Apple Cranberry Muffin Recipe for Easy Homemade Treats

There’s something irresistibly comforting about starting your day with a warm, freshly baked muffin. Our apple cranberry muffin recipe is a delightful twist on the classic muffin, combining the sweet crunch of apples with the tart burst of fresh cranberries.

These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a cozy dessert. They bring together wholesome fruit, warm spices, and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a moist, flavorful bite every time.

Not only are these muffins delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients you might already have on hand, you can whip up a batch in no time.

Plus, the combination of apples and cranberries offers a festive flair that’s especially fitting for autumn and winter months. Ready to bake something truly special?

Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple cranberry muffin recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it balances sweetness and tartness perfectly, thanks to the natural sugars in the apples and the zing from the cranberries.

The muffins are moist yet fluffy, with a tender crumb that’s not too dense or heavy.

The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen and makes these muffins feel like a special treat. They’re versatile too—great for a quick breakfast on the go or as a delightful snack paired with tea or coffee.

Best of all, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, making it great for both beginner and experienced bakers. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress at brunches, holiday gatherings, or casual family meals.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples, preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (at least 2, one large and one medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork for beating eggs
• Spoon or rubber spatula for mixing
• 12-cup muffin tin
• Muffin liners or non-stick cooking spray
• Cooling rack
• Oven
• Knife and cutting board (for dicing apples)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is evenly combined.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg lightly with a fork. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
5. Add the fruit: Fold in the diced apples and fresh or frozen cranberries. If using nuts, add them now as well. Stir just until evenly distributed.
6. Fill the muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy! Serve warm or at room temperature. These muffins are best eaten within 2 days but can be refrigerated for longer freshness.

Tips & Variations

“To keep your muffins moist, avoid overmixing the batter. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in a tender crumb.”

Tip: For an extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle some coarse sugar or chopped nuts on top of the batter before baking.

Variation Ideas:

• Substitute half the apples with grated carrots for a subtle sweetness and extra nutrients.
• Use dried cranberries if fresh or frozen aren’t available, but soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump before adding.
• Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy brightness that pairs wonderfully with cranberries.
• For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk.
• Swap out vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These apple cranberry muffins are versatile and pair well with many accompaniments. For a simple breakfast, enjoy them with a pat of butter or your favorite nut butter.

They also go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.

For a more indulgent treat, try slicing a muffin in half and spreading some cream cheese or mascarpone for a creamy contrast to the fruity muffin. They also make great on-the-go snacks or a sweet addition to a lunchbox.

If you love muffins and want to explore more delicious variations, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious and Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy for more fruity inspiration!

Conclusion

Our apple cranberry muffin recipe is a delightful way to bring warmth and flavor to your kitchen. It combines the natural sweetness of apples with the tartness of cranberries, enhanced by cozy spices that make every bite memorable.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a simple breakfast treat, these muffins are sure to become a favorite.

They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, their vibrant colors and inviting aroma can brighten even the dullest mornings.

We hope this recipe inspires you to bake, share, and enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade muffins. For more comforting and easy recipes to try, don’t miss our A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals and Best Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese Slice Recipe for Melty Flavor.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Apple Cranberry Muffins”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Deliciously moist muffins bursting with fresh apples and tart cranberries. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “12 muffins”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1 cup granulated sugar”, “1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted”, “1 cup diced apple (about 1 medium apple)”, “1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries”, “2 large eggs”, “1/2 cup milk”, “1 teaspoon baking powder”, “1/2 teaspoon baking soda”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, beat eggs with melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in diced apples and cranberries gently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Divide batter evenly into the muffin tin cups.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “9 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “32 g”}}