Apple Crumble Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that fills your home with the warm aroma of baking apples and cinnamon, then you’ve come to the right place! Apple crumble muffins are not just a tasty snack; they bring comfort and joy to any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a cozy family gathering, or just a special breakfast treat, these muffins are sure to be a hit. The tender texture combined with the sweet crumble topping makes every bite simply irresistible!

These muffins are easy to whip up and are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself. Trust me, once you try these Apple Crumble Muffins, they will quickly become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, these muffins are perfect for those busy mornings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! The sweet apples and crunchy topping make for a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch in advance and have delicious snacks ready for school lunches or afternoon cravings.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or spices to make this recipe your own!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and fresh apples creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! These staples come together beautifully to create the perfect apple crumble muffins that everyone will adore.

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
• 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

What I love about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Add Some Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Spice It Up: Try adding ginger or cloves for a warm twist on flavor.
• Mix in Other Fruits: Swap out some apples for berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity surprise.
• Go Vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400° F. This is an important step that ensures even baking. While the oven heats up, prepare your muffin tin by placing paper liners in each cup. This makes cleanup super easy!

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until small clumps form. This crumble will create a deliciously crunchy topping that contrasts wonderfully with soft muffins!

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step is essential because it evenly distributes the leavening agents throughout your batter.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and room-temperature butter until light and fluffy. Then add in your eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mixing until well combined helps create that tender texture we all love!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add half of your dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just incorporated. Then pour in the milk and mix again before adding the remaining dry mixture. Finally, stir in those chopped apples by hand so they stay intact throughout baking.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter among your prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Generously sprinkle that yummy crumble mixture over each muffin – don’t hold back!

Step 7: Bake

Pop your muffin tray into the oven and bake at 400° F for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

And there you have it! Your delightful Apple Crumble Muffins are ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Muffins

Baking is all about having fun in the kitchen, and these tips will help ensure your apple crumble muffins turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs, butter, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to room temperature helps create a smoother batter and ensures better mixing, leading to light and fluffy muffins.

• Chop apples evenly: Cutting your apples into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly throughout the muffins, giving you that delightful burst of apple goodness in every bite.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined when adding the flour mixture. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of the airy texture we’re aiming for.

• Let them cool slightly before serving: Allowing your muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set properly and makes them easier to remove without breaking.

• Experiment with spices: Don’t be afraid to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg levels according to your taste. Adding more spice can enhance the warm flavors of fall and make your muffins extra comforting.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins

These apple crumble muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack! With a few simple ideas, you can make them even more delightful.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes your muffins look extra inviting.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top brings a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the warm spices and apple chunks.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A sprinkle of cinnamon gives an additional flavor boost while also enhancing the visual appeal with its warm hue.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A side of creamy Greek yogurt provides a nice tangy contrast to sweet muffins and adds protein for a more filling meal.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the warmth of apple crumble muffins while adding vibrant colors to your plate.
• Nut butter spread: Pairing these muffins with almond or peanut butter introduces a nutty richness that enhances their flavor profile while offering healthy fats.
• Herbal tea or coffee: A warm cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee is an ideal beverage pairing that balances the sweetness of the muffins with its rich flavors.

Enjoy creating delightful moments around these scrumptious apple crumble muffins! Whether shared with friends or savored solo, they are sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making breakfast or snacks ready to go for the week ahead. Here’s how to store them properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, place them in the refrigerator where they will last about a week.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, remove the muffin from wrapping and microwave on high for about 30-60 seconds until warm.
• If reheating thawed muffins, microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful Apple Crumble Muffins!

Can I use other fruits instead of apples in Apple Crumble Muffins?

Absolutely! You can substitute apples with other fruits like pears, berries, or even peaches. Adjust the spices accordingly to complement the fruit you choose.

What makes these Apple Crumble Muffins special?

These muffins are special due to their tender texture and the delightful cinnamon-spiced crumble topping. They combine the comforting flavors of classic apple crumble into a portable muffin form!

How do I ensure my Apple Crumble Muffins are moist?

Make sure not to overmix your batter; mix just until combined. Also, using room temperature ingredients like eggs and sour cream helps create a moist texture.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these scrumptious Apple Crumble Muffins as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or as a quick snack throughout the week, I’m sure they’ll bring warmth and joy to your table. Happy baking!