Ina Garten Apple Muffins Recipe: Bakery-Fresh Charm at Home

Ina Garten’s apple muffins unleash a symphony of comfort wrapped in golden, pillowy perfection.

These heavenly bites blend rustic charm with elegant simplicity, transforming ordinary mornings into extraordinary experiences.

Juicy apple fragments nestle within cloud-like crumbs, creating a sensory landscape of sweet and spicy notes.

Crisp streusel crowns each muffin like a delicate pastry crown, promising decadent textures in every forkful.

Surprisingly straightforward to craft, these muffins welcome both novice and seasoned bakers into a world of delectable possibilities.

Warmth radiates from each tender morsel, inviting you to break bread and share moments of pure culinary joy.

Grab an apron and let these muffins spark your baking adventure.

How to Plate Apple Muffins Nicely

• Pair with Morning Brew: Serve these warm apple cinnamon muffins alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast experience.
• Create a Dessert Twist: Drizzle vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting over the muffins for an extra indulgent treat that elevates the classic recipe.
• Pack for On-the-Go Snack: Wrap individual muffins in parchment paper for a perfect portable breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up during work or school.
• Add Fresh Accompaniments: Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or serve with a small dollop of whipped cream to enhance the muffins' rustic charm.

Store and Reuse Apple Muffins

• Preserve Freshness: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them soft and delicious.
• Refrigerate Wisely: When storing longer, place muffins in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, wrapped individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
• Freeze for Later: Pack cooled muffins in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months in the freezer.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or frozen muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their just-baked texture and warmth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 276 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything in Ina Garten Apple Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Select fine-grained sugar for smooth mixing and even sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Ensure freshness by checking expiration date for maximum rising power.
• Ground Cinnamon: Opt for high-quality, freshly ground cinnamon for intense aroma.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• Baking Soda: Pick aluminum-free version for cleaner taste.

• Eggs: Select large, room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration.
• Sour Cream: Choose full-fat sour cream for richer, more tender muffins.
• Melted Butter: Use unsalted butter to control salt content precisely.

• Apples: Select firm, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best texture.
• Cold Butter: Use high-fat European-style butter for flakier crumb topping.
• Granulated Sugar, All-Purpose Flour, Ground Cinnamon: Same notes as base ingredients.

Tools Required for Apple Muffins

• Muffin Pan: 12-cup standard metal or non-stick pan for perfectly shaped muffins.
• Mixing Bowls: Large and small bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly and breaking up lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Rubber Spatula: Helps fold ingredients gently and scrape batter from bowl sides.
• Paper Muffin Liners: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Toothpicks: Helps check muffin doneness by testing center for clean insertion.
• Cutting Board: For chopping apples into small, even pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to chop apples for the muffin mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Muffins

• Warm Up the Oven (Prepare)

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F, positioning the rack right in the middle for perfect golden baking.

• Blend Dry Components (Mix)

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Whisk these dry friends together until they’re perfectly mingled.

• Whip Wet Ingredients (Create)

In another bowl, crack some eggs, dollop in sour cream, and drizzle melted butter. Blend until silky smooth and looking gorgeous.

• Marry the Mixtures (Combine)

Gently cascade wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir with a light touch just until they become friends – no aggressive mixing! Fold in chopped apple chunks for bursts of fruity goodness.

• Craft Crumbly Topping (Prepare)

In a small dish, tumble sugar, flour, and cinnamon together. Break cold butter into tiny pieces and use fingertips to create a delightful sandy texture.

• Fill and Top Muffin Tray (Assemble)

Line your muffin pan with cute paper cups. Spoon batter until each cup is about two-thirds full. Generously sprinkle that crumbly topping across each muffin.

• Bake and Chill (Cool)

Send muffins into the hot oven for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by poking a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean. Let muffins rest in the pan briefly, then transfer to a cooling rack for the perfect finish.

Flavor Twists for Apple Muffins

• Spice Up Your Muffin Game: Delicious twists and pro tips to elevate your apple muffins.
• Swap and Play with Fruits: Replace apples with pears, peaches, or berries for a flavor adventure. Diced pears add a subtle sweetness, while blueberries bring a tangy pop to the classic recipe.
• Make It Nutty: Boost texture and nutrition by folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds. Toasting nuts beforehand intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
• Glaze and Drizzle Magic: Create a simple vanilla glaze using powdered sugar and milk, or drizzle warm caramel over cooled muffins for an extra indulgent treat. A light sprinkle of sea salt can balance the sweetness perfectly.
• Storage Smart Moves: Keep muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer preservation, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 weeks – perfect for grab-and-go breakfast or snack options.

Rustic Apple Muffins Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s apple muffins combine classic American baking with wholesome ingredients for a delightful breakfast treat. Moist crumb and warm spices create a comforting morning experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter
• 2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chopped tart apples
• 1 cup (240 ml) sugar
• 3 tsps (15 ml) baking powder
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ tsps ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps cold butter

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat to 400°F (204°C), creating optimal baking environment for golden, fluffy muffins.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl until uniformly blended, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Wet Ingredient Integration: In a separate vessel, thoroughly combine beaten eggs, sour cream, and melted butter, creating a smooth, cohesive liquid mixture that will bind the batter.
4. Batter Assembly: Delicately fold wet ingredients into dry components, minimizing stirring to maintain tender texture. Gently incorporate chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Muffin Formation and Topping: Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners, filling each cup two-thirds full. Craft crumb topping by combining flour, sugar, and cinnamon, then work cold butter into the mixture using fingertips until it resembles coarse, crumbly texture.
6. Baking Process: Generously sprinkle crumb topping over unbaked muffins, ensuring complete surface coverage. Transfer tin to preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean with minimal crumbs.
7. Cooling and Serving: Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their delicate structure and optimal moisture.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter minimally to maintain tender, soft muffin texture and avoid developing tough, dense results.
• Butter Temperature Matters: Use melted butter cooled slightly to ensure proper ingredient integration without scrambling eggs.
• Fresh Apple Selection: Choose crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and structural integrity in muffins.
• Crumb Topping Technique: Work cold butter into dry ingredients using fingertips to create perfect sandy, crunchy texture that enhances overall muffin experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg