Apple Sour Cream Muffins (Easy Recipe)

Welcome to my kitchen!

Today, I’m going to share with you one of my favorite recipes: Apple Sour Cream Muffins.

These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, and they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!

The combination of sweet apples, tangy sour cream, and warm cinnamon make these muffins the ultimate fall treat.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

5 Reasons You’ll Love These Apple Sour Cream Muffins

1. They’re Moist and Tender: The use of sour cream in these muffins makes them incredibly moist and tender, and ensures that they stay fresh for longer.
2. They’re Easy to Make: This recipe is easy to follow, and doesn’t require any complex techniques or equipment, making it perfect for beginner bakers.
3. They’re Delicious: The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon in these muffins is simply irresistible.
4. They’re Versatile: These muffins make a great breakfast or snack, and are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
5. They’re Freezer-Friendly: These muffins freeze well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week!

Essential Equipment

• Muffin Pan: You’ll need a standard 12-cup muffin pan to make these muffins.
• Stand Mixer: A stand mixer is recommended for this recipe, as it makes the process of creaming the butter and sugar together much easier. However, a hand mixer or even a whisk can be used in a pinch.
• Rubber Spatula: You’ll need a rubber spatula to mix in the chopped apples and to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for baking, so be sure to have a set of measuring cups and spoons on hand.
• Oven: Of course, you’ll need an oven to bake these muffins to perfection!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Unsalted Butter: The butter is used to cream together with the sugars and give the muffins a rich, buttery flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds flavor and moisture to the muffins.
• Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the muffins and helps them to rise.
• Egg: The egg helps to bind the ingredients together and add structure to the muffins.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream adds moisture and tang to the muffins, and helps to keep them tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a warm, comforting flavor to the muffins.
• All-Purpose Flour: Flour is the main dry ingredient in these muffins, and gives them structure and texture.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the muffins to rise.
• Baking Powder: Baking powder is another leavening agent that helps the muffins to rise.
• Kosher Salt: Salt is a critical ingredient in baking, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the muffins.
• Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor to the muffins.
• Apples: The chopped apples add sweetness, texture, and flavor to the muffins.

How To Make Apple Sour Cream Muffins

1. Creamy Dreamy Butter and Sugars: Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed in the bowl of a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Egg-cellent Addition: Add the egg and continue mixing until incorporated, scraping down the bowl once or twice.
3. Sour Cream and Vanilla, Oh My: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract on low speed until just combined.
4. Dry Ingredients, Mix and Fold: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon to the bowl and mix on low speed just until incorporated. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and add chopped apples, and give the mixture a few stirs with a rubber spatula.
5. Divide and Toppings, Please: Divide the muffin batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling them about ¾ full. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the muffins.
6. Baking Time: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

5 Expert Tips and Tricks for the BEST Muffins

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough, dry muffins. Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using ingredients that are at room temperature helps to ensure that they incorporate evenly and smoothly.
• Don’t Skimp on the Topping: The brown sugar and cinnamon topping adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to these muffins, so be sure to sprinkle it generously over each muffin.
• Use Good Quality Apples: Choose apples that are firm and not too sweet, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples.
• Freeze the Leftovers: These muffins freeze well and make a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

Uses For Apple Sour Cream Muffins

• Breakfast: These muffins make a great breakfast on the go, and pair well with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Brunch: Serve these muffins alongside a fruit salad and eggs Benedict for an elegant brunch spread.
• Dessert: These muffins are sweet enough to enjoy as a dessert, especially when topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• School Lunches: These muffins are perfect for packing in school lunches or taking on a picnic.
• Sharing with Friends and Family: These muffins are so delicious, you’ll want to share them with everyone you know!
• Gift Giving: Wrap up a few of these muffins in a decorative box or basket to give as a thoughtful gift.

Recipe Variations

• Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract and swirl it into the muffin batter before baking.
• Streusel Topping: Top the muffins with a buttery streusel made with flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Cranberry Orange: Replace the apples with fresh cranberries and add orange zest and juice to the batter for a tangy twist on these muffins.
• Chocolate Chip: Fold chocolate chips into the batter for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nutty: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the muffin batter for added crunch and flavor.

Substitutions

• Butter: Substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt or buttermilk in place of sour cream.
• Egg: Feel free to substitute with a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan option.
• Flour: You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
• Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar or maple sugar for a less refined sweetener.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Apple Sour Cream Muffins

• Storing: Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw the muffins at room temperature or in the microwave. You can also quickly warm them up in the oven at 350 degrees F for a few minutes.

More Muffin Recipes You’ll Love

• Sour Cream Blueberry Muffins
• Strawberry Sour Cream Muffins
• Banana Sour Cream Muffins
• Rhubarb Sour Cream Muffins
• Lemon Sour Cream Muffins
• Oatmeal Blackberry Muffins
• Raspberry Sour Cream Muffins
• Pumpkin Sour Cream Muffins
• Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Muffins