Sourdough Cinnamon Apple Muffins
Soft, spiced, and studded with juicy apples — these sourdough muffins are autumn comfort in every bite.
At a Glance
Loaf Style: Enriched muffin batter
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Total Time: ~12–18 hours (includes optional rest)
Prep Time: ~25 minutes
Yield: 12 standard muffins
Hydration: N/A
Bake Temp: 375°F / 190°C
Baking Vessel: Muffin tray with paper liners
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
100g sourdough discard (unfed starter)
200g all-purpose flour
100g granulated sugar
50g brown sugar
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
2 large eggs
120g whole milk or plain yogurt
100g unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 medium apple (about 150g), peeled and diced into small cubes
Optional Topping
2 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Make the Batter
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, eggs, milk or yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Gently fold in the diced apple.
Rest the Batter (Optional)
5. For better flavor and moisture, cover the batter and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).
6. If baking right away, continue to the next step.
Prepare to Bake
7. Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cavity.
8. Divide the batter evenly between 12 muffin cups.
9. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the tops.
Bake
10. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Visual Cues
Muffin tops should be domed and golden with a light sugar crust.
Crumb should be soft, moist, and studded with tender apple bits throughout.
Why This Works
Sourdough discard adds a gentle tang and elasticity to the batter, keeping the crumb moist while enhancing the depth of flavor. Combined with warm cinnamon and juicy apple, these muffins are simple, satisfying, and endlessly bakeworthy.
