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If your toddler loves soft, cozy baked goods, these apple-banana cinnamon muffins will become a weekly staple. They’re naturally sweet, perfectly moist, and easy for little hands to hold — while still delicious enough that the whole family will grab one. This toddler-approved recipe comes together in one bowl and freezes beautifully for busy mornings.
Why This Recipe Works
Kid-Friendly Texture
Mashed bananas + chopped apples create a moist, tender crumb that’s easy for toddlers still mastering their chewing.
Quick, One-Bowl Prep
Minimal mess and fast prep make this a reliable weekday breakfast or snack.
Freezer-Friendly
Make a batch, save half — you’ll have ready-to-go muffins for lunchboxes or hectic toddler days.
Customizable for Any Family
Add carrots, blueberries, nuts, or chocolate chips to make this recipe fit your household’s tastes.
Toddler-Approved Apple-Banana Cinnamon Muffins (Family-Friendly, Freezer-Friendly Recipe)
Course: Breakfast, Snacks, DessertDifficulty: Easy15
muffins15
minutes22
minutesIf your toddler loves soft, cozy baked goods, these apple-banana cinnamon muffins will become a weekly staple. They’re naturally sweet, perfectly moist, and easy for little hands to hold — while still delicious enough that the whole family will grab one. This toddler-approved recipe comes together in one bowl and freezes beautifully for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- Base Ingredients
4 tbsp butter (or mild oil)
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs
¼ cup milk (any type)
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1½ tsp cinnamon or apple pie spice
½ tsp salt
2 cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour
1 large apple, chopped (no need to peel)
- Optional Add-Ons / Variations
½ cup shredded carrot
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
¼ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup blueberries
Instructions, Serving & Storage
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line or lightly spray a muffin tin.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in honey/maple syrup, mashed bananas, eggs, milk, yogurt, and vanilla.
- Add baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Add flour and fold gently until just combined — avoid overmixing.
- Add chopped apple and any optional ingredients.
- Divide batter into 12 cups (fill close to the top).
- Bake 18–22 minutes, checking at 18 minutes.
- Cool 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack.
- Serving Suggestions
- Cut muffins in half for younger toddlers.
- Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced snack.
- Warm for 10–15 seconds for a “fresh-baked” feel.
- Storage Suggestions
- Store in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freeze individually for up to 3 months.
- Reheat frozen muffins for 20–25 seconds or defrost over night.
- Pro Tips & Safety Notes
- Keep add-in pieces small for toddler safety.
- Always supervise toddlers during snack time.
- For younger toddlers, slightly under-bake for extra softness.
These muffins strike the perfect balance: easy to make, delicious for all ages, nutritious enough for toddlers, and loved by adults too. They align beautifully with your lifestyle (busy mornings, building flexibility, prepping ahead). And by adding your special twist (whether it’s carrots, chocolate chips, nuts, blueberries), you personalize them for your family.
So gather your bananas, apples, and whatever extra goodness you want to tuck in. Mix up one bowl. And watch as your toddler proudly bites into a muffin, your spouse asks for seconds, and you breathe a sigh of relief that a snack or breakfast is checked off for the day.
Why Parents & Toddlers Will Love It
✔ Soft texture ideal for toddlers
✔ Naturally sweetened with bananas and apples
✔ One-bowl prep for busy parents
✔ Hidden fruit/veggies support healthier eating
✔ Freezer-friendly for time-saving convenience
✔ Customizable for picky eaters or big-kid preferences
What I use in for baking muffins:
These non-stick, reusable silicone muffin liners make cleanup effortless and prevent muffins from sticking — perfect for toddler-friendly baking.
We use these weekly; they hold up beautifully and make batch-prep so much easier.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
