Name: Apple Crumble Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 2 large eggs; ¾ cup all-purpose flour (for crumble topping); ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (for crumble topping); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crumble topping); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for crumble topping); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for crumble topping)

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If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings warmth to your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! Apple crumble muffins are a delightful combination of tender muffin and sweet apple goodness, all topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick snack or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a little something special. These muffins are not only delicious, but they also fill your home with the inviting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples.

Baking these muffins is a joy that anyone can experience, whether you’re an expert or just starting out. Trust me, once you try making apple crumble muffins, they’ll become a go-to in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal fuss, these muffins can be whipped up in no time.
Family favorite: Everyone loves the sweet, spiced flavor combined with the crunchy topping—perfect for both kids and adults!
Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time for breakfasts on busy mornings or afternoon snacks.
Versatile options: Feel free to get creative with mix-ins and flavors to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delicious apple crumble muffins! Most of these items are probably already in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crumble Topping

¾ cup (93 g) all purpose flour
¼ cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
4 Tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter (melted)

For the Muffins

2 cups (250 g) all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt) (room temperature)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup (120 ml) milk (room temperature)
1 ½ cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some fun variation ideas:

Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Change the fruit: Swap out apples for pears or add dried cranberries for a different twist.
Make it healthier: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin.
Add spices: Experiment with spices like ginger or cardamom to give these muffins an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400° F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully. While the oven heats up, prepare a muffin tin with paper liners; this makes cleanup easy and keeps the muffins from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumble

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Pour in the melted butter and mix until small clumps form. Set this mixture aside while we work on the muffin batter. The crumble adds that irresistible texture we all love!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together the two cups of flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This mixture helps create a light and fluffy muffin base. By mixing dry ingredients separately first, we ensure even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 4: Cream Together Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and room-temperature butter until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time along with sour cream and vanilla extract. Mixing well helps incorporate air into the batter which makes your muffins nice and airy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add half of your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Next, pour in the milk and blend again before adding in the rest of the dry mixture. Finally, gently fold in those diced apples by hand—this keeps them intact while ensuring every bite has that delicious apple flavor.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter among prepared muffin cups—fill each about three-quarters full for perfect rising! Generously sprinkle that crumbly topping over each muffin using all of it; this will create that wonderful texture on top after baking.

Step 7: Bake & Cool

Bake your muffins at 400° F for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm from the oven—they’re simply delightful!

Now that you know how to make these scrumptious apple crumble muffins, I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Muffins

Baking should be a joyful experience, so here are some pro tips to help you achieve the perfect apple crumble muffins!

Use the right apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best due to their tartness and firm texture, which adds a delightful contrast to the sweet muffin base.
Room temperature ingredients: Allow your eggs, butter, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and better rise during baking.
Don’t overmix: When combining the flour mixture with wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
Generous crumble topping: Don’t skimp on the crumble! A generous layer of crumble not only adds texture but also enhances the overall flavor of your muffins.
Cool properly: Let your muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their structure and prevents them from becoming soggy.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins

These apple crumble muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert! Here’s how you can present them beautifully.

Garnishes

Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds an elegant touch and makes your muffins look extra inviting.
Cinnamon sprinkle: A dash of ground cinnamon offers an aromatic finish that complements the flavors of the muffins beautifully.

Side Dishes

Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side provides a creamy contrast and balances out the sweetness of the muffins. It also adds protein for a more filling meal.
Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can brighten up your plate with seasonal fruits, making it a colorful and nutritious accompaniment.
Coffee or tea: Enjoy these muffins with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
Nut butter: Spread some almond or cashew butter on top of your muffins for added richness and flavor, perfect for those who love a hearty bite!

These serving suggestions will elevate your apple crumble muffins from delightful treats into an unforgettable experience. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Muffins are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious breakfast or snack throughout the week. Here are some simple ways to store and preserve their freshness.

Storing Leftovers

Allow muffins to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

Reheating

Thaw frozen muffins overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Apple Crumble Muffins that might help you out!

Can I substitute the apples in the Apple Crumble Muffins?

Absolutely! You can use other fruits like pears or even berries if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the quantity as needed!

How do I know when my Apple Crumble Muffins are done baking?

Your Apple Crumble Muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking!

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. The texture may vary slightly but should still be delicious.

What makes these Apple Crumble Muffins special?

These muffins have a delightful combination of tender apple pieces and a crunchy crumble topping, making them perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

Can I add nuts or other toppings to my muffins?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter or sprinkle them on top along with the crumble for extra crunch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Apple Crumble Muffins! They bring together the cozy flavors of fall and are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying alone with your favorite cup of tea. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruits or toppings as you make this recipe your own. Happy baking!

Apple Crumble Muffins

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Makes approximately 12 muffins 1x
Category: Breakfast/Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Apple Crumble Muffins are the perfect cozy treat, blending tender muffin goodness with sweet, spiced apples and a crunchy brown sugar crumble topping. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these muffins fill your home with the delightful aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this easy recipe will quickly become a favorite in your collection. Enjoy them warm from the oven as a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 large eggs
¾ cup all-purpose flour (for crumble topping)
¼ cup packed light brown sugar (for crumble topping)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crumble topping)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for crumble topping)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for crumble topping)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
For the crumble topping, mix flour, sugars, and cinnamon in a bowl; add melted butter until clumps form. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugars until fluffy; add eggs one at a time along with sour cream and vanilla.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with milk; fold in diced apples gently.
Fill muffin cups about three-quarters full and sprinkle crumble topping generously over each.
Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean; cool on a wire rack.