Apple Crumble Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your day, you’ve found it! Apple crumble muffins are not just any ordinary muffin; they’re tender, sweet, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavors. Topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble, these muffins make the perfect companion for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack. Whether you’re rushing out the door or hosting family and friends, this recipe is sure to impress.

I adore making these apple crumble muffins on busy weeknights or during lazy weekends when I want something special without too much fuss. They fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma and are always a hit at gatherings. Plus, who can resist that sweet crumble topping? Let’s dive into this beloved recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious muffins ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good muffin! These treats are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these muffins fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time and enjoy them fresh throughout the week!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apples and cinnamon creates a comforting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making apple crumble muffins is a breeze with these simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry already!

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⁣)
• 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 (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 how flexible they are! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Mix in Dried Fruits: Consider adding raisins or cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
• Try Different Spices: Swap out or add spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Use Different Apples: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are fantastic choices, feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties!

How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400° F. This step is crucial because it ensures even baking right from the start. While the oven heats up, prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners—this makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Make the Crumble

In a bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in melted butter and mix until you form small clumps. Setting this aside gives us that crunchy topping we love so much!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and additional cinnamon. This mixture will provide structure to our muffins. It’s important to mix well so that everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Cream the Sugars and Butter

In a large bowl using an electric mixer, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and room-temperature butter until it’s light and fluffy. Adding eggs, sour cream, and vanilla next allows for richness in flavor. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides as you go!

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Add half of your flour mixture first and mix just until combined. Then pour in the milk before adding the rest of the flour mixture—this method keeps our batter nice and airy! Finally, gently fold in those diced apples by hand; they’ll be the stars of our muffins.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide your batter among prepared muffin cups until each is about three-quarters full. Now comes the fun part—generously sprinkle that delicious crumble mixture over each muffin!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 400° F for about 20 minutes or until you can insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out clean with little crumbs attached. Take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before moving them to a wire rack—this helps them firm up nicely.

Enjoy your freshly baked apple crumble muffins! They’re bound to become a favorite in your home as they are in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Muffins

Making the perfect apple crumble muffins is all about using the right techniques and ingredients. Here are some tips to help you achieve muffin perfection!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily, resulting in a lighter and fluffier muffin.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and tender ones.

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their firmness and tanginess add a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the muffins.

• Make Extra Crumble: If you love a crunchy topping, feel free to double the crumble recipe! The more crumble, the better—it adds an irresistible texture and flavor.

• Cool Before Serving: Allow your muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps them maintain their shape.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins

These apple crumble muffins are not only delicious on their own but can also be served alongside various accompaniments for a delightful breakfast or snack experience.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes your muffins look extra inviting.
• Cinnamon Sprinkles: Mixing cinnamon with sugar for a sprinkle can enhance the warm flavors already present in the muffins.
• Chopped Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans can provide an extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.

Side Dishes

• Greek Yogurt: A side of creamy Greek yogurt complements the sweetness of the muffins while adding protein—perfect for a balanced breakfast.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness to your plate and balances out the rich flavors of the muffins with its acidity.
• Hot Oatmeal: Pairing your muffins with a warm bowl of oatmeal creates a cozy breakfast that keeps you satisfied longer.
• Herbal Tea or Coffee: Enjoying these muffins with a warm cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee elevates your morning routine into something special.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re sure to impress family and friends with your homemade apple crumble muffins! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Apple crumble muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow muffins to cool completely.
• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, let frozen muffins thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making apple crumble muffins!

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

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options, feel free to experiment with your favorite apples. Just keep in mind that sweeter varieties may alter the overall taste slightly.

How do I store Apple Crumble Muffins?

Store your apple crumble muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly.

Can I make Apple Crumble Muffins without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg as a replacement, or use 1/4 cup of applesauce instead.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can easily replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or even buttermilk if you have it on hand. Both will maintain the moisture and texture of the muffins beautifully!

Final Thoughts

These apple crumble muffins are not just a delightful treat; they’re also incredibly versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying them as a breakfast option or an afternoon snack, I genuinely hope this recipe brings joy into your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try these out—they’re sure to become a favorite! Happy baking!