If you’re looking for a delightful way to enjoy apples, Mary Berry’s Apple Muffins are a fantastic choice.
These muffins combine tender apple chunks with a fragrant cinnamon flavor, making them perfect for breakfast or a snack.
One key trick to these muffins is to coat the diced apples with cinnamon and a bit of flour before mixing them in. This helps distribute the apple pieces evenly throughout the batter.
I love these muffins not only because they taste amazing, but because they fill the kitchen with a wonderful, cozy aroma while baking.
Remember to grease your muffin tin well or use paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
How to Make Mary Berry Apple Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups Flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 tsp Flour
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 cups Apples (diced)
- 1/2 cup Butter (melted)
- 2/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/3 cup Caster Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin with paper cases or grease it generously.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
Step 3:
In another small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of flour with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and coat the diced apples well.
Step 4:
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar, and caster sugar for about 2 minutes.
Step 5:
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition, and then mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 6:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
Step 7:
Fold in the cinnamon-coated apples gently without over-mixing the batter.
Step 8:
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
Step 9:
Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10:
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose the Right Apples
Using firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp can add a pleasant tartness and texture to your muffins.
Don’t Over-Mix the Batter
Over-mixing the batter can make your muffins dense instead of light and fluffy, so fold in the flour gently.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Allow the butter and eggs to come to room temperature for easier mixing and a better overall texture.
Add a Streusel Topping
For a little extra crunch, you can top the muffins with a simple streusel made of flour, sugar, and butter before baking.
Store Properly
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer shelf-life.
What to Serve with Mary Berry Apple Muffins
Hot Beverages
Pair these apple muffins with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a steaming mug of tea.
Choose a mild-flavored tea, like chamomile or Earl Grey, to complement the sweetness of the muffins.
Yogurt Parfait
Serve your muffins alongside a yogurt parfait made with vanilla yogurt, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey.
The tanginess of the yogurt pairs wonderfully with the spiced apple flavor of the muffins.
Cheese and Fruit Plate
For a unique twist, serve a small cheese and fruit plate alongside the muffins.
Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese and fruits like grapes or pear slices.
Maple Butter
Spread some maple butter on a warm apple muffin for an added touch of sweetness.
You can easily make maple butter by mixing softened butter with a bit of maple syrup.
Fresh Green Salad
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the sweetness of the muffins.
Include mixed greens, cucumber slices, and a few cherry tomatoes for a simple yet refreshing side.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Flours
You can use whole wheat flour for a denser texture and a nuttier flavor.
Almond flour is another great option if you want a gluten-free version.
Using a mix of all-purpose and oat flour can bring a delightful texture shift and added fiber.
Sweeteners
Instead of regular sugar, you might try using honey or maple syrup for a richer taste.
Coconut sugar works well if you want a low-glycemic sugar substitute that still adds sweetness.
For a zero-calorie option, look into using stevia or monk fruit extract.
Fruit Options
Substitute diced pears or peaches for apples to give a fresh twist to the standard recipe.
If berries are more to your liking, blueberries or raspberries work wonderfully, providing a burst of color and flavor.
Adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can enhance the overall texture and sweetness of the muffins.
Dairy Alternatives
If you’re lactose intolerant, use almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk.
To make your muffins both dairy-free and vegan, use a flax egg or chia seed gel instead of traditional eggs.
You can always substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine without compromising taste.
Spice Variations
Feel free to get creative by adding nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to the cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile.
A pinch of cardamom can offer an exotic, warm undertone.
Adding some lemon or orange zest can brighten up the flavor of the muffins significantly.
How to Store Leftover Mary Berry Apple Muffins
You need to store leftover Mary Berry Apple Muffins properly to keep them fresh and delicious.
Airtight Container
Cool the muffins completely before storing them.
Use an airtight container.
Line the container’s bottom with paper towels.
Place the muffins in a single layer.
Add another layer of paper towels on top of the muffins.
Seal the container tightly.
Room Temperature
Store the container at room temperature if you plan to eat the muffins within 2-3 days.
Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat to avoid moisture build-up.
Freezing Muffins
Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label with the date.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Batter
One common mistake is overmixing the batter, which can make your muffins dense and tough.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
Incorrect Oven Temperature
Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking or burnt tops.
Always preheat your oven to the recipe’s specified temperature, which is usually 375º F to 200°C (180°C fan).
Not Coating the Apples Properly
Failing to coat the apples in a bit of flour can cause them to sink to the bottom of your muffins.
Toss the apple pieces with a small amount of flour to distribute them evenly throughout the muffins.
Mary Berry Apple Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 tsp Flour
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 cups Apples diced
- 1/2 cup Butter melted
- 2/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/3 cup Caster Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin with paper cases or grease it generously.
- In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
- In another small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of flour with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and coat the diced apples well.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar, and caster sugar for about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition, and then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
- Fold in the cinnamon-coated apples gently without over-mixing the batter.
- Step 8:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.