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Enjoy baking a single serving Apple Muffin with a buttery streusel topping, a perfectly portioned treat that’s bursting with flavor. Experience the unique satisfaction of baking just the right amount, with a warm, cozy apple muffin made for one. This recipe is ideal if you’re craving a personal treat without the need to bake a whole batch.

Are you looking for more single serving muffin recipes? Try our tasty selection: juicy Blueberry Muffin, rich Maple Walnut Muffin, decadent Chocolate Chip Muffin, and moist Banana Bread.

For those who need a recipe that makes a few more than one muffin, but not a large batch, our Banana Muffins, Corn Muffins, and Morning Glory Muffins are perfect choices!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Muffin Recipe

  • Simplicity: With simple steps, this recipe takes the guesswork out of baking.
  • Quick Prep: No need for special equipment; just your ingredients and a ramekin.
  • Tailored For You: Perfectly portioned for a single serve indulgence.
  • Minimal Waste: Say goodbye to excess muffins. Bake just what you need.

RELATED: Apple Recipes For One

An overhead view of an apple muffin  baked in a ramekin topped with cinnamon streusel next to a bowl of apples.
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Ingredients

apple muffin ingredients on a kitchen counter.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to for this apple muffin recipe due to its moderate protein content, which makes for a balanced texture. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free muffin, switch to a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Baking powder: This leavening agent is key for making your muffin rise and achieve that classic dome shape.
  • Ground cinnamon, vanilla, and salt: These ingredients work in unison to infuse your muffin with rich, comforting flavors.
  • Brown sugar: Both light and dark brown sugar work well here. If you’re out of brown sugar, check out our brown sugar recipe. The molasses in brown sugar not only adds moisture to the muffins but is also an essential ingredient in the cinnamon streusel topping.
  • Butter: Double-duty butter! It’s responsible for both the muffin’s moistness and its delicate crumb texture, and it’s also a must-have for the streusel topping.
  • An egg yolk: One yolk provides the necessary structure to your muffin. Don’t toss the white; use it in one of our many egg white recipes like Meringues, a mini Texas Sheet Cake, or Coconut Macaroons.
  • Milk: The recipe calls for 1% milk, but feel free to use skim, whole, 2%, or even dairy-free milk options to suit your preferences.
  • Apple: One small apple is all it takes. Choose your favorite variety to make this muffin truly your own. Got an extra apple? Use it in a mini Apple Cake or Apple Cobbler!
  • Pecans: Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch, but if you’re not a fan, you can opt for chopped walnuts or even skip the nuts altogether. Extra pecans or walnuts can be used in a mini Pecan Pie, a small bowl of Ambrosia, and a small batch of Carrot Cake Cupcakes.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this apple muffin recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

Recipe Variations

Got the basics down and looking to experiment a little? These recipe variations allow you to play around while keeping the soul of the original apple muffin intact.

  • Nut-Free Apple Muffin: If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, you can easily omit them. Consider adding an equal amount of oats as a topping for that crunchy texture.
  • Fruit Muffin: Swap out the apple for an equal amount of diced pears or even a mix of berries for a fruity twist.
  • Spiced Apple Muffin: If you’re in the mood for a more spice-filled muffin, add a dash of ground cloves or cardamom along with the cinnamon.

How To Make One Apple Muffin

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a single serve apple muffin. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Heat the oven to 400° F (200° C).
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar.
flour, cinnamon, and baking powder in a mixing bowl.
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, an egg yolk, milk, and vanilla.
egg, milk, and butter in a mixing bowl.
  1. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
muffin batter in a large mixing bowl.
  1. Fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans.
apple muffin batter with pecans in a mixing bowl.
  1. Transfer the batter to a lightly buttered 10-ounce ramekin.
an unbaked apple cinnamon muffin in a small ramekin.
  1. Make the topping by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped pecans, and softened butter in a small bowl until crumbly.
  2. Pour the streusel topping over the muffin batter and spread evenly over the top.
an unbaked apple muffin with streusel topping.
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean.
  2. Cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack and enjoy warm.
A forkful of an apple muffin baked in a ramekin topped with cinnamon streusel next to a bowl of apples.

RELATED: 20 Breakfast Recipes For One

Expert Tips

  • Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your apple muffin turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
  • Choose the Right Baking Dish: The recipe’s success hinges on the correct baking dish. Opt for a 10-ounce ramekin that has a 4-inch diameter and a height of around 1 ¾ inches. Using a larger dish will thin out the batter, reducing cooking time, while a smaller dish will result in a thicker muffin that may need longer in the oven.
  • Use a Rimmed Baking Sheet: To prevent any messy spills, place your ramekin on a rimmed baking sheet before popping it into the oven.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Stir your batter just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tougher muffin texture.
  • Accurate Flour Measurement is Key: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off using the flat edge of a kitchen knife. This ensures you’re using the exact amount needed for a perfect muffin.

Serving Suggestions

When you’ve got a mouthwatering single serving apple muffin fresh out of the oven, you might be wondering how to make the moment even more special. Here are a few serving suggestions that elevate this treat to the next level:

  • Beverage: Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
  • Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream.
  • Drizzle: Top with caramel or honey for extra sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ramekin size is recommended?

We can’t stress enough how vital the right ramekin size is for this recipe. Opt for a 10-ounce ramekin with a 4-inch diameter and a height around 1 ¾ inches. If your ramekin doesn’t specify its size, measure its capacity by filling it with water and then transferring it to a measuring cup. If your ramekins are smaller, divide the batter evenly between them. Check our Store page for our go-to baking dishes.

What is the best type of apple for an apple muffin?

Choose your favorite baking apple variety. Personally, I recommend Gala, Rome, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp.

Should the apple be peeled when making an apple muffin?

The choice is yours, but I usually peel the apple before dicing it into the batter.

How long does an apple muffin keep?

The muffin stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature when covered or up to a week if refrigerated.

Can I swap in different fruits?

Absolutely! Berries or diced pears make excellent substitutes.

RELATED: Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes

A forkful missing from an apple muffin in a ramekin topped with cinnamon streusel with a fork resting on the side all next to a bowl of apples.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

A Note on Calories…

The nutritional details provided in the recipe box are estimated using an online calculator.

This recipe produces a sizable apple muffin, baked in a 10-ounce ramekin. It’s bigger than your average muffin and can be savored all at once or over a few days.

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

Examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen can be found on our Store page.

RELATED: Easy Recipes For Beginners

If you’ve tried this apple muffin or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating it and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Apple Muffin For One

4.95 from 17 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 5 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Bake a mouthwatering single serving Apple Muffin with a buttery streusel topping. Perfectly portioned delight, bursting with flavor in every bite!

Ingredients 
 

For the muffin

  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter , melted
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup diced apples
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans

For the topping

  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ tablespoon chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon butter , softened

Instructions 

  • Heat the oven to 400° F (200° C).
  • In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter, egg yolk, milk, and vanilla.
  • Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
  • Fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans.
  • Transfer the batter to a lightly buttered 10-ounce ramekin.

Make the topping

  • Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped pecans, and softened butter in a small bowl until crumbly.
  • Pour the streusel topping over the muffin batter and spread evenly over the top.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean.
  • Cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your apple muffin turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
  • Choose the Right Baking Dish: The recipe’s success hinges on the correct baking dish. Opt for a 10-ounce ramekin that has a 4-inch diameter and a height of around 1 ¾ inches. Using a larger dish will thin out the batter, reducing cooking time, while a smaller dish will result in a thicker muffin that may need longer in the oven.
  • Use a Rimmed Baking Sheet: To prevent any messy spills, place your ramekin on a rimmed baking sheet before popping it into the oven.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Stir your batter just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tougher muffin texture.
  • Accurate Flour Measurement is Key: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off using the flat edge of a kitchen knife. This ensures you’re using the exact amount needed for a perfect muffin.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 794kcal, Carbohydrates: 74g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 57g, Saturated Fat: 25g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Monounsaturated Fat: 21g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 275mg, Sodium: 804mg, Potassium: 355mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 1434IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 247mg, Iron: 5mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

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29 Comments

  1. Delicious! I used half ground oatmeal for the flour, coconut oil and baked in three silicone jumbo cupcake liners. It was delicate, but I ate it with a fork and it was outstanding!

  2. I tried it and we loved these. I subbed olive oil for the butter and equal parts rolled oats for the flour as I was trying to pack in a bit more nutrition. Threw the oats and the rest of the ingredients in the food processor and it came out moist and delicious!

    Thank you for a great recipe!

  3. This made four regular-sized muffins. It is the best apple muffin I have ever eaten. Next time I will double the recipe.

  4. Hi, I happen to look for easy muffins. I found this one enjoy make them – easy. Gave a try I was happy did thanks

    1. Mine just came out of the oven. It made 3 big ones. One for me two for the hubs. His will have a little bit of glaze icing on them. Excited to try them.

  5. I made for breakfast today. It made 2 regular size muffins and a mini. Delicious! A tender crumb with much flavor. Even though I do cook for one, I still cook big because I need leftovers. No time to cook daily. Life can be demanding. But sometimes I do just want a little of something. So, this is so nice to have options.

  6. Hi, as a single mom of a growing boy, most of the recipes out there are too mich. With you recipes I am able to double it and then there are no leftovers that end up wasted. The first thing I made was this muffin and we loved it. The meals are the right size him to have homemade hot lunches at school. Thank you so much ❤️😊💕

    1. Hi Heather,

      Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I’m so happy that you and your son are enjoying the recipes – your comment truly made my day.
      Have a wonderful week!
      Joanie

  7. I love using ramekins for recipes! This looks wonderful. My husband loves apples and since it is just him and I now at home, I am thankful to find your recipes “for one”…what a great idea. Thanks!

  8. Joanie, I have recently discovered your website and I absolutely love it! I just made this and it was amazing! I have also made your pumpkin coffee cake and that was delicious too! Do you think you could develop a recipe for a single serve almond poppy seed muffin? Thank you!

  9. Hi, I just discovered your website and I like it. We are empty nesters, so it is nice to make smaller portions. I have a question, can’t you put in the whole egg? Why just the yolk? Thank you for the recipe! 🙂

    1. Hi Ingrid,
      Welcome! I’m glad you found us and hope you enjoy the recipes. I only use one egg yolk because the recipe doesn’t work using the entire egg :). I have updated the article to include recipes that you can use the leftover egg white in. Have a wonderful weekend!