Oatmeal-Apple Muffins…and a gift for you!
Posted by Aggies Kitchen on December 7th, 2009. Filed under: Baking - Cupcakes/Muffins. 
I think I’ve been bit by the baking bug. I’m not really sure how it happened…it kinda came out of nowhere. I’ve always avoided baking for some reason, partly because I’ve never been good of it (not a big fan of measuring!) and because honestly, I just don’t like the temptation of having sweets in the house. Lately though I’ve just wanted to bake bake bake. And luckily I have had reasons for the baking…so after a nice taste or two, off the sweets go to a good home. I think I may have finally found a healthy balance…
Now this basket of sweet little muffins were actually not meant for sharing. These muffins were baked with love on Saturday morning for my little guy who just beams with excitement anytime I ask him to help me in the kitchen lately. He’s a big fan of stirring and likes to sample everything from the flour to the sugar to the chopped apples that were added into this batter. His enthusiasm is pretty cute if I do say so myself. 
I made these muffins from a recipe I found in a new cookbook I picked up for myself the other day at Home Goods…The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook. There are so many recipes I want to try in this book. There is a good variety of different treats…from cookies to bars to cheesecakes (uh hello Mocha Rum Cheescake!) to pies. I started with the muffins since I had everything I needed on hand and because my kids absolutely go crazy for muffins. I love that there is oatmeal in them, and the addition of finely chopped apple gave them that little extra something. They weren’t overly sweet and turned out very moist. These muffins are a perfect mid morning or afternoon snack for the kids…or with a cup of hot tea for yourself.
Oatmeal-Apple Muffins
Recipe adapted from The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbok
2 cups rolled oats (not quick-cooking oats)
1 1/2 cups milk (I used non fat)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 TB baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely chopped apple, optional
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Grease well a 12 cup muffin tin.
In a medium bowl, mix the oats an dthe milk and set aside for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients, making a well in the center. Stir in the liquid ingredients and the oatmeal mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Batter may be lumpy. Fold in chopped apple.
Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full. Bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly golden or a cake tester inserted into center of muffin comes out with moist crumbs attached. Do not overbake.
So in the spirit of the holidays and because I loved this cute little cookbook so much… I ended up picking up an extra copy to share with one of you! All you need to do is leave a comment on this post answering this question:
What is your most favorite thing to bake?
Earn additional opportunities to win by sharing this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter and/or on your own blog, just leave an additional comment or comments telling me you did so.
Giveaway ends Thursday night 10pm Eastern time. (Sorry, US residents only) I will draw a comment number using Random.org and announce the winner on Friday!
Enjoy the rest of your week!
December 7th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
The Magnolia Bakery vanilla cupcake recipe is amazing! I love baking everything, but especially anything in miniature… mini cupcakes, mini cakes, etc.
December 7th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Love to bake pecan pie because it makes my boys happy! I am with you Aggie…don’t like the measuring etc that is required with most baking..I’d rather just take a guess and get close enough!
December 7th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Nothing like the smell of a warm banana bread…
December 7th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Cookies! Just look at my blog-I have almost 70 cookie recipes:)
December 7th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
That book looks great Aggie! Those muffins look amazing and my husband would love the oatmeal addition.
I know what you mean about the baking bug. I think I’ve had it since I was about 10 and can’t get rid of it! Cookies are probably what I make most often, but I love to make pastries and pies… when I’m not chasing kids at the same time! (Which is probably why I make cookies most often!)
December 7th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
I haven’t heard of this cookbook befoore but it sounds awesome. I love to bake marble cupcakes. But I also will try pretty much any muffin recipe out there because I love muffins in the morning. And I am an early riser so I can usually throw together a batch of muffins and enjoy one hot out of the oven before He-man wakes up.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:28 am
I enjoy makin apple pie. The house smells so good when it’s baking in the oven. It also connects me back in time.
December 8th, 2009 at 6:15 am
Muffins are one of my favorite things to make- especially mini muffins! This recipe looks great- love cooked apples in anything. I’m also a huge fan of quick breads that go perfectly with soup!
December 8th, 2009 at 8:15 am
We love muffins here at our home! Pumpkin cream cheese swirl has been a hit lately. We’ll have to try your latest they sound yummy!
December 8th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Your muffins look delicious Aggie! I’m liking that you got the baking bug!
)
Mocha Rum Cheesecake? Just those 3 words make someone want that book! I will tweet and announce this on FB for you!
December 8th, 2009 at 8:32 am
I love baking cakes… all types… as long as it is fluffy and light… i’m there.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:41 am
I love baking muffins and quickbreads! This cookbook sounds wonderful! I am marking this recipe to try soon… I know my oldest would love them!
December 8th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Just posted on FB!
December 8th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Just tweeted it as well!
December 8th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Cookies…but they never last long enough in my home!
December 8th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I love to bake muffins and bread!
December 8th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Fave thing to bake: brownies! Yummy, chocolatey goodness!
December 8th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Aggie,
I am so making these muffins this week…I have all the ingredients in the house. Now, you know how I love to bake so I would REALLY love this cookbook (I actually don’t have this one).
It’s hard to choose my favorite thing to bake but it would have to be brownies and quick breads.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:18 am
These look so flavorful and delicious! I love muffins. That is so sweet that your little boy wants to help in the kitchen! Good thing your baking kick is setting in right around the holidays
It’s hard for me to choose my favorite thing to bake, but I think it would have to be quick breads – not much mixing required and often just a one bowl prep!
December 8th, 2009 at 10:41 am
What a great recipe, especially since I can still get some great fresh and local apples! I might bake these as a Christmas morning brunch side for my family.
I love baking cookies…any kind…from scratch. I still feel like a novice when it comes to attempting cakes but I’m always up for a challenge!
December 8th, 2009 at 10:46 am
I don’t really like to bake either. But I love baking banana bread!
December 8th, 2009 at 11:33 am
I love to bake Cinnamon Lemon Cookies…they are easy and delicious!
December 8th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Ooh, what yummy muffins! I love baking quick breads – pumpkin, banana, beer bread….
December 8th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Banana bread – my girls love it!
December 8th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
I love making pecan pie, followed by quick breads, apple cake, sour cream coffee cake and on and on. I love to bake but I don’t do it as often as I would like to because, unfortunately, I love to eat as much as I love to bake!
December 8th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Sometimes I can handle a muffin right now. If it’s after IV therapy especially. I need to save this so I can have the hubby make them for me
December 8th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
oh I love oatmeal apple muffins! I just recently started baking again it is a lot of work but it is so worth it
December 8th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Bread! Yes, fresh bread– love the aroma wafting all through the house. So comforting!
December 8th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Your muffins look delicious! I absolutely love Apple Oatmeal Muffins and oh, how I would love to win the Magnolia Cookbook!
My favorite thing to bake is cookies… because no one can be mad at the person who shows up with a fresh plate of cookies to share
December 9th, 2009 at 3:27 am
Oh my.. they look some wholesome and remind me of the oatmeal packets I ate when I was a kid… apples and cinnamon… but a muffin.. double the fun.. or taste if it were… hehe
December 9th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
The muffins you made look so easy. I’m not a fussy baker. Simple and healthy is what appeals to me. This time of year, my favorite thing to bake are my Ginger Drizzle Cookies (the recipe is on my site under the Recipes/Desserts section). They are popular with kids and adults and are perfect for a holiday cookie swap (and they’re made w/ canola oil vs. butter so they’re lower in the bad fat than most cookies).
I’d love to win the cookbook!!
December 9th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
I absolutely love a good cookie! anne
December 10th, 2009 at 9:14 am
These muffins look amazing! I wish I had a hot muffin right now.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Hi Aggie!! Can’t wait to try these! I’m not a huge fan of baking either…I’m actually terrible at it (something about measuring everything perfectly always trips me up, lol), but I love oatmeal and apple!! So awesome you have a helper too…some of my greatest memories were helping my mom in the kitchen!!
December 10th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Yummy! Everything always looks yummy!
December 10th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
For someone who says they don’t bake, your stuff looks great and is making me crave carbs. I had to eat one of your cookies!!!! YUM!
December 10th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Yum! I love warm muffins!
May 12th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Hi Aggie those apple muffins look awesome. My muffin man will love them. I have been wanting that cookbook. TY for the chance to win.
May 12th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
I forgot to put what i like to bake LOL CAKES!!! they are my favorite.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Hey Aggie! I am obsessed with baking! I just dedicated an entire shelf in my pantry to baking ingredients! I especially love baking cakes and trying new flavor combinations…decorating them and giving them to my friends and family make me so happy!