Apple Granola Muffins

Bake & Savor: Apple Granola Muffins Recipe

Woodley Diana

Crunchy, moist, and bursting with the flavors of fall, apple granola muffins are a delightful treat that marries the sweetness of apples with the satisfying crunch of granola. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a snack on-the-go, these muffins are a testament to the harmony between hearty oats and juicy fruit.

A Fusion of Flavors

Within this recipe’s dance, the fusion of apple chunks and granola clusters orchestrates a symphony of textures and flavors. The muffin’s tender crumb, laced with the aromatic essence of cinnamon and nutmeg, acts as a palate for the lively bursts of fresh apple. Atop this canvas, the granola adds a delightful crescendo of crunch, a harmonious touch elevating each bite.

Ingredients that Inspire

Gather these pantry staples to embark on your apple granola muffin journey:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour;
  • 1 cup granulated sugar;
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce;
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil;
  • 2 eggs;
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder;
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda;
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt;
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon;
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg;
  • 1 cup diced apples;
  • 1 cup granola

You will also need silicone or other molds for baking muffins

Method to Muffin Magic

There are many fabulous apple granola muffin recipes out there, and I’m happy to share two delicious options with you! Both are fairly simple to make and offer slightly different flavor profiles. 

Making muffins:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly;
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg;
  3. In another bowl, beat together the applesauce, oil, and eggs until well combined;
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture;
  5. Stir in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter;
  6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full;
  7. Sprinkle a generous amount of granola on top of each muffin, gently pressing it into the batter;
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean;
  9. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy apple granola muffins!

Apple and Granola Breakfast Muffins with Olive Oil:

This recipe uses self-raising flour and olive oil for a slightly denser and richer muffin base, with dried fruits and chopped nuts alongside the apples and granola for added sweetness and texture.

Ingredients:

  • Dry:
    • 300 g self-raising flour;
    • 130 g golden caster sugar;
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon;
    • 200 g pitted and chopped dates;
    • 80 g raisins;
    • 150 g granola.
  • Wet:
    • 125 ml extra virgin olive oil;
    • 125 ml milk or buttermilk;
    • 2 eggs;
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Preparation:

  1. Begin by setting the oven stage to a warm 350°F (175°C) and dressing your muffin tin in paper liners;
  2. In a grand mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ensemble: flour, sugar, a dash of cinnamon, and the star performers—dates, raisins, and three-quarters of the granola;
  3. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, let the olive oil, milk or buttermilk, eggs, and the essence of vanilla waltz together in a harmonious blend;
  4. Pour the liquid melody into the dry symphony and gently coax them into a graceful dance. Remember, let them mingle but avoid overstepping—no overmixing allowed!;
  5. Now, add the chopped apples and, if desired, the nuts for a delightful surprise, gently folding them into this delicious performance;
  6. With care and precision, portion out this masterpiece into the waiting muffin cups, ensuring equal stardom for each;
  7. The finale awaits! Sprinkle the remaining granola atop each muffin, adding a majestic crunch that will be the talk of the town;
  8. Place them in the oven stage for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick becomes the applause meter, signaling a clean exit from the center;
  9. As the curtain falls, allow these starlets to cool in the limelight of the pan before granting them a graceful exit to the wire rack, where they’ll bask in the adoration of a captivated audience.

Flavorful breakfast muffins are ready!

Serving Suggestions

These apple granola muffins are delightful when enjoyed warm, allowing the aroma of baked apples and spices to tantalize your taste buds. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or a comforting chai tea for a cozy breakfast experience.

In finale

In conclusion, baking apple granola muffins is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of the season and treat yourself to a wholesome, homemade delight. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these muffins are sure to become a household favorite. So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let the aroma of baking apples fill your kitchen with warmth and joy!