Moist Apple Oatmeal Muffins Recipe with Cinnamon

These Apple Oatmeal Muffins are hearty whole-grain muffins filled with tender apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and a crunchy oat streusel—think apple crisp turned into a portable breakfast treat.

Apple oatmeal muffins

When my kids were little I spent a lot of mornings streamlining breakfasts so we could get out the door on time. These Apple Oatmeal Muffins quickly became a go-to: they’re fast to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy school mornings or a grab-and-go snack.

The oats in these muffins give them a satisfying texture and a wholesome flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and bright apple. Using whole white wheat flour keeps them 100% whole grain while still staying light and tender. Top them with the oat streusel for an extra crunch that echoes a classic apple crisp.

Apple crumble muffins on a wire rack

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • 100% whole grain: white whole wheat flour plus oats in both the batter and streusel for fiber and texture.
  • Bright apple pieces and warm cinnamon make these ideal for fall breakfasts, but they’re great year-round.
  • Quick to prepare, great for meal prep, and freezer-friendly so you can make a double batch and save some for later.

How to make apple crumble muffins

These muffins are straightforward to prepare. There are two main components: the muffin batter and an oat streusel. An optional simple glaze can be drizzled on top once cooled.

Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze half—thaw in a lunchbox or microwave for an easy breakfast.

How to make apple oatmeal muffins
  1. Mix the dry ingredients for the muffins (flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt).
  2. In a large bowl whisk brown sugar, oil, and eggs until frothy, then whisk in yogurt and milk until smooth.
  3. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined, then gently fold in the apple chunks.
  4. For the streusel, whisk flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon; work in cold butter with fingers or a pastry cutter until pea-sized crumbs form.
  5. Divide batter among 12 muffin cups, top evenly with streusel, and bake until golden and set.
  6. Allow muffins to cool slightly in the pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before glazing (if using).
Apple crumble muffin drizzled with glaze

Recipe card

Yield: 12 muffins • Prep: 15 mins • Cook: 18–20 mins • Total: ~33 mins

Ingredients

For the muffins:

  • 1 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/3 cup oil (neutral-flavored)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2″ chunks

For the streusel:

  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

For the glaze (optional):

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 teaspoons skim milk or any milk to reach desired drizzling consistency

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners or lightly grease the cups.
  2. In a bowl whisk together 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 cup oats, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl whisk the brown sugar, oil, and eggs until frothy (about 30 seconds). Stir in the Greek yogurt and milk until combined.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped apple.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups.
  6. Make the streusel: combine 1/2 cup oats, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle over the muffins (you may not need all the streusel).
  7. Bake on the middle rack for 18–20 minutes, until the tops spring back when pressed or a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool in the pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
  8. To make the optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon milk, adding an extra teaspoon if needed for the right consistency. Drizzle over cooled muffins and let set.

Recipe notes

  • Make ahead: Bake a double batch and freeze half for quick breakfasts later.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–5 days.
  • For a lower-sugar option omit the streusel and glaze.
Apple muffins cut in half

Nutrition (per muffin, estimated)

Serving: 1 muffin • Calories: 264 kcal • Carbohydrates: 39 g • Protein: 5 g • Fat: 11 g • Fiber: 3 g • Sugar: 22 g

Nutrition is an estimate using a food database and is intended as a guideline only.

More muffin recipes you’ll enjoy

  • Apricot muffins
  • Banana muffins
  • Carrot oatmeal muffins
  • Chocolate zucchini muffins
  • Cranberry orange muffins
  • Morning glory muffins
  • Pumpkin muffins
  • Zucchini oatmeal muffins

Did you try this recipe? If so, please leave a review and tag @flavorthemoments on social media so I can see your results!