Tomte Muffins (Swedish Apple Muffins)

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These super moist Tomte Muffins (Swedish Apple Muffins) are sure to become a new family favorite! Easy to make and bursting with sweet bites of apple, crunchy pecans and golden raisins, these muffins are a wholesome and delicious autumn treat.

Named after a whimsical gnome-like creature from Scandinavian folklore, these Tomte muffins are as charming and magical as their namesake.

Tomte muffin cut in half on a white plate next to apples.

For more easy and cozy Scandinavian-inspired baking recipes, try my Brown Sugar Cardamom Scones, Strawberry Rhubarb Scones or this delicious Pumpkin Rye Bread.

Ingredients

All purpose flour forms the base of this recipe, and a little baking powder and baking soda serves as the leavener.
Sugar brings sweetness and 2 eggs add structure and richness.
Vegetable oil adds a super moist crumb to these muffins.
Cubed fresh apples, vanilla extract, raisins and pecans bring sweetness and flavor and in the case of the pecans, a little crunch. Any apple works great here! I usually use Honeycrisp because they are my favorite and what I happen to have on hand.
Before baking, the muffin batter is sprinkled with turbinado (or raw) sugar and a bit more cinnamon for a perfectly crunchy, sweet topping.

For exact amounts and detailed instructions, see the recipe card below.

Special Equipment Needed

How to Make This Recipe

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a 12 cup muffin tin with liners and set aside.
Begin by peeling, coring and cutting your apples into ½ inch cubes. You will need about 1 ¾ cups of cubed apples. Set aside.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Dry ingredients in a white bowl with a whisk.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar. Slowly add the oil, whisking constantly as you do so, and the vanilla extract. Continue to whisk the mixture until it is homogenous in texture and completely smooth.

Eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla extract whisked together in a white bowl.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Fold in with a rubber spatula until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples, pecans and raisins.

Muffin batter topped with chopped apples, golden raisins and pecans.

Tomte Muffin batter in a white bowl with a rubber spatula.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups. In a small bowl, combine the turbinado sugar with the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly over the muffins. Bake until a tester inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes.

Muffin cups filled with Tomte Muffin batter.

Expert Tips

Using a spring-loaded ice cream scoop makes quick and easy work of filling the muffin cups with batter.

Overhead shot of Tomte Muffin on a plate next to apples and a towel.

FAQs

How do I store these muffins?

These muffins keep well in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. See the FAQ below for information about freezing these muffins.

Do Tomte Muffins freeze well?

Yes! These freeze extremely well. Make sure your muffins are completely cooled and transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for at least 3 months. Simply defrost in the microwave or on the counter top when you are ready to enjoy them.

How can I vary these muffins?

There are many way to vary these Tomte muffins! Here are a few ideas to get you started: Substitute pears for the apples. Add a half teaspoon of ground cardamom or a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg to the batter along with the cinnamon. Substitute walnuts for the pecans. Leave the raisins out altogether if you prefer or add dried cranberries instead!

Looking for more Scandinavian-inspired apple treats? Give these a try:

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