If you’re looking for a breakfast or snack that tastes like a hug in muffin form, these Easy Apple Sour Cream Muffins are here to make your day downright delicious. Every bite of these moist, tender muffins bursts with sweet apples, hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, plus that subtle tang from sour cream you won’t want to miss. The recipe comes together in a snap, uses ingredients you probably have on hand, and is 100 percent foolproof—perfect for busy mornings, after-school treats, or cozy fall baking projects.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Apple Sour Cream Muffins is how each simple ingredient adds something special. You’ll love how the apples offer juicy pops of flavor, the sour cream brings unbeatable softness, and those warm spices instantly comfort you with every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The versatile base that gives these muffins their structure and classic crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the apples and spices.
- Brown sugar: Provides moisture and a hint of caramel depth for extra flavor.
- Baking powder: Gives the muffins that lovely lift and lightness.
- Baking soda: Works with the sour cream for extra tender muffins.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—never skip it!
- Ground cinnamon: The classic partner for apples, providing warm autumn flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch brings depth and a comforting aroma.
- Large egg: Binds everything together for a perfect texture.
- Sour cream: This secret ingredient makes Easy Apple Sour Cream Muffins irresistibly moist and rich.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures the crumb stays soft without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Adds fragrant, bakery-style notes that tie everything together.
- Peeled and finely chopped apples: These are the star—choose a crisp, tart variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results.
How to Make Easy Apple Sour Cream Muffins
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cup lightly so your muffins pop out with ease later. This simple prep step makes baking and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, both types of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Thoroughly combining these gives you that glorious, even flavor and rise in every single muffin.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract. This is where the magic of sour cream begins to work, ensuring moistness and rich flavor in the finished muffins.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Add your wet mixture to the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix! A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine. Carefully fold in your chopped apples so every muffin gets its share of juicy bites.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter between your muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. For a little bakery magic, sprinkle on some coarse sugar or extra cinnamon if you like. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your muffins cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Give them time to cool completely (if you can wait!), so the flavors and textures settle into muffin perfection.
How to Serve Easy Apple Sour Cream Muffins

Garnishes
Treat yourself by topping warm Easy Apple Sour Cream Muffins with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar or a light glaze of powdered sugar and milk. You could even add a dollop of whipped cream or a thin slice of apple for a pretty brunch display.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair beautifully with a piping hot mug of coffee, spiced chai, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a more robust breakfast spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, or a fresh fruit salad—the options are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your muffins in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin or place them on a pretty cake stand for a festive touch. If you’re gifting, wrap each in parchment paper and tie with a string for a homemade, heartfelt treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Easy Apple Sour Cream Muffins soft and tasty by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, the refrigerator will help keep them fresh a bit longer.
Freezing
These muffins freeze fabulously! Once cooled, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months, perfect for grabbing on your busiest mornings.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked warmth, microwave a muffin for 15–20 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings all those comforting flavors and soft textures back to life.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for sour cream and still delivers those moist, tender results that make Easy Apple Sour Cream Muffins so beloved.
What’s the best type Breakfast, Snack
Go for firm, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. They hold up during baking and offer a fantastic pop of apple flavor.
Can I add nuts or raisins to these muffins?
Definitely! A handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or golden raisins is an easy upgrade for extra crunch or sweetness, making these muffins even more irresistible.
How can I make these muffins a little healthier?
Try swapping half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat, reducing the sugar, or using a plant-based oil. You could even add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed for fiber.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples keeps the muffin texture soft and pleasant, but if you prefer extra color and added fiber, you can leave the peels on. Just be sure to chop them finely!
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about sharing homemade, comforting treats, and these Easy Apple Sour Cream Muffins truly fit the bill. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or just getting started, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. Give it a try—you’re in for a kitchen win that’ll have friends and family begging for more!
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Easy Apple Sour Cream Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Apple Sour Cream Muffins are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Moist and flavorful, with tender chunks of apple in every bite, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare muffin tin with liners or grease.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk egg, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine: Add wet ingredients to dry, stir until just combined. Fold in chopped apples.
- Bake: Divide batter into muffin cups, bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.
Notes
- You can use any firm apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- For extra sweetness and crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar or a cinnamon sugar mixture on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg