yet thoughtfully chosen to deliver an amazing balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the warm apple pie spice that whispers cozy notes, or the applesauce that keeps the muffins beautifully moist.

Fresh apple cider (1 cup/250ml): Reduced by half to concentrate its sweet-tart flavor, providing the muffin’s soul.
Applesauce (½ cup/120g): Adds natural moisture and a gentle fruitiness that keeps the muffins tender.
Apple butter (¼ cup/60g): Delivers a richer apple essence and deep caramelized sweetness.
Light brown sugar (1 cup/200g): Offers a subtle molasses note that complements the apple tones perfectly.
Vegetable oil (⅓ cup/80ml): Ensures moistness and a soft crumb without overpowering the flavors.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while adding structure and richness.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the rise with its acidity.
Vanilla bean paste (1 tsp): Adds depth and a hint of fragrant sweetness.
All-purpose flour (2 cups/260g): The foundation of your muffins, providing structure.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the muffins rise to tender, fluffy perfection.
Baking soda (½ tsp): Reacts with vinegar for extra lift and lightness.
Apple pie spice (2 tsp): Warm, comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that transform the batter.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all flavors in subtle harmony.
Cinnamon sugar topping: Granulated sugar (½ cup/100g) and ground cinnamon (1½ tbsp) mixed together, paired with melted unsalted butter (¼ cup/65g), create a delightful crunchy-sweet crust.

How to Make Apple Cider Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by pouring your fresh apple cider into a saucepan and gently bringing it to a simmer. Allow it to cook down until it’s reduced by half, about 7 to 10 minutes. This concentrates all that bright apple flavor, making it a true star in your muffin batter. Let it cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease your muffin pan lightly with cake release or oil and line with paper liners for easy muffin removal and cleanup. Having your oven ready is essential to get those muffins rising perfectly right off the bat.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, apple butter, vegetable oil, light brown sugar, eggs, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla bean paste. Use a wooden spoon or hand mixer to mix vigorously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. This blend is the foundation for the moist texture and rich taste you’ll love.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice. This combination ensures your muffins have the right rise and that warm spice kick in every bite.

Step 5: Bring the Batter Together and Rest

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing. Cover the bowl with a plate and let the batter rest for 10 minutes. This little pause allows the dry ingredients to hydrate fully, helping to yield softer, fluffier muffins once baked.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups and Bake

Give the batter a final gentle stir, then use a cookie scoop to fill each muffin liner generously, right up to the top. Place your muffins in the oven, baking at 400°F for the first 10 minutes to get a beautiful rise, then reduce the heat to 350°F (180°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes. The muffins are done when golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Once the muffins have cooled for about 10 minutes in the pan, transfer them to a wire rack. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture over the tops for a sweet, crunchy finish that’s utterly irresistible while the muffins are still warm.

How to Serve Apple Cider Muffins Recipe

The image shows five golden brown muffins with a sugar coating on top, arranged on a white cake stand with a delicate pattern on its edge. One muffin is placed on top of three others, forming a small pyramid in the center, while another muffin sits on a small white plate to the right. There is a whole red small apple with a stem and two green leaves near the plate, and one apple is cut in half showing its light inner flesh and seeds. To the left, there is a clear ribbed glass jar with a golden spoon inside, containing a light brown powder. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with soft natural light, creating a fresh and inviting look photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of sweetness and texture, consider topping your Apple Cider Muffins Recipe with a little more cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. A smear of creamy butter or a dollop of apple butter also pairs beautifully for a cozy, comforting bite.

Side Dishes

These muffins are fantastic alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or robust coffee. To turn breakfast into brunch, serve with scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, or a fresh fruit salad. The sweet-spiced notes in the muffins harmonize wonderfully with savory and fresh flavors alike.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to dazzle guests? Serve these muffins warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cream cheese frosting lightly dusted with cinnamon. For a rustic touch, arrange them on a wooden board with fresh apple slices and a jar of homemade apple butter for spreading.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Cider Muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to three days, perfect for quick grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to preserve these autumnal delights for longer, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze wonderfully for up to three months, ready to be thawed whenever you crave that comforting apple spice goodness.

Reheating

To enjoy your muffins warm after storage or freezing, simply microwave them for 20 to 30 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and makes them taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple butter in this Apple Cider Muffins Recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple butter works just fine and will still provide that lovely rich apple flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can even substitute it with extra applesauce for a slightly lighter taste.

What if I don’t have apple pie spice?

No worries! You can make your own blend by combining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. This mixture will give your muffins the perfect warm, spiced flavor.

Is it necessary to reduce the apple cider?

Yes, reducing the apple cider concentrates its flavor, which makes a big difference in the depth and brightness of the muffins. Skipping this step might result in less pronounced apple notes and a wetter batter.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

To make this Apple Cider Muffins Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Watch the texture closely as gluten-free flours can sometimes make muffins a bit denser.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing and then reheating?

Definitely! These muffins freeze well when wrapped individually, and reheating them gently restores their fresh-baked texture. This makes them a convenient option for batch baking and enjoying later.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Apple Cider Muffins Recipe enough for anyone who loves a comforting, flavorful baked good that’s both easy and rewarding to make. Each bite is a cozy reminder of the simple joys found in homemade treats, and once you try it, I’m sure these muffins will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients, warm up the kitchen, and enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste of apple cider magic!