May 19, 2023

Apple Cinnamon Kodiak Cakes Muffins

Name: Apple Cinnamon Kodiak Cakes Muffins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Kodiak Power Cakes Mix (Buttermilk); 1/2 tsp baking powder; 2 apples grated; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla extract; cinnamon-sugar (for topping)

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

These apple cinnamon kodiak cakes muffins are made with grated apples, ground cinnamon, and pure maple syrup. They’re whole grain, full of protein, and perfect for a quick breakfast on a busy morning.

I love muffins for breakfast…or a snack…or really, any time of the day! They’re wonderful for a meal prep idea as they freeze easily and keep well on the counter for several days. They’re super portable and individually-sized. My kids enjoy packing them for their school snacks. The problem is, most muffins contain nearly as much sugar as a cupcake and rarely are they made with whole grains! That’s where these Kodiak muffins come in. This healthy and delicious kodiak cakes muffin recipe yields light, slightly sweet apple cinnamon muffins, perfect for an easy breakfast on a busy morning or a healthy snack on the go.

I’ve used Kodiak pancake mix for years to make easy whole grain waffles and my family loves them, especially with a little homemade whipped cream and some fresh berries. They’ve never known they are enjoying whole wheat waffles, full of protein. So, it’s only fitting to use the mix for muffins as well, and the results are delicious!

What is Kodiak Cake Baking Mix?

This pre-mixed blend is like the Bisquick mix of my youth, made to be convenient and versatile for whipping up easy waffles, pancakes and muffins! But, unlike other brands, Kodiak mix, known as “Power Cakes”, is made 100% of whole grains, both with whole wheat flour and oat flour, and has less sugar. The mix also has 14 grams of protein (from wheat protein isolate and whey protein concentrate) per serving, which is always a good addition to breakfast pastries.

I find Kodiak Power Cakes mix stocked at my Costco, which makes it especially economical, but I’ve also seen it at most of the local grocery stores as well. “Buttermilk” is their original flavor of Kodiak flapjack & waffle mix and the one we’re using to make these muffins.

Kodiak Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Kodiak Cakes Muffins

Kodiak cakes baking mix – This comes pre-leveaned so it’s easy – no baking soda/powder or salt needed. It combines whole grain oat flour & whole grain wheat flour for a 100% whole grain muffin.
Baking powder – There is already a little baking powder in the Kodiak mix, but in my recipe testing I found the texture and rise of the finished muffins is better if a little extra is mixed into the dry ingredients.
Grated apples – 2 medium size apples, ideally. I’ve used honey crisp, fuji and gala and they all work well.
Pure maple syrup – the sweetener in this muffin recipe. You can swap honey in it’s place too, or substitute 1/3 cup of brown sugar if you’d prefer.
Milk – The milk is flexible. Use whole milk, unsweetened almond milk, or oat milk.
Egg – Large egg, preferably at room temperature
Butter – Melted and unsalted, cooled to room temperature. The butter adds a delicious flavor to the muffins.
Vanilla extract – purely for flavor
Cinnamon – Can you even have apple without cinnamon? This is whisked with the Kodiak mix and the baking powder.
Cinnamon-Sugar – Coarse sugar works too…for topping the unbaked muffins. Completely optional!

How to Make Apple Cinnamon “Kodiak Cakes” Muffins

1. Preheat oven and grease muffin pan

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and center oven rack. Grease 12 standard-size muffin cups with butter or spray muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. You want to skip the paper muffin/cupcake liners with this recipe and grease your muffin pan instead as the muffin liners are too sticky for this recipe.

2. Mix Muffin Batter

Grate 2 apples over a large mixing bowl with a box grater. Stir in milk, egg, vanilla extract, melted butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon until well combined. In a medium bowl, whisk together Kodiak mix, baking powder and ground cinnamon. Using a rubber spatula, add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, being sure not to over mix. You don’t want to develop the gluten in the whole wheat flour too much or the muffins will be tough.

3. Fill Muffin Cups

Using a large ice cream scoop or large spoon, divide muffin batter between muffin tins. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, if desired.

4. Bake Muffins

Bake at 400 degrees in middle of oven for 10 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees, and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes, until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into a muffin center comes out clean.

5. Cool Muffins and Enjoy

Cool muffins slightly on wire rack. Enjoy warm, split with a little butter, or enjoy later.

Mixing Things Up

Substitute greek yogurt for the milk. An easy swap to add a little extra protein to these muffins.

Apple spice muffins – Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves. A lovely warming spice combination that goes so well with the apples in these muffins!

How to Store & Freeze Extra Kodiak Muffins

Place fully cooled muffins in airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze, use freezer storage bags and place muffins in a single layer, removing as much air as possible before sealing. These will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, defrost on the counter overnight and warm in 350 degree oven for 5 minutes, if desired. Or, reheat each frozen muffin in the microwave on microwave-safe plate, on high, for 30 seconds.

Print Recipe