Apple Crumble Muffins

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that fills your home with the warm scent of cinnamon and apples, you’ve come to the right place! Apple crumble muffins are a beloved recipe in my kitchen, perfect for those busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something sweet but simple. Every bite is tender and sweet, with a delightful crunchy topping that makes these muffins truly special.

These muffins are not just for breakfast; they make for a great snack or dessert too! Whether you’re hosting friends or just need a little comfort food after a long day, these apple crumble muffins will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, these muffins come together in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! These muffins are perfect for breakfast or an after-school snack.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for quick breakfasts.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apples and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these apple crumble muffins is super easy with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

For the Muffins

• ¾ cup (93 g) all purpose flour
• 2 cups (250 g) all purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (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)

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)

Variations

One of the best things about apple crumble muffins is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Try Different Fruits: Substitute apples with pears or berries for a different flavor twist.
• Make Them Vegan: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and plant-based butter to keep it vegan-friendly.
• Spice It Up: Add some ginger or cardamom for an exciting flavor boost!

How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400° F. This is crucial as it ensures even baking. While it’s warming up, prepare your muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and optional cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until small clumps form. This step adds that delightful crunch on top of your muffins!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Keeping these dry ingredients separate helps ensure even distribution when mixed into the wet ingredients later.

Step 4: Cream Together Sugars and Butter

Using an electric mixer, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and room-temperature butter until light and fluffy. This aerates your batter and gives your muffins that lovely texture we all adore!

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add in the eggs one at a time along with sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Scrape down the sides if needed—this ensures every bit gets mixed in.

Step 6: Mix in Dry Ingredients & Apples

Gently add half of your dry mixture into the wet batter until just combined. Then mix in the milk before adding in the rest of the dry mixture. Fold in those delicious diced apples by hand—this keeps them intact!

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups & Add Crumble

Divide your batter among muffin cups—fill each about three-quarters full. Now comes my favorite part: generously sprinkle that yummy crumble mixture over each muffin!

Step 8: Bake & Cool

Bake at 400° F for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack. Trust me; this will be the hardest part—waiting to dig into these delicious treats!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Muffins

Baking can sometimes feel daunting, but with a few helpful tips, you’ll be whipping up these delicious muffins like a pro!

• Choose the right apples: Using tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp balances the sweetness of the muffins and adds a delightful texture.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature helps create an even batter that rises beautifully and creates moist muffins.

• Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the muffins’ tender texture. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins—nobody wants that!

• Generous crumble topping: Don’t skimp on the crumble! A generous sprinkle not only adds a textural contrast but also enhances the visual appeal of your muffins.

• Cool before serving: Allowing the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps set their structure and makes them easier to handle.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins

These scrumptious Apple Crumble Muffins make for a delightful breakfast treat or snack. They’re perfect for enjoying on their own or dressed up with some simple accompaniments.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and an elegant finish.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top enhances their warm flavors and gives them an inviting aroma.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt provides creaminess and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the muffins—perfect for breakfast!
• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brightens up your plate while adding refreshing flavors that complement the muffins beautifully.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with these muffins, making for a cozy afternoon snack or breakfast treat.
• Nut butter: Spreading almond or peanut butter on warm muffins adds protein and healthy fats, creating a satisfying snack option.

Enjoy these tips and serving suggestions as you create your delicious Apple Crumble Muffins! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These apple crumble muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance, store them, and enjoy delicious muffins throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer a longer shelf life, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just label with the date for reference.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, remove the wrapping and microwave on high for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
• For a crispier texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful apple crumble muffins.

Can I make Apple Crumble Muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement that is suitable for baking.

What apples are best for Apple Crumble Muffins?

For optimal flavor and texture, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the muffins.

How can I adjust the sweetness of Apple Crumble Muffins?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the muffin batter and crumble topping according to your taste preference. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture.

Can I add nuts to my Apple Crumble Muffins?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a lovely addition. Just fold them into the batter along with the diced apples for extra crunch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these apple crumble muffins! They offer a perfect mix of tender muffin and crunchy topping, making them ideal for breakfast or as a sweet snack. Enjoy making this recipe with loved ones or savoring it solo with your favorite cup of tea. Happy baking!