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When it comes to delightful baked goods, few things can rival the comforting combination of apple and cranberry in a muffin. Apple Cranberry Muffins with a Crunchy Delight stand out as a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. These muffins are not only delicious but also bring warmth and nostalgia to the table, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a delightful addition to a lunchbox. The incorporation of seasonal ingredients like fresh apples and tart cranberries elevates these muffins, ensuring that each bite is a celebration of flavor and nutrition.

Apple Cranberry Muffins for Lunchboxes

Indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn with Apple Cranberry Muffins featuring a crunchy topping. This delightful recipe combines the sweetness of fresh apples and the tartness of cranberries, making it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats and buttery richness, these muffins are not just tasty but also packed with nutrition. Enjoy them warm, with your favorite spreads, or share them at gatherings for a delightful treat everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup rolled oats

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup peeled and diced apples (approximately 1 large apple)

¾ cup fresh or dried cranberries

Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it generously with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.

    Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended and fluffy.

      Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the melted butter (make sure it’s not too hot) with the eggs, whisking until the mixture becomes frothy and light. Pour in the buttermilk and add the vanilla extract, stirring until all the wet ingredients are well combined and smooth.

        Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir gently until just incorporated. Take care not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.

          Fold in Apples and Cranberries: Carefully fold in the diced apples and cranberries (and walnuts or pecans, if you're using them) until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This adds delightful flavor and texture to your muffins.

            Fill Muffin Tins: Use a scoop or spoon to divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. This helps them rise properly without overflowing.

              Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops turn a golden brown color.

                Cool: After baking, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent sogginess on the bottom.

                  Pack for Lunch: Once the muffins have cooled, store them in an airtight container. These delicious apple cranberry muffins are perfect for lunchbox treats, snacks, or even a delightful breakfast on the go!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | Makes 12 muffins