Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins — Cozy Winter Breakfast in 30 Minutes

Warm, cozy Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins made with simple ingredients — perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or winter treat your whole family will love.

Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins — Cozy Winter Breakfast in 30 Minutes

I simply love apple season, and the fact some of the apples last through the winter season keeps that love alive through my cozy breakfast bakes.  If you’ve been searching for a breakfast that’s both cozy and easy, these Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are exactly what you need. With simple ingredients and no complicated steps, you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes, making busy mornings feel a little more special.

Soft, tender, and perfectly spiced, these muffins strike the ideal balance between wholesome and indulgent. The oats add a subtle heartiness, while the chunks of apple bring a fresh, juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the warm aroma of cinnamon. They’re just sweet enough to satisfy, without being overpowering, and they stay soft for days — making them perfect for breakfast on the go, a midday snack, or even a little cozy treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just craving a little morning comfort, this recipe is fail-proof and approachable for every home cook. Even if you’ve never baked muffins from scratch, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is — and how fast your kitchen will fill with the inviting scent of cinnamon and apples. Grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and let’s whip up a batch of these Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins that your whole family will reach for again and again.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these cozy Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins:

Muffins:

• 1 large egg
• ½ cup + 1 Tbsp milk
• ¼ cup canola oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup quick oats
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ½ cup finely diced, peeled apple (such as Honeycrisp)

Topping:

• 2 Tbsp oats
• 1 Tbsp packed brown sugar
• Pinch of cinnamon

Tip: You can add a few chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch or substitute pears for apples if desired.

How to Make

These muffins come together quickly in a single bowl — perfect for a cozy winter breakfast or snack. Follow these simple steps for tender, flavorful muffins every time:

• Start with wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, canola oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

• Add dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, sugar, oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix, or your muffins could turn out dense.

• Fold in add-ins: Gently fold in the diced apples, or any optional mix-ins like raisins, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries.

• Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the muffins before baking.

• Bake and enjoy: Scoop the batter into a prepared muffin tin, top with the oat mixture, and bake until golden brown. Let cool slightly and serve warm.

 

Substitutions & Variations

• Milk: Swap for any plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) or dairy milk — results stay tender and moist.

• Oil: Replace canola oil with melted butter or coconut oil for richer flavor.

• Sweetener: Use coconut sugar, maple sugar, or a touch of honey (reduce other liquids slightly) if desired.

• Flour: Try whole wheat pastry flour or a 50/50 blend for slightly heartier muffins.

• Spices: Add more cinnamon or nutmeg to taste, or experiment with allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.

• Add-ins: Raisins, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips can be folded in with the apples for variation.

• Fruit: Swap apples for pears or grated zucchini for a subtle veggie boost.

Tip: Keep the total wet-to-dry ratio similar to maintain muffin texture; too many add-ins can make muffins dense.

Kitchen Tips & Notes

• Do not overmix: Mix dry and wet ingredients until just combined — overmixing develops gluten and creates dense muffins.

• Prep apples carefully: Finely dice and peel apples for even distribution; larger chunks may sink or bake unevenly.

• Topping tip: Press oat and brown sugar topping lightly onto batter — this helps it stay in place and create a lightly crunchy top.

• Portioning: Use an ice cream scoop for uniform muffins that bake evenly.

• Storage: Muffins keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

• Serving suggestion: Enjoy warm with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey for a cozy breakfast treat.

Cozy, tender, and perfectly spiced, these Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are the ultimate winter breakfast or afternoon snack. They’re quick to whip up, full of wholesome flavor, and a treat the whole family will reach for again and again.

If you loved these muffins, you’ll also enjoy my Banana Oat Muffins with Cranberries & Walnuts — another soft, flavorful breakfast favorite that’s just as easy to make and perfect for starting the day on a sweet note.

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Before You Start

These muffins come together quickly in a single bowl — here’s everything you need to know before you bake:

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! Mix dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before baking. Muffins keep 2–3 days in an airtight container or can be frozen.

Can I substitute the milk or oil?
Absolutely — any dairy or plant-based milk works. Canola oil can be swapped for melted butter or coconut oil for richer flavor.

Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes — raisins, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips pair beautifully with the apples.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make muffins dense instead of tender and fluffy.

Banana Oat Muffins with Cranberries & Walnuts (A Cozy Winter Bake)

Banana oat muffins with cranberries and walnuts are a cozy winter bake made with oats, ripe banana, and warm spices—perfect for breakfast or snacking.

Banana Oat Muffins with Cranberries & Walnuts (A Cozy Winter Bake)

I tend to bake more often during the fall and winter, especially on a cold Saturday morning. The kitchen feels warmer, the time goes a little slower, and I'm easing in to the day.  These are the times I turn to making another version of my beloved muffins I've been making for forever.

This time, ripe bananas are mashed into a soft batter, along with oats for heartiness, and dried cranberries bring little pops of tart sweetness. Cranberries are my winter love language.  Add in some chopped walnuts for warmth and crunch, while cinnamon ties everything together. As these muffins bake, the house fills with a cozy scent — part banana bread, part oatmeal, and mostly something that feels like winter comfort.

These cranberry banana oat muffins are the kind of baking that works well for a slow weekend morning, but keep well to savor on busy weekdays.  Cozy, nourishing, and easy to make, this small batch of six are perfect for winter breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or anytime you want something warm and homemade without a lot of fuss.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Ripe banana - Adds natural sweetness and moisture; the riper, the better for flavor.

• Egg - Helps bind the batter and gives the muffins structure.

• Milk -Keeps the batter soft and tender; any milk you have on hand works well.

• Sour cream - Adds richness and helps create a soft, moist crumb.

• Canola oil - Keeps the muffins tender and light without weighing them down.

• Vanilla extract - Enhances the banana flavor and adds warmth.

• All-purpose flour - Provides structure while keeping the muffins soft.

• Old-fashioned oats - Add heartiness and a cozy, wholesome texture.

• Light brown sugar - Brings gentle sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.

• Baking powder - Gives the muffins their rise and fluffy interior.

• Salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

• Ground cinnamon - Adds warmth and that classic winter baking aroma.

• Dried cranberries - Provide pops of tartness that brighten each bite.

• Chopped walnuts - Add crunch and a rich, nutty contrast to the soft muffins.

Substitutions and Variations

Easy Substitutions

• Milk: Use almond, oat, or dairy-free milk if needed.

• Sour cream: Greek yogurt works perfectly as a swap.

• Canola oil: Substitute melted butter or another neutral oil.

• Walnuts: Swap with pecans or leave out for a nut-free version.

• Cranberries: Dried cherries or raisins can be used in a pinch.

Variations

• Orange Cranberry Banana Muffins - Add a bit of orange zest to the batter for a bright, wintery twist.

• Extra Cozy Spice Muffins - Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for deeper warmth.

Kitchen Notes and Tips

• Mash the banana thoroughly for the smoothest batter.

• Stir gently and avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.

• Filling the muffin cups to the top gives you nicely domed muffins.

• To make the tops more bakery-style, sprinkle oats and walnuts just before baking. I left them off of mine to create a more homey rustic feeling.

• Let the muffins cool briefly in the pan before transferring to avoid crumbling.

• These muffins taste even better slightly warm or the next day once the flavors settle.

Set the Mood

When I make these muffins, I usually keep things simple and cozy. I put on a pot of coffee or tea, let the kitchen warm up while the oven preheats, and take my time mixing the batter. This is the kind of baking that doesn’t feel rushed — perfect for a winter morning or a quiet afternoon at home.

I love serving these muffins slightly warm, with a little butter.  They’re great for breakfast table, but they also work just as well as an afternoon snack or something easy to grab on busy mornings. They feel comforting without being heavy, which is exactly what I want this time of year.

If you’re looking for a cozy winter bake that’s simple, satisfying, and easy to keep on hand, these banana oat muffins are a great place to start. They come together quickly, freeze well, and make mornings feel a little more put together — even on busy days.

If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how you serve them or if you make any swaps. And if you’re in the mood for more cozy winter baking, be sure to check out my Orange Cranberry Waffles for another warm, seasonal breakfast idea.

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread (Perfect for a Thanksgiving Breakfast Board)

 

Bake this Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread ahead of Thanksgiving and wake up to a cozy, stress-free breakfast board.

Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread (Perfect for a Thanksgiving Breakfast Board)

Thanksgiving morning should feel cozy, calm, and full of anticipation—not rushed or stressful. Between the oven timers, last-minute side dishes, and the smell of pumpkin pie in the air, it’s easy for breakfast to get lost in the shuffle. That’s why I love this Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread.

Baked ahead and stored in the freezer, this warm, spiced loaf can be sliced and ready to enjoy with minimal effort. Simply place it on the counter to thaw the night before Thanksgiving.  In the morning, you can slice it, warm it up, and place it on a board with butter, jams, fresh fruit, and nuts, and you’ve got a beautiful, stress-free breakfast spread that will delight everyone without adding to the day’s chaos.

It’s the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and cozy fall flavors, making it a small but meaningful way to start the holiday right—relaxed, happy, and full of anticipation for the feast to come.

Why This Bread Works

There are a few reasons this Applesauce Oatmeal Bread has become my go-to for Thanksgiving morning:

1. Easy to Prep
   The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly—flour, oats, applesauce, warm spices, and a handful of walnuts. Mixing the wet and dry ingredients takes just a few minutes, so even a busy weeknight or weekend morning is no problem.

2. Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly
   One of the biggest advantages is that you can bake this loaf ahead of time. Once it’s cooled, it freezes beautifully, wrapped tightly to lock in freshness. The night before Thanksgiving remove from the freezer and thaw overnight on the counter, and you’re ready to slice and serve—no extra kitchen stress required.

3. Warm, Cozy Flavors
   Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and oats give this loaf that quintessential fall flavor, while applesauce keeps it moist without being heavy. Each bite feels comforting and homey, making it perfect for a holiday morning.

4. Slices Beautifully for Serving
   Unlike some quick breads that crumble or fall apart, this loaf holds together well. That makes it ideal for a Thanksgiving breakfast board, where slices can be arranged alongside butter, jam, fresh fruit, and nuts for a simple but elegant presentation.

5. Versatile for Any Morning
   While it shines on Thanksgiving, this bread is just as wonderful for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or even as an afternoon snack. Once you know the convenience of a make-ahead loaf, it’s hard to go back to scrambling on busy mornings.

Make-Ahead + Freezer Instructions

One of the best things about this Applesauce Oatmeal Bread is how perfectly it lends itself to make-ahead planning—which is a lifesaver on Thanksgiving morning. Here’s how to prep it in advance:

Baking Ahead  (I often make this the weekend before Thanksgiving)

• Prepare the loaf according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely. (recipe below)

• Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil for extra protection.

Freezing

• The loaf can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• If you like, slice the bread before freezing—this makes it easy to grab exactly how many slices you need without thawing the whole loaf. I often leave the loaf whole and thaw the entire loaf so we can eat it throughout the Thanksgiving weekend. (if there is any left!)

Thawing

• The night before Thanksgiving, remove the wrapped loaf from the freezer and place it on the counter to thaw overnight.

• If you prefer warm slices, place individual slices or the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes until heated through.

Breakfast Board Ideas

This Applesauce Oatmeal Bread is not just delicious—it’s beautifully versatile and makes a stunning centerpiece for a simple Thanksgiving morning breakfast board. Here are some ideas to turn your loaf into a festive, stress-free spread:

1. Sliced Bread as the Anchor

• Slice the loaf evenly and arrange the pieces on a board or platter.

• Sprinkle a few extra oats or chopped nuts on top for a rustic, cozy look.

2. Add Spreads and Toppings

• Butter & Softened Cream Cheese – classic and comforting.

• Jams or Fruit Preserves – try apple, pear, or spiced cranberry for a seasonal touch.

• Nut Butters – almond or walnut butter pairs beautifully with the flavors in the bread.

3. Fresh Fruit

• Seasonal fruits like apple slices, grapes, pears, or berries add color, freshness, and a natural sweetness.

4. Crunchy Accents

• A bowl of nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds add texture.

• Mini granola clusters or lightly spiced roasted nuts also work well.

5. Extras for Variety

• Mini muffins, yogurt cups, or small pastries can complement the loaf.

• Warm drinks such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or spiced cider round out the board and make the table feel festive.

Pro Tip: Gather your other board items the night before if possible—you can place them in containers or ziploc bags and refrigerate those that require it. That way, Thanksgiving morning is as effortless as it is beautiful.

With these simple touches, your breakfast board will feel elegant, inviting, and stress-free, while letting your make-ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread shine as the star of the morning.

What Ingredients Do I Need

This Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread uses simple pantry staples and a few cozy, fall-inspired ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness without overpowering the warm spices

• Eggs – bind the loaf and give structure

• Vegetable oil – keeps the bread moist (I used canola oil)

• Vanilla extract or boiled cider – adds warmth and seasonal aroma (I used boiled cider - it adds a punch of apple flavor)

• Applesauce (unsweetened) – naturally sweet, adds moisture, and keeps the bread tender

Dry Ingredients

• Golden wheat flour – for a subtle, nutty flavor (this is white wheat flour)

• Unbleached all-purpose flour – adds structure

• Baking powder & baking soda – help the loaf rise perfectly

• Cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg – warm fall spices that make this bread smell like the holidays

• Salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavor

• Quick-cooking oats – add texture and heartiness

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped walnuts – for crunch and extra flavor

• Extra oats or nuts for topping – make the loaf look rustic and festive

Note: Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry. The applesauce, spices, and nuts give this loaf its cozy, Thanksgiving feel without any complicated steps.

Kitchen Tips & Variations

Kitchen Tips

• Use unsweetened applesauce for the best texture and balanced sweetness — sweetened versions can make the loaf overly soft.

• Don’t skip the oats on top. They add a rustic, cozy finish that looks great for breakfast boards.

• Check for doneness early. Every oven is different — start testing at the 50-minute mark.

• Let it cool fully before slicing. This helps the crumb set and prevents crumbling, especially if you plan to freeze it.

Variations

• Cranberry Twist: Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries for a festive pop of color and tang.

• Maple Glaze: Drizzle a light maple icing over the cooled loaf for extra holiday sweetness.

• Nut-Free Version: Swap walnuts for pepitas or omit them altogether for nut free serving.

• Apple Chunk Upgrade: Add ½ cup small diced apples for more texture and extra juicy apple flavor.

Thanksgiving morning doesn’t have to feel rushed — especially when you’ve already baked something cozy, wholesome, and ready to slice. This Applesauce Oatmeal Bread is your little gift to yourself and your family: thaw it overnight, brew the coffee, and ease into the holiday with something homemade and stress-free.

If you build a breakfast board this year, I’d love to hear how you styled it! Share your ideas, your spreads, or photos of your board in the comments — especially if this bread becomes the anchor. Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy every slow, delicious moment of the morning.

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bars

Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bars are bursting with summer berries and are the perfect treat for breakfast, snacking, or dessert!

 

Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bars

We love granola bars but they are often filled with stuff that you don't really want.  We recently went on a late summer beach vacation and I usually bring snacks, including granola bars.  This time I decided to make these quick homemade bars for our snacks/breakfast treats.  The are easy to pull together, bake quickly, and then can be cut in to squares so they travel well.

These homemade bars are filled with healthy oats, a mix of summer berries, coconut sugar, and cinnamon.  It makes a small batch using and 8x8 square pan, and can be made in under 1 hour.  Treat yourself to some homemade bars that taste delicious and are good for you!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

• frozen mixed berries
• oats
• flour 
• coconut sugar
• cinnamon
• unsalted butter
• cornstarch
• fresh lemon

Substitutions and Variations

• Use your favorite frozen fruit. peaches or mango would be good.

• Leave out the cinnamon, or add in some ginger instead.

• Try chocolate chips and peanut butter chips along with sliced almonds instead of fruit.

• Add dried fruit like cherries, apricots, raisins, or cranberries instead of fresh fruit.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Layer cut up bars with pieces of wax or parchment paper.

• Use the juice that comes from defrosting the frozen fruit to pour over yogurt or use in a smoothie.

• Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Heat up a bar and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a great dessert.

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Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bars

14 - 16 ounces frozen mixed berries
1 cup rolled oats
¾ cup flour 
½ cup coconut sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons cornstarch
juice and zest from ½ a lemon


Partially defrost the berries at room temperature for about an hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Line an 8 x 8" square pan with parchment paper.  Leave excess parchment paper so you have handles for removing the bars.

In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, oat flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon and salt.  Add the butter into the oat mixture and stir until everything evenly incorporated.  Remove a ½ cup of the oat mixture and reserve it for the top.

Press the oat mixture into the pan and press it firmly with the back of a measuring cup to compact the oat mixture and distribute it evenly.  Drain the juices from the berries and stir in cornstarch, lemon zest and lemon juice.  Pour the berry mixture evenly over the crust.  Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top of the berries.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bars are bubbling and the top is golden brown.  Remove from the oven and set pan on a cooling rack for 10 minutes.  Remove bars with the parchment paper and allow the oats to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.