Apple Crumble Muffins

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting treat to brighten your mornings, these Apple Crumble Muffins are just the thing! They combine tender muffin goodness with sweet, spiced apples and a delightful brown sugar crumble on top. This recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen, especially during those busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss. They’re perfect for family gatherings, brunches with friends, or simply as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

These muffins are not just delicious; they’re also easy to whip up. With their cozy flavors, they bring a smile to everyone who takes a bite. You might even find yourself baking them on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy these muffins in no time.
• Family-approved: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet apple flavor and crumbly topping.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s breakfast on-the-go or a cozy weekend treat, these muffins fit right in.
• Simple ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already!
• Make-ahead friendly: Bake a batch ahead of time and freeze them for an easy snack later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will set you up for success in making your Apple Crumble Muffins. Let’s dive into what you’ll need!

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 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 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

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to get creative based on what you have at home or your taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up!

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Mix in raisins: Adding raisins or dried cranberries will give your muffins an extra chewy texture and sweetness.
• Try different spices: Feel free to experiment with ginger or allspice to change up the flavor profile.
• Use different fruits: Swap out apples for pears or berries for a completely new twist.

How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400° F. While that’s heating up, prepare a muffin tin with paper liners. This helps keep the muffins from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in melted butter and mix until small clumps form. Setting this aside now allows the crumble to firm up slightly before baking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step is important because it ensures that all your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Beat 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. This creates air pockets that will help your muffins rise. Next, add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract—mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add half of the flour mixture into your wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Then add in the milk followed by the remaining flour mixture. It’s crucial not to overmix here; you want fluffy muffins! Finally, gently fold in those delicious diced apples.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter among your prepared muffin cups so they’re about three-quarters full. Don’t skimp on that crumble topping—generously sprinkle it over each muffin before baking!

Step 7: Bake!

Bake at 400° F for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with little crumbs attached. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

And there you have it! A batch of warm Apple Crumble Muffins ready to be shared—or savored all by yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Muffins

Baking these delightful apple crumble muffins is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they come out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Letting your eggs, butter, and milk sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents the muffins from becoming dense and tough. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

• Mix apples into the batter gently: When folding in the diced apples, be gentle to maintain the lightness of the batter. This ensures each muffin has tender bits of fruit throughout.

• Fill muffin cups properly: Aim to fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full for nicely domed tops. If you overfill, they may overflow while baking.

• Check for doneness wisely: Insert a toothpick into the center of one muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid opening the oven door too early, as this can cause your muffins to sink.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins

These apple crumble muffins are not only delicious on their own but can also be dressed up for any occasion! Here are some fun ways to present them:

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance without overpowering the muffin’s flavor.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A little extra ground cinnamon on top enhances the warm spices already present in the muffins and makes them look inviting.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweet and spiced flavors of the muffins while adding freshness to your meal.
• Greek yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt served on the side provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the muffins. You can even add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness!
• Hot tea or coffee: A warm beverage like chai tea or freshly brewed coffee pairs perfectly with these muffins, enhancing their cozy appeal.
• Nut butter spread: Offering almond or peanut butter alongside gives everyone an option to enjoy their muffin with an added protein boost and richness.

With these serving suggestions, your apple crumble muffins will shine at breakfast or snack time! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have a delicious breakfast or snack on hand throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store 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 the muffins to cool completely before freezing.
• Place muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350° F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• For a quick option, microwave each muffin for about 30 seconds on high.

FAQs

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

Can I use other types of apples in Apple Crumble Muffins?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties. Just ensure they’re good for baking!

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

Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour. This will help create light and fluffy muffins!

Can I make these Apple Crumble Muffins gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What makes these Apple Crumble Muffins so special?

The combination of tender muffins filled with juicy apples and topped with a sweet crumble gives these muffins their delightful texture and flavor, making them a comforting treat any time of day!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Apple Crumble Muffins as much as I do! They’re not just easy to whip up, but they fill your home with the inviting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they’re sure to bring comfort to your kitchen. Happy baking!