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Oatmeal Apple Muffins Plus A Bonus

Wholesome Oatmeal Apple Muffins: A Delightful and Easy Recipe for Family Baking

There’s a curious phenomenon happening in my kitchen lately – I think I’ve officially been bitten by the baking bug! It’s quite a surprise, to be honest, as this newfound passion seemed to emerge out of nowhere. For the longest time, baking was something I actively avoided. Part of it stemmed from a lack of confidence – I’ve never been particularly precise with measurements, which, as any baker knows, is often crucial. The other significant reason was the sheer temptation; having an abundance of sweet treats lingering in the house felt like a constant battle against my willpower.

However, something shifted. Lately, I’ve found myself with an irresistible urge to bake, bake, bake! And, serendipitously, I’ve also found wonderful reasons to indulge this new hobby. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a friend in need of a pick-me-up, or simply to enjoy the comforting aroma filling our home, there’s always an occasion. This shift has also brought a surprising sense of balance. After savoring a delicious taste or two, the majority of the baked goods find their way to appreciative homes, preventing any lingering temptation. It feels like I’ve finally discovered a healthier, more sustainable way to enjoy the art of baking.

This delightful basket of sweet, wholesome muffins holds a special story. These particular beauties weren’t initially intended for sharing with the wider world. Instead, they were baked with an extra sprinkle of love on a peaceful Saturday morning, specifically for my little guy. Watching his eyes light up and a huge grin spread across his face anytime I invite him to help in the kitchen is pure joy. He’s developed quite a knack for stirring, and his enthusiasm knows no bounds, especially when it comes to sampling ingredients – from a pinch of flour to a dash of sugar, and of course, the juicy, chopped apples that went into this very batter. His energetic participation and adorable curiosity are truly the cutest things, making every baking session a cherished memory.

The inspiration for these moist and flavorful Oatmeal-Apple Muffins came from a fantastic new cookbook I recently discovered. While browsing the aisles of Home Goods, I stumbled upon The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook. As a long-time admirer of their legendary treats, I couldn’t resist. This book is an absolute treasure trove of recipes, offering an incredible variety that goes far beyond their famous cupcakes. From comforting cookies and decadent bars to elegant cheesecakes (oh, hello Mocha Rum Cheesecake!) and classic pies, there’s something to tempt every palate and satisfy every baking whim.

I decided to start with these Oatmeal-Apple Muffins for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I had all the necessary ingredients on hand, making it an easy choice for a spontaneous baking session. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, my kids are absolutely crazy for muffins. It’s one of those universally loved treats that always brings smiles. What truly drew me to this specific recipe was the inclusion of wholesome rolled oats and the delightful addition of finely chopped apples. These ingredients don’t just add texture and flavor; they also contribute to a healthier profile, making these muffins a guilt-free indulgence.

The result was phenomenal. These muffins weren’t overly sweet, striking a perfect balance of natural sweetness from the apples and a hint of brown sugar. Their texture was incredibly moist, almost melting in your mouth, which is often a challenge to achieve with oat-based recipes. They quickly became a household favorite, proving to be an ideal mid-morning or afternoon snack for the kids. For the adults, pairing one of these warm, fragrant muffins with a steaming cup of hot tea or coffee transforms it into a moment of pure, simple bliss. They’re the kind of simple, comforting bake that makes you feel good from the inside out.

These Oatmeal-Apple Muffins truly embody the best of home baking. They’re relatively quick to prepare, incredibly rewarding, and offer a wonderful way to incorporate fruit and oats into your diet in a delicious package. They’re perfect for meal prepping breakfasts for busy weekdays, packing into lunchboxes, or simply enjoying fresh from the oven. The subtle spice of cinnamon complements the apples and oats beautifully, creating a comforting flavor profile that’s reminiscent of autumn, yet delightful year-round. Plus, getting the kids involved in the measuring and mixing stages adds an extra layer of enjoyment and education to the process, fostering a love for cooking from an early age.

Now, let’s get to the star of the show – the recipe itself. Here’s how you can recreate these delectable Oatmeal-Apple Muffins in your own kitchen:

Print Recipe

Oatmeal-Apple Muffins

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Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats (ensure they are not quick-cooking oats for the best texture)
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (I used non-fat milk, but any milk will work)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped apple (approximately one medium apple), optional but highly recommended for flavor and moisture

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  2. Prepare a 12-cup standard muffin tin by greasing it thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, or lining with paper muffin cups.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rolled oats and milk. Stir well and set this mixture aside for at least 10 minutes. This allows the oats to soften and absorb some of the milk, contributing to the muffins’ moist texture.
  4. While the oats are soaking, in a separate, larger bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients.
  5. Pour the lightly beaten eggs, melted and slightly cooled butter, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the oat-milk mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly normal and actually preferred for tender muffins.
  6. Gently fold in the finely chopped apple pieces into the batter.
  7. Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full.
  8. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the muffins are lightly golden brown on top and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to dry muffins.
  9. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe adapted from The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook

Once you’ve experienced the joy of baking these wholesome muffins, we’d love to see your creations! Share your culinary adventures with our community.





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In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, and because I absolutely adore this charming and comprehensive cookbook so much, I decided to spread a little joy! I picked up an extra copy of The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook to share with one of you, my wonderful readers. This cookbook has truly ignited my passion for baking, and I believe it can do the same for you, offering endless inspiration for delicious homemade treats.

Entering is simple! All you need to do is leave a comment on this post and answer this fun question:

What is your most favorite thing to bake? Tell us what you love about it and why it brings you joy!

Want to increase your chances of winning this fantastic cookbook? You can earn additional opportunities by sharing this giveaway with your friends and followers! Share this post on Facebook, tweet about it on Twitter, and/or write about it on your own blog. For each additional share, simply leave a separate comment (or comments) here letting me know where you shared it. Each qualifying comment will count as an extra entry, giving you more chances to bring this baking bible home!

The giveaway will conclude on Thursday night at 10 PM Eastern Time. Please note that this giveaway is open to US residents only. I will use Random.org to draw a comment number and will joyfully announce the lucky winner on Friday, just in time for some weekend baking inspiration!

I hope you get a chance to try these delightful Oatmeal-Apple Muffins and perhaps even win a copy of this inspiring cookbook. Enjoy the rest of your week, filled with delicious food and happy moments!

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