Apple Crumble Muffins

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and apples, then these Apple Crumble Muffins are just what you need. They’re soft, sweet, and topped with a delightful crumble that makes each bite feel like a hug. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a little slice of comfort.

These muffins are not only delicious but also super simple to whip up. You can easily make them on a Sunday and have breakfast ready for the week ahead. Trust me; once you try these Apple Crumble Muffins, they’ll become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have fresh muffins in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet apple flavor and crumbly topping.
• Versatile: Perfect as a breakfast treat, snack, or even dessert!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake a batch and enjoy them throughout the week—if they last that long!
• Deliciously spiced: The hint of cinnamon makes these muffins perfect for any season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Apple Crumble Muffins. Most of these items you probably already have in your pantry!

For the Crumble

• 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 Muffin 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 these Apple Crumble Muffins is how flexible they are! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Change the fruit: Swap out apples for pears or even berries if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins suitable for everyone.
• Spice it up: Add more spices like ginger or allspice to give them a unique twist.

How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400° F. While it heats up, prepare a muffin tin with paper liners. This step ensures that your muffins don’t stick and makes cleanup easier!

Step 2: Make the Crumble

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in melted butter and mix until small clumps form. This crumble adds that irresistible crunchy topping to our muffins!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Keeping dry ingredients separate until needed helps ensure everything mixes evenly later.

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. Then add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mixing well is key here—it keeps our muffins moist and flavorful!

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Now add half of your flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Then pour in the milk followed by the remaining flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined; this keeps our muffins nice and tender! Finally, fold in those delightful diced apples.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tins

Divide batter among prepared muffin cups so each is filled about three-quarters full. Generously sprinkle that lovely crumble mixture over each muffin—don’t hold back!

Step 7: Bake Away!

Bake at 400° F for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of a muffin. Allow them to cool in the pan for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy watching them disappear as everyone can’t resist that warm apple-cinnamon goodness!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Muffins

Baking these delightful apple crumble muffins can be a breeze with just a few handy tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature ensures a smoother batter that mixes more evenly, leading to fluffier muffins.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of the light and tender texture you want.

• Choose the right apples: Opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their natural acidity balances the sweetness of the muffins and adds a delightful flavor.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since ovens vary, start checking your muffins a minute or two early. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, indicating they’re perfectly baked.

• Let them cool properly: Allowing the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps set their shape and keeps them from becoming soggy on the bottom.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins

These apple crumble muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack throughout the day! Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy them.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances visual appeal without overpowering the flavor.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A quick dust of cinnamon on top complements the muffin’s flavor profile beautifully and gives an inviting aroma.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: This creamy addition brings a refreshing tanginess that pairs wonderfully with sweet muffins, making it an ideal side for breakfast.
• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides vibrant colors and textures, balancing out the richness of the muffins while adding freshness.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy pairing that enhances your muffin experience, perfect for enjoying during leisurely mornings.
• Nut butter spread: Almond or peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats, making your muffin even more satisfying and deliciously nutty!

With these serving ideas, you can elevate your apple crumble muffins into something truly special. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These apple crumble muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for breakfast or a delightful snack.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow muffins to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, simply microwave each muffin for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
• If reheating from the refrigerator, 15-20 seconds in the microwave should do the trick.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making apple crumble muffins:

Can I use different types of apples for Apple Crumble Muffins?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties like Fuji or Braeburn.

How do I ensure my Apple Crumble Muffins stay moist?

Make sure not to overmix your batter, as this can lead to dry muffins. Also, using room temperature ingredients helps create a tender crumb!

Can I substitute the sour cream in the Apple Crumble Muffins recipe?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream. It will work similarly and add moisture to your muffins.

Can I make these Apple Crumble Muffins dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread and use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these delightful apple crumble muffins! Their sweet aroma and warm flavors will fill your kitchen with comfort and happiness. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or savoring leftovers throughout the week, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite. Happy baking!