Apple Crumble Muffins

Apple crumble muffins are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. These muffins combine moist, sweet apple pieces with warm cinnamon flavors and are topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble. Their tender texture and delicious taste make them an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy morning at home or a festive gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these muffins in no time.
• Flavorful Delight: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a warm and inviting flavor that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, these muffins fit right in.
• Customizable Recipe: Add your favorite nuts or dried fruits to personalize these muffins to your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy fresh muffins all week long!

Tools and Preparation

Preparation is key to successful baking. Here are some essential tools that will make your muffin-making experience easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Paper liners
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: Ensures even baking and helps create the perfect muffin shape.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter until light and fluffy.
• Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients quickly and evenly.

Ingredients

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
• 1/2 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)

How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400° F. Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and optional cinnamon.
2. Pour in the melted butter and mix until small clumps form. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients for Muffins

In another medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Use an electric mixer to beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and room-temperature butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Add half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients; mix just until combined.
2. Pour in the milk; mix again until smooth.
3. Add the remaining flour mixture; stir gently until just combined.
4. Fold in the diced apples by hand.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Generously sprinkle the crumble mixture over each muffin.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with little to no crumbs. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Crumble Muffins!

How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins

Apple crumble muffins are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your muffin experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee – Pairing these muffins with a hot cup of coffee enhances their sweet flavor.
• Tea – A warm cup of tea complements the spices in the muffins for a cozy snack.

Topped with Cream

• Whipped Cream – Adding a dollop of whipped cream makes for a deliciously rich topping.
• Greek Yogurt – For a tangy twist, serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Fruit Salad – A side of fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balance to the meal.
• Scrambled Eggs – For a heartier breakfast, enjoy your muffins alongside fluffy scrambled eggs.

How to Perfect Apple Crumble Muffins

To ensure your apple crumble muffins come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Bring butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix just until combined to keep the muffins tender and light.
• Choose the Right Apples – Opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast.
• Cool Before Serving – Allow muffins to cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack; this helps maintain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumble Muffins

Apple crumble muffins can be served alongside various side dishes for an enhanced meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and sweetness that pairs well with muffins.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that complements the muffin’s sweetness.
3. Maple Syrup Drizzle – A light drizzle of maple syrup can enhance the muffin’s flavors while adding extra sweetness.
4. Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal provides hearty fiber and is another comforting breakfast option.
5. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese for a savory contrast to the sweet muffins.
6. Nut Butter Spread – Almond or peanut butter spreads add protein and richness when smeared on half of the muffin.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking apple crumble muffins can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold ingredients can result in dense muffins. Always let your eggs, butter, and sour cream sit out until they reach room temperature.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make muffins tough. Mix just until combined for light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry muffins. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement by spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Too little or too much crumble topping: Balance is key! Make sure to generously sprinkle the crumble over the muffins without overwhelming them.
• Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: An inaccurate oven can lead to undercooked or burnt muffins. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store apple crumble muffins in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Crumble Muffins

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Crumble Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350° F, place muffins on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat with a lid, warming for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making apple crumble muffins:

Can I use other fruits in my apple crumble muffins?

Yes! You can substitute apples with berries, pears, or even peaches for different flavors and textures.

What kind of apples work best for apple crumble muffins?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices due to their sweetness and tartness balance, which complements the muffin well.

How do I know when my apple crumble muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached indicating they are fully baked.

Can I make these apple crumble muffins vegan?

You can substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream for a vegan version!

How should I store leftover apple crumble muffins?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

Apple crumble muffins are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. The sweet cinnamon-spiced flavor paired with a crunchy topping makes these treats perfect for breakfast or snacks. Feel free to customize by adding nuts, different fruits, or spices according to your preference!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Apple Crumble Muffins

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 12 muffins 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the comforting warmth of homemade Apple Crumble Muffins, a delightful combination of tender apple pieces and fragrant cinnamon, all topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, offering a sweet yet wholesome treat that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, you can add your favorite nuts or dried fruits to make them uniquely yours. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later—these muffins are sure to brighten any day!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)
• 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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. To make the crumble topping, mix flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and optional cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until clumps form.
3. Combine dry ingredients for the muffins: flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in another bowl.
4. In a large bowl, beat together room-temperature butter, sugars until fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla; mix well.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with milk; stir gently until just combined. Fold in diced apples.
6. Fill muffin cups three-quarters full and sprinkle crumble topping generously over each.
7. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin (85g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg