Ingredients

• 250 grams of all-purpose flour

  150 grams of sugar

  Two tablespoons of baking powder

  One and a half teaspoons of cinnamon powder

  Half a teaspoon of salt

  Two eggs

  120 milliliters of milk

  80 milliliters of melted butter or vegetable oil

  One teaspoon of vanilla extract

  Two medium apples, chopped and peeled

For the topping

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)

Step-by-step method

Step 1: Prepare the oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 12-cup muffin tray or line it with paper liners.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon powder, and salt.

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla essence until smooth.

Step 4: Prepare the batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in the diced apples. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Fill the muffin cups

Divide the batter evenly among 10–12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

Step 6: Add cinnamon sugar

Mix the sugar and cinnamon powder for the topping. Sprinkle over the muffin batter. Brush the tops with melted butter first if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes at 180°C (350°F), until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack. Enjoy warm with tea or coffee.

Tips for perfect muffins

• Cut the apples into small cubes for even baking.

• Use room-temperature eggs and milk.

• Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins soft.

• Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for a crunchy crust.