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Homemade muffins have an undeniable charm that brings comfort and warmth to any kitchen. Their inviting aroma wafts through the air, often evoking fond memories of family gatherings, cozy mornings, and the simple pleasure of baking. Among the myriad of muffin varieties, spiced apple muffins stand out, particularly in the fall when apples reach their peak in flavor and sweetness. This seasonal favorite not only delights the taste buds but also captures the essence of autumn, making it a perfect treat for various occasions—be it a leisurely breakfast, a midday snack, or a delightful dessert.

Spiced Apple Muffins for School

Discover the cozy delight of homemade spiced apple muffins, perfect for embracing the autumn season. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with sweet, juicy apples creates a delicious treat that's ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With a fluffy texture and a golden crust, these muffins are sure to evoke fond memories of family gatherings and cozy mornings. Enjoy the inviting aroma of fall baking as you share this comforting recipe with loved ones.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 cups apples, peeled and diced (suggested: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

3 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a standard muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing the cups to prevent sticking.

    Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt until well combined. Set this bowl aside as you'll be using it shortly.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

        Add Egg and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, beat in the egg along with the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.

          Incorporate Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the buttermilk, mixing it into the batter until just combined.

            Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be combined but slightly lumpy for the best texture.

              Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold in the diced apples along with the chopped nuts (if you're using them), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

                Prepare for Baking: Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to fill each muffin cup with the batter, filling them about two-thirds full to allow for rising.

                  Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this sweet mixture evenly over the tops of each muffin cup for a delicious crunch.

                    Bake: Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and dry.

                      Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

                        Enjoy: These spiced apple muffins are an ideal treat for school snacks or a quick breakfast on the go! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

                          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Makes 12 muffins

                            Presentation Tips:

                              For an appealing presentation, serve the muffins on a rustic wooden board or a decorative platter. Consider garnishing each muffin with a small slice of fresh apple on top or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.