Easy Gluten Free Apple Muffins With Cinnamon Sugar Topping
This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.
These fluffy and easy gluten-free apple muffins with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping are the ultimate cozy fall treat. They’re easy to make, filled with fresh apple flavor, and include a simple dairy-free option.
Nothing says fall quite like apples, cinnamon, and a warm oven. Soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, these muffins are finished with a sweet, crackly topping that makes them irresistible.
Apple season might just be my favorite time of year. Not only do we have apple trees on the homestead (free food is always a win!), but the flavors and aromas bring back so many nostalgic memories like baking gluten-free apple crisp or drizzling apple syrup over pancakes. We spend an absurd amount of time making apple sauce every year.
This is the tastiest season, and it will make your whole house smell incredible.
If you’ve been enjoying my other cozy fall recipes like Sourdough Pumpkin Muffins, Sourdough Caramel Apple Bread, or our family’s favorite Minestrone Soup, then you’ll love these gluten-free muffins, too. They’re the perfect afternoon snack, lunchbox treat, or weekend bake to make your kitchen feel warm and welcoming.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Friendly: Simple swaps make this recipe work for a variety of diets.
- Cozy Fall Flavors: Warm cinnamon and juicy apple chunks in every bite.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Leftover muffins store well for days or freeze for later.
Ingredients Needed
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: I recommend one that includes xanthan gum. I like Bob’s Red Mill one-to-one flour or the Costco brand.
Brown Sugar: For depth and warmth.
Melted Butter: Could also use oil such as avocado oil or olive oil. Avoid vegetable oil as much as possible.
Milk of Choice: Dairy or non-dairy milk like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk will work.
Vanilla Extract: Homemade vanilla extract or store-bought.
Fresh Apples: Sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are great options.
For the Topping: sugar + cinnamon. This gives the muffins an extra cinnamon flavor.
A list of the remaining ingredients and full recipe can be found in the recipe card.
Tools You’ll Need
- Cookie scoop
- Muffin pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Muffin liners (optional, but handy)
- Cooling rack
Save This Recipe
We'll get it sent to your inbox! Plus, get new recipes from us every week.
How to Make Gluten Free Apple Muffins
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with liners. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, melted butter (or oil), milk, and vanilla.
Step 3: Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Add apples on top of the flour mixture and toss the apples in the flour.
Step 4: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. For best results, don’t overmix.
Step 5: Scoop muffin batter into muffin cups, filling until about full. Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over each muffin.
Step 6: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and they start to turn golden brown. Cool on a rack and enjoy warm!
Variations
- Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans would be delicious, and they add extra crunch.
- Glaze Instead: Swap the cinnamon sugar topping for a simple powdered sugar glaze.
- Spice It Up: Add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for extra fall flavor.
- Make Mini Muffins: Perfect for little hands or party trays.
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer term storage, wrap individually or place on a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or warm gently in the oven.
FAQ
Yes! Use melted coconut oil instead of butter, and use any dairy-free milk.
Not for this recipe. Almond flour won’t give the same structure. Stick with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady hold their shape and flavor best.
Absolutely, these freeze beautifully, so make a double batch!
Love this recipe? Try more gluten free recipes.
- Gluten free pumpkin banana bread
- Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Gluten Free
- Homemade Gluten Free Blueberry Pie
- Healthy Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you could come back, comment on the post, and give it 5 stars! Please and thank you. Tag me on Instagram @ablossominglife.
Gluten Free Apple Muffins
Save This Recipe
We’ll get it sent to your inbox! Plus, get new recipes from us every week.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour with xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar lightly packed
- 2 large eggs or flax eggs for vegan
- 1/2 cup butter melted – or oil
- ½ cup milk dairy or nondairy
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples diced – about 2 medium apples, peeled if desired
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with liners. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, melted butter (or oil), milk, and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Add apples on top of the flour mixture and toss the apples in the flour. Then gently fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Don’t over mix.
- Scoop muffin batter into prepared muffin pan, filling until about full. Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over each muffin.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick or cake-tester comes out clean. Cool on a rack and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use a sweet-tart apple variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady for best flavor.
- For extra fall spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
- These muffins freeze well—wrap individually and thaw at room temperature or reheat in a warm oven.