Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins

When autumn rolls around, I am always reminded of the comforting aroma of baked goods wafting through the kitchen. That’s when I love to whip up a batch of Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins. They are not just delicious; they evoke warm memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent sipping cider. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s something magical about the combination of sweet, tart apples, crunchy walnuts, and creamy cheesecake all wrapped up in a fluffy muffin. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a midday snack! You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later. Trust me, they won’t last long once your family gets a whiff of them!

Ingredients Overview for Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins

The ingredients for Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins are thoughtfully selected to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tartness of the apples to the richness of the cheesecake layer, ensuring that every bite is a delight.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This serves as the backbone of our muffins, providing structure and a soft texture.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps our muffins rise and become fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: A key ingredient for creating the right balance of acidity.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all other ingredients.
• 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature: Adds richness and moisture to our muffins.
• ½ cup granulated white sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly.
• ½ cup Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag: A great alternative sweetener that keeps our muffins lower in sugar.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
• ¾ cup apple juice: Enhances the apple flavor and keeps the muffins moist.
• 1¼ cups finely chopped apples: Provides the characteristic apple flavor and texture.
• ½ cup chopped walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• 6 ounces cream cheese: The star of our cheesecake layer that brings creaminess.
• 3 tablespoons granulated white sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer.
• 3 tablespoons Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag: Keeps the cheesecake layer sweet without too much sugar.
• 1 large egg: Another egg for our cheesecake layer, ensuring it holds together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins

Making Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins is a fun and satisfying process that fills your kitchen with delicious smells. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of these delightful treats!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. If you haven’t already, spray two 12-cup muffin tins with nonstick spray to ensure your muffins come out easily.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well mixed. This step is important to avoid clumps and ensure an even rise!
3. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to combine 4 tablespoons of butter, ½ cup of granulated white sugar, ½ cup of Stevia, and 1 large egg. Mix until it’s creamy and well combined, about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it to look fluffy!
4. Next, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with ¾ cup of apple juice. Start with a third of the dry mixture, mix until just combined, then pour in half of the apple juice. Repeat this process until everything is incorporated. Stir in 1¼ cups of finely chopped apples and ½ cup of chopped walnuts. The batter should be thick but not dry.
5. Now, let’s prepare the cheesecake layer! In another medium bowl, mix 6 ounces of cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of granulated white sugar, and 3 tablespoons of Stevia using an electric mixer until smooth. Then, mix in another 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.
6. To assemble, spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each of the 18 muffin tins, filling them about halfway. Use about ½ of a tin for the batter. Then, add a tablespoon of the cheesecake layer on top of the muffin batter. If you have more batter, don’t hesitate to add a bit more! Finish with another spoonful of muffin batter on top of the cheesecake layer.
7. Sprinkle a few extra chopped apples and walnuts on the top for that delightful finishing touch!
8. Now, bake your muffins in the preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watch them as they bake; they should turn a lovely golden brown.
9. Once baked, carefully remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them maintain their shape.

Recipe Tips about Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins

Creating the perfect Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins can be a fun adventure. Here are some handy tips to ensure your baking experience is smooth and successful!

• Storage: Keep your muffins in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you have leftovers, they will stay good for about 3 days at room temperature, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze these muffins for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
• Pairing: Enjoy these muffins with a warm cup of coffee or tea. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Serving: These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. They also make a fantastic dessert option!
• Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, high-quality apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith apples work wonderfully for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the muffins.
• Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix until just combined for the fluffiest muffins.
• Flavor Boost: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the muffin batter for a warm, spicy kick!

Serving Options for Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins

Serving Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins can be as fun as making them! Here are some delightful ways to enjoy these muffins:

• With Coffee: These muffins go perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them a great breakfast or afternoon treat!
• Brunch Spread: Serve them at your next brunch alongside fruit, yogurt, or even a light salad for a delightful meal.
• Warm or Cold: These muffins can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or at room temperature. Both options are delicious!
• Garnish: Consider dusting them with powdered sugar or serving them with a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch.
• Seasonal Events: They are perfect for seasonal gatherings, especially during fall holidays, and can be a centerpiece for your dessert table.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. For longer storage, freeze them and enjoy at a later date!

FAQ

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins. They capture the essence of fall with their delightful flavors and comforting textures. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, they are sure to bring a smile to your face. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s an easy way to bring warmth into your kitchen. Happy baking!

Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Apple Walnut Cheesecake Muffins! These moist muffins combine the sweetness of apples and the crunch of walnuts with a creamy cheesecake layer. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they're easy to make and sure to impress. Bake a batch today and enjoy every delicious bite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 18 muffins

Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• ½ teaspoon Baking soda
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• 4 tablespoons Butter at room temperature
• ½ cup Granulated white sugar
• ½ cup Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag
• 1 large Egg
• ¾ cup Apple juice
• 1¼ cups Finely chopped apple I use Granny Smith
• ½ cup Chopped walnuts plus a few extra chopped apples and walnuts
• 6 ounces Cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons Granulated white sugar
• 3 tablespoons Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. If you haven't already, spray two 12-cup muffin tins with nonstick spray to ensure your muffins come out easily.
• In a medium bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well mixed. This step is important to avoid clumps and ensure an even rise!
• In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to combine 4 tablespoons of butter, ½ cup of granulated white sugar, ½ cup of Stevia, and 1 large egg. Mix until it's creamy and well combined, about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it to look fluffy!
• Next, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with ¾ cup of apple juice. Start with a third of the dry mixture, mix until just combined, then pour in half of the apple juice. Repeat this process until everything is incorporated. Stir in 1¼ cups of finely chopped apples and ½ cup of chopped walnuts. The batter should be thick but not dry.
• Now, let’s prepare the cheesecake layer! In another medium bowl, mix 6 ounces of cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of granulated white sugar, and 3 tablespoons of Stevia using an electric mixer until smooth. Then, mix in another 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.
• To assemble, spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each of the 18 muffin tins, filling them about halfway. Use about ½ of a tin for the batter. Then, add a tablespoon of the cheesecake layer on top of the muffin batter. If you have more batter, don’t hesitate to add a bit more! Finish with another spoonful of muffin batter on top of the cheesecake layer.
• Sprinkle a few extra chopped apples and walnuts on the top for that delightful finishing touch!
• Now, bake your muffins in the preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watch them as they bake; they should turn a lovely golden brown.
• Once baked, carefully remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them maintain their shape.

Notes

Keep your muffins in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you have leftovers, they will stay good for about 3 days at room temperature, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Keyword Apple Walnut Muffins, Cheesecake Muffins Recipe, easy muffin recipes, Fall Muffins

Previous PostPot Roast with Ranch Dressing

Next Post Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta

Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.