There’s something magical about fall mornings—the crisp air, golden leaves, and the irresistible scent of apples and cinnamon mingling in the kitchen. These Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Discard capture that cozy charm in every bite. They combine the natural sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the gentle tang that only sourdough can bring. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, these muffins are simple, satisfying, and a great way to use your sourdough discard. In this guide, you’ll find ingredients, step-by-step preparation, baking tips, FAQs, and serving ideas for your new favorite Sourdough Cinnamon Muffins and Easy Sourdough Discard Recipes Apple.

Baking Memories and Fall Mornings
There’s nothing quite like waking up on a chilly autumn morning, slipping into cozy socks, and preheating the oven while the house slowly fills with the scent of cinnamon and baked apples. It’s the kind of comforting nostalgia that instantly makes you feel at home. That’s exactly the feeling these Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Discard bring to life.
I first made them one misty October weekend when a few tart apples sat on my counter and my jar of sourdough discard was begging to be used. As they baked, the blend of toasty spice and subtle tang filled the kitchen, transforming an ordinary morning into something special. These muffins remind me that some of life’s best moments come from slowing down, stirring batter by hand, and baking from the heart.
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Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Discard – Cozy Fall Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
These cozy sourdough apple cinnamon muffins use your sourdough discard to create tender, flavorful breakfast treats. Sweet apple pieces, warm cinnamon, and a mild tang make these muffins perfect for autumn mornings. This simple recipe yields 12 standard muffins and includes tips for variations, storage, and dairy-free adaptations.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease well.
2. In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl whisk eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, milk, vanilla extract, and sourdough discard until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped apples and any optional mix-ins.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and tops are golden.
8. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: breakfast
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
Keywords: sourdough, apple, cinnamon, muffins, discard, fall, breakfast, baking
Using sourdough discard doesn’t just lend a pleasant tang—it also gives the muffins a tender texture and richer flavor than any other fall treat. The gentle acidity balances the sweetness of the apples, creating depth in every bite. Among all my Apple Sourdough Discard Recipes, these muffins remain a seasonal favorite because they don’t just satisfy hunger; they embody the warmth, simplicity, and comfort of homemade baking.
Why You’ll Love This Muffin Recipe
These muffins are truly a baker’s delight—a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of apple pieces melts beautifully into the spiced crumb, while the sourdough’s mild tang gives your breakfast or snack a unique, sophisticated twist. Every bite of these Sourdough Cinnamon Muffins feels like a cozy hug wrapped in the aroma of fall.
Convenience is another reason to love this recipe. Whether you’re a busy parent wanting a quick grab-and-go snack or someone who enjoys weekend baking sessions, these muffins fit seamlessly into your routine. You can mix them up in one bowl, bake them in under 30 minutes, and enjoy fresh comfort instantly.
Even better, this recipe embraces the sustainable spirit of sourdough baking. Instead of discarding your unused starter, this batter transforms it into something delicious and wholesome. Reducing waste while creating something wonderful feels good—and that’s part of what makes these Sourdough Cinnamon Muffins so satisfying. They’re not just a treat; they’re a little celebration of resourcefulness, flavor, and seasonal comfort.
Ingredients & Preparation Process
Gather Your Ingredients
To create these comforting Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Discard, you don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of pantry staples, a bit of sourdough discard, and some crisp apples. This recipe makes 12 standard muffins, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing on a cozy fall day.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (240g) | Replace up to ½ cup with whole wheat flour for a heartier crumb. |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ teaspoons | Helps the muffins rise and stay light. |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon | Balances the acidity from sourdough discard. |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Enhances all flavors. |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons | Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra fall spice depth. |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup (100g) | Coconut sugar works for a naturally sweet version. |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup (50g) | Adjust to taste or use all brown sugar. |
| Neutral oil (vegetable, grapeseed) | ⅓ cup (80ml) | Melted butter or coconut oil also work. |
| Eggs | 2 large | Substitute with 2 flax eggs for an egg-free version. |
| Milk | ½ cup (120ml) | Any dairy or non-dairy milk suits this recipe. |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds aroma and warmth. |
| Sourdough discard | ½ cup (120g) | Use at room temperature for best results. |
| Chopped apples | 1 ½ cups (about 2 medium apples) | Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. |
| Optional mix-ins | ½ cup | Walnuts, raisins, or a pinch of oats for texture. |
This recipe is a great fit for those looking for Easy Sourdough Discard Recipes Apple. It’s simple, flexible, and designed to embrace what you already have at home. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, use Fuji or Gala apples. For a crisp, tart contrast, try Granny Smith or Braeburn.
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Muffins
- Preheat and Prepare. Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line or grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet Ingredients. In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugars, oil, milk, vanilla, and sourdough discard until smooth. The discard gives Sourdough Cinnamon Muffins their signature tang and tenderness.
- Bring It All Together. Pour wet into dry and gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Add Apples and Mix-ins. Fold in apple pieces and optional nuts or raisins.
- Fill the Muffin Tin. Divide batter evenly, filling cups about ¾ full.
- Bake to Perfection. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy. Cool 5 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Let batter rest 10 minutes before baking if your kitchen is cool for enhanced flavor.
- Don’t overfill—¾ full yields perfect domes.
- Use mini muffin tins for Sourdough Mini Muffins; bake 12–15 minutes.
These Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Discard store beautifully and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld into moist, aromatic bites of fall comfort.
Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas
Baker’s Tips for Success
Even though Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Discard are easy, a few thoughtful tips ensure bakery-level results. These Apple Sourdough Discard Recipes pointers help you get perfect texture every time.
- Batter Consistency: Thick but spoonable. Adjust with a splash of milk or dusting of flour as needed.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold ingredients until just combined; small lumps are fine.
- Discard Age: Use 1–3-day-old discard for tangy flavor; fresher for milder Sourdough Mini Muffins.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Especially eggs and discard for smoother blending.
- Storage: Store airtight at room temp for three days; microwave 10 seconds to refresh.
- Freezing: Freeze up to two months; reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 12 minutes.
Tasty Variations and Serving Ideas
- Add-Ins: Walnuts, pecans, raisins, or caramel swirl for a dessert-style treat. Add streusel for Sourdough Cinnamon Muffins Recipe flair.
- Seasonal Swaps: Pears with clove for winter, zucchini for spring, or pumpkin purée with warm spices for a classic fall twist.
- Serving: Enjoy warm with butter or honey, paired with coffee or chai. Perfect for brunch or gifts wrapped in parchment and twine.
Whether plain or customized, these Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Discard prove Easy Sourdough Discard Recipes Apple baking is simple, rewarding, and wonderfully cozy.
FAQs and Conclusion
FAQs
1. Can I make these Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Discard dairy-free?
Yes. Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and vegan butter or oil. The result stays moist and light.
2. How can I store and freeze them for later?
Cool fully, store airtight for three days, or freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to two months. Reheat at 325°F (160°C) for five minutes. The apple flavor and crumb remain soft and rich—true Sourdough Cinnamon Muffins goodness.
3. Can I use active starter instead of discard?
Yes, though it produces a milder tang and slightly higher rise. Discard offers that signature flavor in Apple Sourdough Discard Recipes.
4. What apples work best for baking in this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji balance sweet and tart perfectly for the best Sourdough Cinnamon Muffins Recipe.
5. How do I prevent muffins from becoming dry?
Avoid overmixing and overbaking. The natural apple moisture and sourdough discard keep these Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Discard moist and tender.
Cozy Conclusion
There’s deep comfort in pulling warm, fragrant muffins from the oven. These Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Discard capture that homely bliss with spice, apple sweetness, and gentle sourdough tang.
Enjoy them as breakfast, snacks, or thoughtful gifts. Among Easy Sourdough Discard Recipes Apple, this one stands out for reliability and heartwarming flavor—each bite recalling cozy autumn mornings and mindful baking joy.
So grab your jar of discard, preheat the oven, and fill your kitchen with warmth. This Sourdough Cinnamon Muffins Recipe promises muffins that taste like tradition—sweet, golden, and made with love.
















