There’s an old saying, “An Apple A Day…. ” and now that it’s the end of August it’s time to start thinking about back to school breakfasts. For us that means Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins are baking!
Back to school always brings about a flurry of activities in most households with school aged kids and ours is no exception. School supplies, clothes, and hair cuts all need to be taken care of, registration for extra curricular activities need to be done, bus routes confirmed, closets and desks need to be cleaned out, and well, you get the picture.
It also signals a need to get back into some cooking routines; meal prepping is key for me. Baking muffins for breakfast, while I’m prepping lunches and dinners is one way I make sure everyone’s gets a good start to their day. I have two favourites for fall, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal and Best Ever Banana Muffins. Give them a try, you won’t be disappointed.
At our house, it’s also the start of a new season, and for me traditionally that means a change in “decor”. For Back to School we feature Apples and Owls.. I change to door mat and wreath, bring out the Owls Ceramic statues and tea towels, then the candy dish gets switched to this adorable Apple Shaped bowl, and out comes the wooden Apple Trivet and fall scented Apple & Cinnamon scented candles. Did I mention the salt & pepper shakers? The collection I do NOT have? I don’t collect them, but I do have some for fall; Owls. Pumpkins, Apples and Turkeys. NOT a collection, just the appropriate amount for setting nice tables if you ask me…. look at how cute these are!
I’ve done this since my kids were young, and though they never mention it when I do it, they DO mention it if I don’t.. go figure, they are paying attention!
The change in season also means, a change in seasonally available produce, and what we eat. My father always loved to bring me fruit and veggies fresh from local farmers, we were eating Honey Crisp Apples long before they were so trendy and were hard to find. The apples were actually smaller than most I can find in commercial grocery stores, and I liked them a bit better. Always stored in the fridge, we could go through 20 lbs, yes, 20 lbs. of these in 2 weeks. Better than Candy any day! Anyhow, I digress.
These Fall flavoured Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins are easy to make, moist, and inexpensive. Since I like to bake up special treats to make the transition back to school just a little easier, these are a family favourite.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg beaten lightly
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 2 apples chopped
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix dry ingredients until well combined. Add in sugar and wet ingredients, stirring to incorporate
- Fold in 1 chopped apple.
- Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray and divide batter between muffin cups. Top with the other chopped apple and cinnamon.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the muffins comes out clean.