Best Apple Cranberry Walnut Muffins Recipes

What are apple cranberry walnut muffins?

Apple cranberry walnut muffins are a delicious baked good that combines the flavors of juicy apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. The muffin batter is typically made with flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, milk, eggs, and butter. The apples and dried cranberries add a fruity sweetness to the muffins, while the chopped walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack any time of day.

Why make apple cranberry walnut muffins?

There are many reasons to make apple cranberry walnut muffins. Firstly, they are a great way to enjoy some of your favorite fall flavors in a portable and easy-to-eat form. They are also relatively simple to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. For example, you could add different types of nuts or dried fruit, or even swap out the apples for another type of fruit. Additionally, muffins are a great make-ahead option that can be stored in the freezer and thawed as needed.

Ingredients needed for apple cranberry walnut muffins

To make apple cranberry walnut muffins, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions for making apple cranberry walnut muffins

To make apple cranberry walnut muffins, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the chopped apple, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
6. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with batter.
7. Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for making apple cranberry walnut muffins

Here are some tips to ensure your apple cranberry walnut muffins turn out perfectly:

• Don't overmix the batter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins.
• Use room temperature ingredients. Cold ingredients can cause the melted butter to solidify and lead to clumps in the batter.
• Be careful not to overbake the muffins. They should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, but if you leave them in the oven too long they can become dry.
• If you prefer a sweeter muffin, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe. You could also add a streusel topping made with sugar, butter, and flour.
• If you don't have dried cranberries, you could use fresh or frozen cranberries instead. Simply chop them finely before adding them to the batter. You could also substitute another type of dried fruit such as raisins, chopped dates, or dried cherries.
• If you're not a fan of walnuts, you could use pecans or almonds instead. You could also leave out the nuts entirely.

In conclusion

Apple cranberry walnut muffins are a delicious baked good that are perfect for fall or anytime you want a fruity and nutty breakfast or snack. This recipe is relatively simple to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Give it a try and enjoy!

When you're in the mood for a comforting and delicious breakfast or snack, there's nothing better than a muffin. Apple cranberry walnut muffins are a perfect choice for a flavorful and healthy treat. These muffins combine the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of apples, and the crunch of walnuts, making them a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or snack option.

Tip 1: Choose the right ingredients

When making apple cranberry walnut muffins, it's important to choose the right ingredients. Start with fresh, high-quality apples and cranberries, and use organic ingredients whenever possible. Choose whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, which will add flavor and nutrients without adding refined sugar. For a healthier option, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil or butter.

Tip 2: Prepare your ingredients properly

Before you start making your muffins, it's important to prepare your ingredients properly. Wash your apples and cranberries, and remove the stems and seeds. Chop the apples and cranberries into small pieces, and chop your walnuts as well. To make your muffins more flavorful, you can toast your walnuts in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.

Tip 3: Mix your batter correctly

When you're mixing your batter, it's important to mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before combining them. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients, including whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients, including eggs, honey, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Once your wet ingredients are well mixed, add your dry ingredients to the bowl, and stir gently until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Tip 4: Fold in your toppings carefully

Folding in your toppings carefully will ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout your muffins. Once you've mixed your batter, gently fold in your chopped apples, cranberries, and toasted walnuts. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can cause your muffins to become tough and dry.

Tip 5: Use the right temperature and timing

To ensure that your apple cranberry walnut muffins bake evenly and become golden brown, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a muffin tin to line your muffin cups with baking cups, and spoon your batter evenly into each cup. Bake your muffins for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Tip 6: Experiment with other flavors

While apple cranberry walnut muffins are delicious on their own, you can also experiment with other flavors to make your muffins even more flavorful. Try adding ginger or nutmeg to your batter for a warming and spicy flavor, or add a bit of orange zest for a zesty and refreshing taste. You can also try adding chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, or raisins to your muffins for a unique and flavorful twist.

Conclusion

Apple cranberry walnut muffins are a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack option that are easy to make and full of flavor. By following these tips, you can ensure that your muffins turn out perfectly every time. Whether you're making muffins for a family breakfast or a weekend brunch, these muffins are sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake some delicious apple cranberry walnut muffins!