Name: Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485900H10M26S
Total time: PT-485900H10M26S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup milk (any variety); ½ cup pure maple syrup; ⅓ cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable); ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; Sparkling or raw sugar (optional, for topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these muffins strike the perfect balance between sweetness and heartiness. The combination of oats and maple syrup gives them a comforting flavor, while the brown sugar adds a touch of caramel-like richness. They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and are versatile enough to enjoy as a breakfast, snack, or even a light dessert.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup milk
½ cup pure maple syrup
⅓ cup neutral oil
⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Sparkling or raw sugar (optional, for topping)

directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, I combine the oats and milk, letting them soak briefly.
I add the maple syrup, oil, brown sugar, and eggs to the oat mixture, stirring until well combined.
I stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
I divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. If desired, I sprinkle the tops with sparkling or raw sugar.
I bake the muffins for 18–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
I allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 muffins. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the baking time ranges from 18 to 25 minutes, making the total time approximately 33 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes like to customize these muffins by adding up to 1 teaspoon of maple flavoring for a more pronounced maple taste. For added texture and flavor, I stir in dried fruits like cranberries, apples, or blueberries, or chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans. If I’m looking for a gluten-free option, I use a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend, which works well in this recipe.

storage/reheating

I store the cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, I freeze them by placing the muffins in a freezer-safe container; they keep well for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy a frozen muffin, I let it thaw at room temperature or warm it briefly in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

I haven’t tried using quick oats in this recipe, but I’ve heard from others who have successfully used them. The texture may be slightly different, but it should still yield tasty muffins.

What type of milk works best in this recipe?

I’ve used everything from skim to whole milk, and even non-dairy milks like almond milk, all with good results. Feel free to use your preferred milk.

Can I reduce the amount of brown sugar?

Yes, if I prefer muffins that aren’t as sweet, I reduce the brown sugar to ⅓–½ cup. The muffins still turn out delicious with a less sweet profile.

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?

I like to use parchment cupcake liners, which have always worked well for me. Alternatively, baking spray with flour also helps prevent sticking.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the muffins?

Absolutely! I sometimes add dried fruits like cranberries or chopped nuts like pecans for extra flavor and texture. Up to 1 teaspoon of maple flavoring can also enhance the maple taste.

Conclusion

These Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Muffins have become a staple in my kitchen. They’re easy to make, versatile, and always a hit with family and friends. Whether I’m enjoying one with my morning coffee or packing a few for a snack on the go, these muffins never disappoint. Give them a try, and they might just become a favorite in your home too.

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Muffins