Apple Crumble Muffins

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion, look no further than these Apple Crumble Muffins! They are the perfect blend of tender muffin goodness and sweet, spiced apples topped with a delightful brown sugar crumble. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a family gathering on the weekend, these muffins will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds dance with joy.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. You can whip up a batch in no time, and they make for an incredible snack or breakfast option. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can always have a little homemade goodness on hand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These muffins come together in just 25 minutes from start to finish, making them a great choice for busy mornings.
• Family Favorite: The sweet apple flavor combined with the crunchy topping is sure to be loved by kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch over the weekend, and enjoy them all week long—perfect for breakfast on-the-go!
• Customizable: With simple variations, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices and fresh apples create an irresistible aroma that fills your home with comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Crumble Muffins are made with simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need!

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 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 (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

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! There are so many ways to put your spin on these Apple Crumble Muffins.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Mix in dried fruit: Try adding raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture that complements the freshness of the apples.
• Switch up the spices: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for those who need it.

How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 400° F. This ensures that when your batter is ready, it goes straight into a hot oven for perfectly baked muffins. Don’t forget to prepare your muffin tin with paper liners!

Step 2: Make the Crumble

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 is what will give our muffins that delightful crunch on top!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step helps evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour mixture so that each muffin rises beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and room-temperature butter using an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. Then add in the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scraping down the sides of the bowl ensures everything mixes well.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add half of your dry flour mixture into the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Next, pour in the milk followed by the rest of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense muffins! Finally, gently fold in those diced apples by hand for bursts of fruity goodness.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide your batter among prepared muffin cups, filling each one three-quarters full. Generously sprinkle that delicious 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 inserted comes out clean with little to no crumbs attached. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious Apple Crumble Muffins as they fill your home with warmth this season!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Muffins

Making the perfect apple crumble muffins is all about a few simple tricks that can take your baking from good to great!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs, butter, and sour cream to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, ensuring a light and fluffy muffin texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents the muffins from becoming tough. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
• Choose the right apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp for a delightful balance of flavors in every bite.
• Check for doneness carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached to ensure your muffins are perfectly baked.
• Cool before serving: Letting your muffins cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack allows them to set properly and makes for easier removal!

How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins

These delicious apple crumble muffins make a delightful addition to any breakfast or snack time. Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy them!

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 the warm spices and aroma of the muffins.
• Chopped nuts: Adding some chopped walnuts or pecans gives extra crunch and flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft muffin texture.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, making it a nutritious complement to your muffins.
• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits offers freshness and balances out the sweetness of the muffins.
• Hot coffee or tea: Pair your muffins with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy experience that’s perfect any time of day.
• Oatmeal: Serving oatmeal alongside these muffins creates a hearty breakfast spread that satisfies all morning cravings.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your homemade apple crumble muffins! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch at the beginning of the week to enjoy throughout busy mornings or as a delightful snack.

Storing Leftovers

• Store completely 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

• Once cooled, place muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid.
• Transfer frozen muffins to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• If thawed, microwave individual muffins for about 20-30 seconds or until heated to your liking.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears, berries, or even peaches for a fruity twist. Just ensure the fruit is diced and not too watery.

How do I get my Apple Crumble Muffins to rise higher?

To achieve taller muffins, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and consider filling the muffin cups slightly fuller than three-quarters.

Are Apple Crumble Muffins suitable for breakfast?

Yes! These muffins make a fantastic breakfast option packed with flavor and warmth. They’re also great with coffee or tea!

What makes these Apple Crumble Muffins special?

The combination of tender muffin texture with a crunchy crumble topping creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re easy to make!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Apple Crumble Muffins! They bring together comforting flavors and textures that are perfect for any time of day. Enjoy every bite, share them with loved ones, and let your kitchen fill with warmth and happiness. Happy baking!