Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are bakery-worthy yet simple to make at home. The cinnamon-sugar crumb topping adds a sweet crunch, while the muffins themselves are fluffy and full of apple flavor. They store well, are easy to transport, and make a great option for meal prep, school lunches, or holiday brunch spreads.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Ground cinnamon

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Eggs

• Milk or buttermilk

• Vanilla extract

• Apples, peeled and diced

• For the crumb topping: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cold butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, sugars, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Stir in diced apples.

6. Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups.

7. Make the crumb topping: mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cut in cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over muffin batter.

8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Makes 12 muffins.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for crunch.

• Use whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin.

• Swap apples for pears for a different fruit twist.

• Add a drizzle of glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

• Stir in raisins or dried cranberries for more flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze muffins for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes.

FAQs

What are the best apples for muffins?

Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their shape and flavor well in baking.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the skin on for extra fiber.

Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Yes, bake in a mini muffin tin for 10–12 minutes instead of full-sized muffins.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce slightly without affecting texture, but it may make the muffins less sweet.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from sinking?

Make sure the batter is thick enough and the topping is crumbly, not overly wet.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake immediately, as the baking powder and soda lose effectiveness over time.

Why are my muffins dense?

Overmixing the batter can cause muffins to turn dense—mix just until combined.

Can I add oats to the topping?

Yes, rolled oats add great texture and flavor to the crumb topping.

How do I keep muffins moist?

Don’t overbake, and store in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins are a cozy, delicious treat that combines tender apples, warm spices, and a buttery crumble topping. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, these muffins bring comforting homemade goodness to any occasion.

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