Name: Apple Butter Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (270g) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp nutmeg; 1 1/2 cups apple butter; 3/4 cup (161g) brown sugar; 3/4 cup (177ml) vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; Coarse sugar for topping muffins

Apple Butter Muffins are an absolute autumn delight, capturing all the cozy, comforting flavors you love about fall in one tender, warmly spiced bite. This recipe is my go-to whenever I want to fill my kitchen with the sweet aroma of apple and cinnamon, yet still have something easy enough for a busy morning or a last-minute brunch. With just ten pantry staples, you’ll have fluffy, aromatic muffins that not only freeze beautifully but also happen to be naturally dairy-free – plus a gluten-free option that’s every bit as delicious. Apple Butter Muffins are everything I crave about cool-weather baking: simple, wonderfully moist, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Apple Butter Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are so simple, you probably have most of them right now! Each one brings something special to the table, from the apple butter that infuses the muffins with flavor and moisture, to the cinnamon and nutmeg that give them that irresistible autumnal warmth.

All Purpose Flour: The foundation of our muffins, providing structure while keeping them beautifully tender.
Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise perfectly for that classic bakery-style dome.
Baking Soda: Works with baking powder to give extra lift and a light crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the muffins from being overly sweet.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and coziness, creating that signature apple muffin aroma.
Nutmeg: A pinch deepens the spice profile and highlights the apple butter flavor.
Apple Butter: The star of the show! It delivers moisture, sweetness, and the deep, jammy apple taste that makes these muffins unforgettable.
Brown Sugar: Adds richness and a caramel note, plus keeps the muffins soft.
Vegetable Oil: Ensures the muffins remain moist and tender, even days after baking.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help the muffins rise into the perfect, fluffy texture.
Coarse Sugar (for topping): Sprinkled on top for an irresistible crunchy sparkly finish (optional but highly recommended!).

How to Make Apple Butter Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF and lining a regular-sized muffin pan with paper or silicone liners. This high initial heat gives the muffins that classic domed top. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and set out everything you’ll need—that way, the recipe comes together without a hitch.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give everything a thorough whisk to ensure the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed—this guarantees the warm spices infuse every bite.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate, larger bowl, blend together the apple butter, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, thick, and beautifully glossy. The apple butter’s deep flavor shines through right away and its natural sweetness means you don’t need a ton of extra sugar.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—no need to overmix! The batter will be thick and fragrant. For an even more impressive bakery-style rise, cover the bowl and let the batter chill in your fridge for 15 minutes (totally optional, but so worth it!).

Step 5: Fill and Top

Fill each muffin cup almost to the top with batter. Don’t be shy—it’s the secret to tall, generous muffins. Sprinkle the tops with coarse or raw sugar if you love a little sparkle and crunch when you take a bite.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 425ºF for 7 minutes, then, without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 350ºF and bake for another 12-13 minutes. This two-stage baking creates those sky-high muffin tops and cooks them through perfectly. Test with a toothpick; when it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready!

Step 7: Cool and Glaze (Optional)

Let your Apple Butter Muffins rest in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. If you’re feeling fancy, whisk powdered sugar and apple cider together and drizzle over the cooled muffins for a tangy-sweet glaze.

How to Serve Apple Butter Muffins

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sanding sugar or raw sugar before baking gives these muffins the prettiest golden tops with a satisfying crunch. For extra flair, a drizzle of simple apple cider glaze or a dusting of ground cinnamon will make your Apple Butter Muffins feel even more special.

Side Dishes

Enjoy these muffins with a mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or classic apple cider for a complete fall breakfast. They pair perfectly with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad, but are just as wonderful alongside some vanilla Greek yogurt for a more substantial snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Apple Butter Muffins high on a cake stand at your next brunch, or wrap them in parchment and tie with twine for a heartfelt homemade gift. For entertaining, try mini muffin tins for adorable, poppable bites, or set up a DIY muffin bar with various glazes and toppings for everyone to enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Apple Butter Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll remain tender and flavorful, and the apple butter keeps them from drying out unlike many other muffins.

Freezing

These muffins freeze like a dream! Once cooled, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months—just pull out a muffin anytime you need an instant treat.

Reheating

To warm up a muffin, zap it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop it in a 300ºF oven for 10 minutes straight from the freezer. They’ll taste just as fresh and bakery-soft as the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I substitute applesauce for apple butter?

Applesauce will work in a pinch, but apple butter’s thicker texture and concentrated apple flavor really make these muffins shine. If you do substitute, the muffins may be slightly less rich and moist, but still tasty!

How can I make Apple Butter Muffins gluten free?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the all purpose flour for a high-quality gluten free blend like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Flour. Use it one-for-one and your muffins will be just as fluffy and delicious.

Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, melted coconut oil is a great swap for vegetable oil and will add a subtle coconut flavor. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature so it doesn’t solidify in the batter.

What is the best way to store muffins for maximum freshness?

To keep your Apple Butter Muffins soft and moist, store them in a sealed container at room temperature for the first three days. After that, you’ll want to freeze any extras for longer storage.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe is easily doubled—just make sure you use a large mixing bowl and rotate your muffin pans in the oven if needed so everything bakes evenly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a bit of fall magic into your kitchen all year round, you can’t go wrong with Apple Butter Muffins. They’re easy, cozy, and the perfect excuse to savor a little homemade comfort any day of the week. Give them a try and I have a feeling they’ll become a favorite in your household too!