Quick & Cozy Ina Garten Apple Muffins Recipe for Fall Mornings

Ina Garten’s apple muffins burst with comforting warmth and nostalgic flavors that instantly transport you to a cozy kitchen.

These delectable treats combine rich ingredients with surprising simplicity, creating a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Soft, tender crumbs mingle with sweet-tart fruit and a crackly streusel topping that adds irresistible crunch.

Light and airy, these muffins promise a delightful morning companion or afternoon snack that feels like a warm embrace.

Each bite reveals layers of carefully balanced ingredients that dance together in delicious harmony.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently prepare these muffins, knowing success awaits with minimal effort.

Gathering around with friends and family becomes even more special when these muffins are served: come savor the magic.

Why Ina Garten’s Apple Muffins Are a Morning Treat

• Burst with Seasonal Comfort: These apple muffins capture the warm, cozy essence of autumn with their rich cinnamon aroma and chunks of fresh apples, making every bite feel like a hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Foolproof Baking Experience: Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe requires simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients, ensuring delicious results without complex culinary skills.
• Texture Sensation Delight: Enjoy a perfect balance of tender, moist interior studded with soft apple pieces and a crispy, crumbly streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch to each mouthful.
• Quick Breakfast Hero: Ready in under 30 minutes, these muffins serve as a speedy morning treat or grab-and-go breakfast that feels homemade and satisfying, transforming ordinary mornings into something special.

All You Need for Ina Garten Apple Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture for the muffins.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning of the muffins.
• Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, sweet spice that complements the apples.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the muffins.
• Baking Soda: Helps with leavening and creates a tender crumb.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Sour Cream: Creates a rich, tender texture and adds tanginess.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): Provides richness and moisture to the muffins.

• Apples (Chopped): Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and texture.
• Topping Sugar: Additional sweetness for the muffin's surface.
• Topping Flour: Helps create a crumbly streusel texture.
• Topping Cinnamon: Adds extra spice to the muffin's crust.
• Cold Butter (For Topping): Creates a crumbly, crunchy streusel topping.

How to Whip Up Ina Garten Apple Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Make sure the rack is in the center position for even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Baking soda

Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture

• 2 large eggs
• Sour cream
• Melted butter

Beat until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until the batter is combined – don’t overmix. Fold in of chopped apples (about 1-2 medium apples).

Step 5: Prepare Crumb Topping

• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon

Add cold butter, cut into small pieces. Use your fingers to create a crumbly mixture.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Pan

Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each cup about 2/3 full with batter. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over each muffin.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Awesome Ina Garten Apple Muffins

• Capture Peak Freshness: Freeze individually wrapped muffins for extended enjoyment up to a month, preserving their delightful texture and flavor.
• Portion Like a Pro: Grab an ice cream scoop or measuring cup to distribute batter evenly, creating picture-perfect muffins with consistent size and baking.
• Master the Doneness Check: Rely on the trusty toothpick method – a clean or slightly crumby pick signals perfectly baked muffins ready to devour.
• Handle Butter with Care: Use melted butter cooled just enough to blend smoothly, avoiding scorching that can disrupt your batter's delicate balance.
• Select Apple Superstars: Grab firm, tangy varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that maintain structure and deliver a bright flavor punch during baking.

Storage Suggestions for Ina Garten Apple Muffins

• Freezer Preservation: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Flash-freeze the wrapped muffins for maximum freshness, preventing freezer burn and maintaining their delicate texture. Pull them out when craving a quick breakfast or sweet treat.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Seal completely cooled muffins in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Stack them gently between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate crumb. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and moisture.
• Counter Storage: Enjoy the muffins fresh on the day of baking for peak taste and texture. Place them on a wire rack at room temperature, loosely covered with a clean kitchen towel. Consume within 24 hours for the most vibrant apple and spice flavors.

Creative Spins on Ina Garten Apple Muffins

• Nutty Crunch Apples: Replace half the flour with almond meal for extra richness. Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Caramel Apple Sensation: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the muffins after baking. Mix a tablespoon of caramel bits into the batter for bursts of sweet caramel throughout each bite.
• Whole Wheat Wellness: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Include ground flaxseed for extra fiber and a slightly nutty undertone.
• Spiced Autumn Warmth: Enhance the spice profile by adding ground ginger and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top for a cozy fall feeling.

Summation of Ina Garten Apple Muffins

Muffin magic from Ina Garten’s kitchen sparkles with autumn’s warm embrace.

Apple-studded delights promise comfort in each delectable bite.

Crisp cinnamon whispers dance across golden-topped treats.

Homemade goodness transforms ordinary mornings into extraordinary moments.

Baker’s passion shines through each carefully crafted morsel.

Share these irresistible muffins, snap a photo, tell friends why you adore this recipe, and spread deliciousness far and wide.

Ina Garten Apple Muffins Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s apple muffins deliver classic comfort with a delightful twist of warm spices and tender fruit. Homemade goodness fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, promising a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat that warms hearts and satisfies sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) sugar
• 3 teaspoons (15 ml) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Spices:

• 1 ¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients and Topping:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter
• 1 ½ cups chopped tart apples
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cold butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and baking soda. Whisk together until evenly distributed.
3. Create the wet mixture in a separate bowl by whisking the eggs until well beaten. Incorporate full-fat sour cream and unsalted butter that has been melted and slightly cooled.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing. Carefully fold in freshly chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Prepare a standard 12-cup muffin tin by inserting paper liners. Portion the batter evenly, filling each cup approximately two-thirds full.
6. Prepare the crumb topping by mixing all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cut cold butter into small cubes and work into the dry mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping generously over each unbaked muffin, covering the surface completely.
8. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
9. Remove from the oven and allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Savor the ultimate autumn breakfast treat that transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy masterpiece.
• Capture the essence of fall with each bite, blending warm cinnamon notes and juicy apple chunks in a tender, irresistible muffin.
• Sour cream works magic, creating an incredibly soft crumb that melts in your mouth and keeps muffins beautifully moist.
• Sprinkle the crispy streusel topping for a delightful crunch that elevates these muffins from good to absolutely spectacular.
• Maximize freshness by storing at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for up to a month, ensuring you can enjoy these seasonal delights anytime.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 197 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg