Name: Greek Yogurt Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup white flour; 1 tablespoon quick cooking oats; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons cold stick butter; ½ cup white flour; ¾ cup whole wheat flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon apple pie spice; 1 large egg; ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup oil; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅓ cup light brown sugar; 1 cup peeled and chopped apple

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 10 reviews

Imagine waking up to the cozy scent of warm spices mingling with fresh apple sweetness, all wrapped up in a tender, moist muffin. That’s exactly what you get with this Greek Yogurt Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe. These muffins are a splendid twist on a classic, bringing in creamy Greek yogurt for moisture and tang, plus a delightful streusel topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. Whether as a comforting breakfast or an afternoon treat, these muffins feel like a hug in food form, and I can’t wait to share how you can bake them yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a creamy, light caramel-colored whipped mixture in a white bowl. The texture is smooth and soft, with gentle swirls and peaks showing a fluffy consistency. A golden spoon is partially dipped into the mixture, with some of the creamy substance clinging to it. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Greek Yogurt Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe starts with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays its part in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma that you’ll fall in love with bite after bite.

For the streusel – ⅓ cup white flour: Creates a light, crumbly base for the topping that crisps beautifully in the oven.
1 tablespoon quick cooking oats: Adds a bit of texture and a subtle nutty flavor to the streusel.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses warm spice that echoes inside the muffin.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes on top for that irresistible golden finish.
2 tablespoons cold stick butter: Ensures the streusel crumb is buttery and flaky once baked.
Dry ingredients – ½ cup white flour: Lightens the muffin structure while keeping it tender.
¾ cup whole wheat flour: Brings wholesome earthiness and a hearty crumb.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Offers a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives lift for fluffy, airy muffins.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Deepens the warm spice note throughout.
½ teaspoon apple pie spice: Adds complexity with hints of nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
Wet ingredients – 1 large egg: Binds everything and adds richness.
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt: The superstar for moistness and subtle tang, plus extra protein.
¼ cup oil: Keeps muffins tender and prevents drying.
2 tablespoons maple syrup: Natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens the overall taste with warm sweetness.
⅓ cup light brown sugar: Enhances moistness and adds a caramel hint inside the muffin.
Other – 1 cup peeled and chopped apple: Brings juicy bursts and fresh fruitiness in every bite.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Make the Streusel

Start by mixing white flour, oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar for the streusel in a medium bowl. Cut in cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms crumbly bits. Chilling the streusel while you prepare the batter helps it hold its shape and get that perfect crunch during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Batter

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: white and whole wheat flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. In a separate measuring jug, combine the egg, Greek yogurt, oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and light brown sugar until smooth. Carefully fold the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing just until you don’t see large flour patches—do not overmix because the texture of your muffins depends on it. Finally, fold in the chopped apples for those juicy bursts inside.

Step 3: Fill and Top the Muffin Cups

Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to divide the thick batter evenly into the prepared muffin liners. This makes the process neat and mess-free. Generously sprinkle the cold streusel topping over each muffin. This step guarantees that lovely crunch contrasting the soft, tender muffins.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffins in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 400°F, baking for 5 minutes initially. Then, lower the heat further to 350°F and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here rewards you with muffins that hold their shape and texture beautifully.

How to Serve Greek Yogurt Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

A close-up view of a single muffin with a crumbly, golden-brown textured top and ridged sides, sitting on crumpled white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. A spoon held by a woman's hand is pouring a smooth, light-colored glaze over the center of the muffin, creating a shiny, dripping effect. In the background, a blurred second muffin shows a similar texture and color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzling a quick maple glaze over the top adds an inviting sparkle and extra sweetness that complements the spices. For a more indulgent touch, a pat of butter melting on warm muffins is heavenly.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee for a cozy morning. For a more filling brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs, creating a balanced plate with both sweet and savory elements.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these muffins into a decadent treat by splitting one and layering cream cheese or mascarpone with a swirl of honey and a sprinkle of toasted nuts. Another fun idea is to use miniature muffin liners and create bite-sized versions for parties or snack packs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Greek Yogurt Apple Cinnamon Muffins stay moist and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is a good option but expect a slight change in texture, which can be refreshed with gentle reheating.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months, making this Greek Yogurt Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe a perfect one-batch solution for quick breakfasts or snacks on busy days.

Reheating

To enjoy muffins fresh from the oven any time, reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This restores that freshly baked warmth and soft texture you love.

FAQs

Can I substitute the whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can replace whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture, though you might lose some of the nuttiness and chew that whole wheat adds. Adjust the flour quantities slightly if needed to maintain batter consistency.

Is it necessary to chill the streusel topping?

Chilling the streusel helps the butter firm up and prevents it from melting right away in the oven, which creates that classic crumbly texture on top. If you’re in a rush, the muffins will still be delicious, but the texture may be less crisp.

Can I use other fruits instead of apple?

Absolutely! Pears or chopped peaches work well in this recipe. Choose fruits that hold their shape and have a balance of sweetness and acidity to complement the spices.

What type of Greek yogurt is best?

Plain Greek yogurt with full fat or 2% fat content is ideal for richness and moisture. Avoid flavored or low-fat varieties in this recipe to keep the flavor balanced and the texture moist.

How do I prevent the muffins from becoming too dense?

Be careful not to overmix the batter; folding gently until ingredients are just combined preserves air bubbles that help the muffins rise. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh to achieve a good lift.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Greek Yogurt Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe becomes your go-to for bringing warmth and happiness to your kitchen. These muffins are straightforward to make yet beautifully satisfying, offering a mix of flavors and textures that feel both comforting and a little special. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply treating yourself to a moment of pure deliciousness.