Apple Butter Muffins Recipe

There is something downright magical about Apple Butter Muffins: each bite is tender, just sweet enough, and nearly bursting with cozy fall spice and the rich, fruity tang of apple butter. These muffins capture the comforting essence of an autumn orchard, but they’re easy enough to make any month of the year. Whether you need a quick grab-and-go breakfast, a special weekend treat, or a snack that gets everyone to smile, Apple Butter Muffins are always a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long shopping list or hard-to-find ingredients for these muffins—the secret is in the balance! Each component plays its part, from providing structure to layering spiced notes and deep apple flavor. Here’s what brings Apple Butter Muffins to life in your oven:

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the muffins, giving them the perfect crumb and body.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel depth and keeps your muffins moist.
• Baking soda: Essential for that beautiful, domed rise and soft, airy texture.
• Salt: Just a touch pulls all the other flavors into sharper focus.
• Ground cinnamon: Warms every bite with unmistakable fall coziness.
• Ground nutmeg: A subtle background spice, adding complexity without overpowering the apple.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Richness and luxurious moisture in every muffin—use unsalted to control the seasoning.
• Apple butter: The star of the show! It brings intense apple flavor and makes your muffins incredibly soft.
• Large eggs: Help bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the apple butter and spice, rounding out the muffin’s flavor profile.
• Milk: Lends a bit of extra moisture, keeping the crumb tender and light.

How to Make Apple Butter Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Set yourself up for baking success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or lightly grease each well—this step matters so your Apple Butter Muffins pop right out when they’re baked to perfection.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combining these first means your spices and leavening will be evenly distributed, which results in beautifully consistent muffins.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk the melted butter, apple butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and unified. The apple butter creates a thick, rich base that adds both flavor and moisture to every bite of your muffins.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, and stir just until everything is incorporated. Don’t overmix at this stage—stop as soon as there are no dry streaks left. Overworking the batter can make the muffins tough instead of tender.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Evenly divide the batter among your prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full for a domed top. Slide the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know your Apple Butter Muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a crumb or two attached.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the tin for about five minutes—this makes them easier to remove. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can resist digging in right away). The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!

How to Serve Apple Butter Muffins

Garnishes

Sometimes, all you need is a simple pat of butter melting into your warm Apple Butter Muffins. If you want to dress things up, try a spoonful of extra apple butter or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a pretty finish. A handful of chopped toasted walnuts or a light cinnamon sugar dusting adds crunch and even more fall flavor.

Side Dishes

I love these muffins alongside a bowl of vanilla yogurt and some fresh berries for a balanced breakfast. You could also pair them with a creamy latte or spiced chai for a cozy afternoon break. Serve them as part of a brunch spread with scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or crispy bacon—the muffins bring sweetness and spice to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, arrange your Apple Butter Muffins on a rustic wooden board, dressed with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a pretty, seasonal centerpiece. They also make adorable gifts: wrap them in parchment with a ribbon, or nestle them into a basket with a jar of homemade apple butter for an unforgettable treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, pop your Apple Butter Muffins into an airtight container. They’ll stay delightfully tender for up to three days at room temperature, perfect for breakfast or a snack on the go. Keep them out of direct sunlight or heat for best results.

Freezing

If you’ve baked a double batch (always a good idea!), these muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually or store in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to three months, ready whenever a muffin craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive day-old or thawed muffins, microwave them for about 15 seconds, or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F for 5–10 minutes). A little bit of warmth brings back that just-baked goodness and makes the flavors shine all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute applesauce for apple butter in these muffins?

While applesauce can work in a pinch, apple butter is more concentrated and brings much richer apple flavor and sweetness. Using apple butter really makes these Apple Butter Muffins shine. If you do substitute, try adding a little extra spice or a spoonful more sugar to boost the taste.

Do I need to use paper liners for the muffin tin?

Paper liners are convenient and make cleanup easy, but you can simply grease the muffin tin well if you prefer a crisper edge on your muffins. Either way, your Apple Butter Muffins will come out delicious!

Can I add nuts, raisins, or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of raisins or dried cranberries complement the apple butter perfectly and add extra texture. Gently fold them into the batter at the end to keep your muffins fluffy.

What’s the best way to store Apple Butter Muffins to keep them soft?

After cooling, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature, and add a small piece of paper towel under the lid to absorb extra moisture. This keeps them as fresh and tender as possible for a few days.

Can I make these Apple Butter Muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose variety, and check that all other ingredients (like baking soda and apple butter) are certified gluten-free. The results should still be moist and flavorful!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that never fails to bring warmth and joy to your table, give these Apple Butter Muffins a try. They bake up quickly and always disappear even faster—trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch! Let the sweet, spiced aroma fill your kitchen and share a batch with someone you love.

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