These Apple Butter Swirled Muffins are cozy little treats that taste like fall in every bite. They’re soft, fluffy, and spiced just right, with swirls of sweet apple butter running through them. They’re simple enough for an everyday bake but pretty enough for a brunch table.
Why I Love This Recipe
I started making these muffins when I had leftover apple butter from a fall festival jar. The swirls baked into the muffins make them so pretty, and the flavor is comforting in a way that feels homemade and special.
- They’re easy to make with pantry basics
- The apple butter swirl makes them look bakery-style
- They keep well and taste even better the next day
- Perfect with coffee or tea on a crisp morning
Servings and Time
Servings: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Macros (Per Muffin)
Calories: 210
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Carbs: 30g
Sugar: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The baking powder and baking soda give the muffins a good rise and fluffy texture. The yogurt (or sour cream) adds moisture and tenderness, while the swirl of apple butter caramelizes slightly during baking, adding both sweetness and a beautiful marbled effect.
Common Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter makes muffins tough instead of soft
- Adding too much apple butter can cause soggy centers
- Not filling muffin cups evenly leads to uneven baking
- Skipping the liners makes them stick to the pan
What You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Swirl:
- ½ cup apple butter
Pro Tips
- Use room temperature eggs and yogurt for the best texture
- Warm the apple butter slightly so it spreads easily into the batter
- Don’t swirl too much—less mixing makes prettier ribbons
- Let muffins cool before removing from liners so they don’t stick
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a sweet crust
Tools Required
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Muffin tin
- Paper liners
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions and Variations
- Use pumpkin butter instead of apple butter for a fall twist
- Swap yogurt for sour cream or buttermilk
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Drizzle with glaze once cooled for extra sweetness
Make Ahead Tips
- Batter can be made the night before and stored covered in the fridge
- Muffins keep well in an airtight container for 3 days at room temperature
- They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw and warm before serving
How to Make Apple Butter Swirled Muffins
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ cup brown sugar until combined. Add 2 eggs, ½ cup yogurt, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups
Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners. Divide batter evenly among the cups, filling about ⅔ full.
Step 5: Swirl in Apple Butter
Drop about 2 tsp of apple butter on top of each muffin. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it into the batter.
Step 6: Bake
Bake muffins at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes, until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate for up to a week
- Freeze for 2 months and reheat in the oven for fresh-baked taste
What to Serve With
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- A spread of butter or cream cheese
- A side of fresh fruit for balance
- Warm cider in the fall
FAQ
Can I use store-bought apple butter?
Yes, it works perfectly.
Can I make mini muffins instead?
Definitely—just reduce baking time to about 12 minutes.
Why are my muffins dense?
They were likely overmixed or had too much flour.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Sure, about ½ cup chopped nuts or raisins would work great.
Do I have to use liners?
No, but grease the pan well if you skip them.
Let’s Wrap This Up
These Apple Butter Swirled Muffins are the perfect mix of cozy flavors and simple baking. They’re tender, sweet, and just the thing for fall mornings or anytime you want a homemade treat. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out for you!
