Introduction
There is nothing quite as comforting as the smell of fresh apple and cinnamon baking in your kitchen. These Amazing Apple Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Muffins take that classic flavor combination and elevate it with a secret ingredient: Greek yogurt. By substituting some of the traditional fats with high-protein yogurt, we create a muffin that is incredibly moist, tender, and packed with a delightful springiness. They are the perfect healthy-ish breakfast, afternoon snack, or addition to your brunch spread.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (180g) All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup (100g) Granulated Sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¾ cup (180g) Plain Greek Yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 1 large Egg
- ¼ cup (60ml) Milk (any kind)
- ¼ cup (60ml) Unsalted Butter, melted (or neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 medium Apple (about 1 cup), peeled and finely diced (e.g., Gala or Honeycrisp)
Step-by-step Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in uniform rising.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: Greek yogurt, egg, milk, melted butter (ensure it’s cooled slightly), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, mix gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. Overmixing develops gluten and results in tough, dense muffins.
- Gently fold in the diced apple pieces. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Optional: Sprinkle the tops with a pinch of extra cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
These muffins offer a healthier alternative to many bakery options. Per serving (1 muffin), the estimated caloric content is approximately 180–200 calories, depending on the fat content of the yogurt used. The Greek yogurt provides a significant boost of protein, aiding satiety, while the apples contribute dietary fiber and essential vitamins. They are lower in saturated fat compared to recipes relying solely on oil or butter.
Storage
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave a frozen muffin for 30–45 seconds, or thaw overnight at room temperature.
Conclusion
These Amazing Apple Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Muffins are truly a versatile treat. They are fantastic served slightly warm with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey. For an extra decadent variation, try adding a simple streusel topping made of oats, brown sugar, and butter before baking. Pair them with your morning coffee or a glass of cold milk for a perfect start to your day!