Apple Crumble Muffins
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings smiles to your breakfast table, these Apple Crumble Muffins are just the ticket! They are tender, sweet, and bursting with cinnamon-spiced apple goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these muffins are easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. The wonderful aroma as they bake will have everyone running to the kitchen!
What makes this recipe special is its warmth and comfort—just like a hug in muffin form. Whether it’s a cozy morning at home or a potluck brunch with friends, these muffins will steal the show. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: These muffins come together in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for those rushed mornings.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore these sweet treats, so they’re great for any occasion.
- Make-ahead option: You can easily prepare them in advance and store them for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
- Deliciously versatile: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or swap out the apples for other fruits!
- Irresistible crumble topping: The buttery, brown sugar crumble adds an extra layer of flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Apple Crumble Muffins! These are staples you might already have in your kitchen, making this recipe even more accessible.
For the Muffins
- 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 Batter
- 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
One of the best things about Apple Crumble Muffins is their flexibility! Here are a few fun variations to consider:
- Add some nuts: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
- Go fruity: Swap out half of the apples for diced pears or berries for a twist.
- Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves to bring even more warmth to the flavor profile.
How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400° F. This step ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully. While the oven warms up, prepare your muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2: Make the Crumble
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. This mixture will create that delightful crumble topping we love! Pour in the melted butter and mix until small clumps form. Set this aside; it will be sprinkled on top later.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your batter which is essential for fluffy muffins.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and room-temperature butter until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your mixture which gives your muffins that lovely rise. Add in eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract—mixing well between each addition.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add half of the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Then add in the milk—this keeps our batter moist—and mix again before adding the remaining dry ingredients. Finally, gently fold in those diced apples by hand so they don’t break apart.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide your batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This allows space for rising without overflowing. Generously sprinkle that delicious crumble mixture over each muffin—you want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 400° F for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it. Once baked, let those muffins cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
There you have it—delicious Apple Crumble Muffins ready to be enjoyed! I hope you love making them as much as I do. Happy baking!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Muffins
Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some tips to ensure your apple crumble muffins turn out perfectly every time!
-
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your eggs, butter, and sour cream to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to fluffier muffins.
-
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined prevents gluten development, ensuring your muffins stay tender and light instead of dense.
-
Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp for a delicious contrast in flavor that balances the sweetness of the muffins.
-
Fill Muffin Cups Correctly: Filling each muffin cup three-quarters full allows space for rising without overflowing, resulting in perfect dome-shaped muffins.
-
Cool in the Pan First: Letting your muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set better and prevents sticking.
How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins
These delightful apple crumble muffins can be enjoyed in various ways! Whether you’re serving them at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, here’s how to elevate your presentation.
Garnishes
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes your muffins visually appealing.
- Cinnamon Sprinkle: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top gives an inviting aroma and enhances the flavor profile of the muffins.
Side Dishes
- Yogurt: A side of yogurt (dairy or plant-based) adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the muffins. You can even drizzle some honey on top for added flavor.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad complements the warm spices in the muffins and provides a burst of freshness with every bite.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious pudding can be made ahead and offers a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crumbly muffin.
- Herbal Tea: Serve your muffins with a warm cup of herbal tea. The soothing flavors will enhance your baking experience and create a cozy atmosphere.
With these tips and serving suggestions, your apple crumble muffins will not only taste delicious but also look irresistible! Enjoy baking!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Apple Crumble Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time for breakfast or snacks throughout the week. Their delicious flavor and tender crumb make them a delight that you’ll want to have on hand.
Storing Leftovers
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they will last up to a week.
Freezing
- Allow baked muffins to cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the bags with the date!
Reheating
- To reheat from frozen, microwave muffins for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through.
- For a crispier top, reheat in an oven preheated to 350° F for about 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
If you have some questions about making these scrumptious Apple Crumble Muffins, you’re in the right place!
Can I use other fruits besides apples in my Apple Crumble Muffins?
Absolutely! While apples are the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other fruits like berries or peaches. Just adjust the sugar slightly based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
How do I get my Apple Crumble Muffins to be extra moist?
For extra moist muffins, ensure your butter and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) are at room temperature before mixing. Don’t overmix your batter; just mix until combined!
What’s the best way to enjoy my Apple Crumble Muffins?
These muffins are delightful served warm with a smear of butter or even plain with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great snack any time of day!
How long do Apple Crumble Muffins last?
When stored properly, these muffins can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. If you freeze them, they’ll maintain their quality for about 3 months.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about making these Apple Crumble Muffins as I am! They embody everything wonderful about fall baking — warm spices, sweet apples, and that crunchy crumble topping. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or savoring them throughout the week, I’m sure they will bring joy to your kitchen. Happy baking!
Apple Crumble Muffins
- 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
Description
If you’re seeking a delicious way to start your day, look no further than these delightful Apple Crumble Muffins. Each bite is a tender, cinnamon-spiced treat filled with juicy apples and topped with a buttery crumble that adds just the right crunch. Perfect for busy mornings or as a scrumptious snack, these muffins are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. The warm aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting to enjoy this comforting classic. Bake a batch today and experience the joy of homemade goodness!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted and room temperature)
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a muffin tin with liners.
- For the crumble, mix together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, 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 bowl, cream together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter until fluffy. Mix in eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients; mix briefly. Then add milk and remaining dry ingredients; fold in diced apples gently.
- Fill muffin cups three-quarters full with batter and top generously with crumble.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown; cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (100g)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
