Name: Apple Cider Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp apple pie spice; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup apple cider; 1/4 cup milk, room temperature; 2 eggs, room temperature; 2 tbsp oil; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp apple pie spice; 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 52 reviews

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that bursts with autumn warmth and cozy flavors, this Apple Cider Muffins Recipe is just what you need. These muffins are wonderfully moist, lightly spiced, and perfectly sweetened with apple cider and a touch of apple pie spice that makes them taste like a little slice of fall in every bite. Whether you’re brewing a fresh pot of coffee or need a sweet breakfast to brighten your day, these muffins deliver comfort and flavor in one irresistible package.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a light brown muffin with a bite taken out of it, revealing its soft and airy inside. The bitten muffin sits on an unfolded white paper wrapper, which is placed on top of another whole muffin of the same kind. Both muffins have a slightly rough, darker brown sugar topping on top, giving them a crunchy look. These muffins are on a white plate with a delicate edge on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, three more similar muffins are visible, with soft lighting from behind making the scene warm and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to capturing that perfect texture and flavor in your Apple Cider Muffins Recipe. Each component plays an essential role—from the fluffy all-purpose flour to the fragrant apple pie spice, and of course the apple cider that infuses these muffins with soul.

2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy base that holds everything together with a tender crumb.
2 tsp baking powder: The secret behind these muffins’ lovely rise and fluffy interior.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right for balanced flavor.
2 tsp apple pie spice: A perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves giving that warm, cozy flavor.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup apple cider: Adds moisture and a burst of natural apple flavor that makes these muffins special.
1/4 cup milk, room temperature: Keeps the batter smooth and adds richness.
2 eggs, room temperature: Helps bind the ingredients and give the muffins structure.
2 tbsp oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a rich, buttery depth to the topping.
1 tsp apple pie spice (for topping): Sprinkled on top for an extra burst of that signature aroma.
3/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping): Creates a sweet, crunchy crust when paired with butter and spice.

How to Make Apple Cider Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by gathering all your ingredients so nothing gets missed. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your muffin pan with muffin cups. This step ensures a smooth baking process and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice, and salt. This mixture sets the flavor foundation for the muffins, distributing the spice and leavening evenly.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, milk, eggs, and oil until smooth. The combination of apple cider and eggs will help give your muffins that tender, moist quality while carrying those heavenly apple flavors.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and stir lightly. It’s important not to overmix here; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so give it just enough gentle folding to bring the batter together.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling about two-thirds full. This leaves room for the muffins to rise beautifully without spilling over.

Step 6: Bake

Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin — if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready to be taken out of the oven.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare Topping

Allow the muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While cooling, mix the remaining apple pie spice and 3/4 cup sugar in a small bowl to make your deliciously spiced topping.

Step 8: Add Topping

Dip the tops of the muffins in melted butter to help the sugar and spice mixture stick. Then, generously dip into the spiced sugar, creating a sweet, crunchy crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft muffin underneath.

How to Serve Apple Cider Muffins Recipe

The image shows a stack of two golden brown muffins with a crispy sugar topping, resting on a white plate with a gentle embossed rim. The top muffin's white wrapper is partly open and spread out, showing its texture clearly, while the bottom muffin sits firmly in its wrapper. Around the plate, more muffins can be seen in soft focus, all with a slightly rough brown sugar crust and light beige cake base. The whole scene is set on a clean white marbled surface that brightens the warm colors of the muffins. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these muffins, consider garnishing them with thin apple slices or a light dusting of cinnamon powder. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese frosting adds a lovely tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the spiced muffin.

Side Dishes

Apple Cider Muffins make an excellent accompaniment to a warm bowl of soup, a fresh fruit salad, or a cheese platter. A cup of hot chai tea or mulled cider complements their flavor perfectly, making for a comforting snack or breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch at brunch, serve the muffins in a rustic basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin. You can also create mini muffin towers for parties or drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and apple cider over the tops for extra shine and sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and fresh without drying out. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is an option but may slightly dry the muffins.

Freezing

Apple Cider Muffins freeze wonderfully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and make a great ready-to-eat treat whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This will revive their soft texture and bring back that delightful aroma that invites you to take the first bite.

FAQs

Can I substitute the apple cider for something else?

If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can substitute it with apple juice or a mixture of milk and a little apple extract. Each will alter the flavor slightly but still maintain that lovely apple essence.

Is it okay to use different types of flour?

While all-purpose flour gives the best texture for these muffins, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier feel. Just keep in mind the muffins may become a bit denser and have a nuttier flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, the milk with any plant-based milk, and use a vegan butter substitute. The oil helps keep the muffins moist, so that part doesn’t need to change.

How spicy are these muffins?

The apple pie spice gives a gentle warm spiciness that is comforting and mild rather than overpowering. If you prefer more spice, you can increase the spice in both the batter and the topping.

What is the best way to avoid the muffins sticking to the pan?

Lining your muffin pan with paper cups or generous greasing ensures the muffins will release easily after baking. This keeps their tops perfect and prevents any crumbling when you remove them.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Muffins Recipe is truly a kitchen gem that brings joy in each bite. It’s simple to make yet full of depth and warmth, perfect for cozy mornings or whenever you crave that comfort-food hug. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and share the magic of these muffins with your loved ones!