Apple Crumble Muffins

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the smell of warm apples and cinnamon, these Apple Crumble Muffins are the perfect choice! They are soft, sweet, and have a delightful crumble topping that makes them irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a family gathering, these muffins will brighten up any occasion.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up a batch. Plus, they’re great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert! Trust me, once you try these muffins, they will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: With just a few steps, you can have fresh muffins ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet flavors of apples and cinnamon; it’s hard to resist!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These muffins fit right in whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy night in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week—just warm them up for that fresh-baked taste!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apples and crumble creates a scrumptious bite every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Apple Crumble Muffins. Most of these are staples you might already have in your pantry!

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 (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

This Apple Crumble Muffins recipe is quite flexible! You can easily tweak it based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Change the Fruit: Swap out the apples for ripe bananas or pears for a different flavor profile.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness.
• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based butter and flax eggs instead of regular eggs to create a delicious vegan version.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices like ginger or cloves to add more warmth to your muffins.

How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This step ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully. While the oven heats up, prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in melted butter and mix until small clumps form. This crumble will add that delightful texture on top of your muffins!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This dry mixture helps create fluffy muffins when combined with wet ingredients.

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 in eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mixing well ensures everything blends seamlessly into your batter.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add half of the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing gently. Then pour in the milk before adding the remaining dry mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can lead to dense muffins! Finally, fold in those diced apples by hand for added sweetness.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Scoop the muffin batter into prepared muffin cups until each is about three-quarters full. Top each muffin generously with the crumble mixture—you want every bite to be packed with flavor!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with little crumbs attached. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack where they can cool completely.

There you have it—fluffy Apple Crumble Muffins that are sure to please everyone! Enjoy them warm with a pat of butter or as they are; either way, they’re simply delightful!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Muffins

These muffins are a delightful treat that can be easily perfected with a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your apple crumble muffins turn out fluffy, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs, butter, and milk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to fluffier muffins.

• Choose the right apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp. Their unique flavors enhance the muffins and provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the crumble.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined will keep your muffins tender. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so be gentle!

• Let them cool: Allowing your muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps maintain their shape and texture.

• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spice levels! Adding additional cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile and create a warm, inviting aroma.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins

Apple crumble muffins are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying them at breakfast or serving them at an afternoon gathering. Here are some fun ideas on how to present these delightful treats!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavor of the muffins.

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top enhances the spiced aroma while providing visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits complements the flavors of apple crumble muffins and adds freshness to your meal.

• Yogurt parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a balanced side that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the muffins.

• Herbal tea: A warm cup of chamomile or mint tea not only soothes but also complements the spices in the muffins beautifully.

• Oatmeal: A simple bowl of oatmeal topped with honey or maple syrup offers heartiness that goes well alongside these tender treats.

Enjoy making and sharing your apple crumble muffins! With these tips and serving ideas, you’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful apple crumble muffins are perfect for meal prep! They store well and can easily be made in advance, making your mornings or snack times all the more enjoyable.

Storing Leftovers

• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the muffins where they will last for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bags with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating from room temperature, you can pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these tasty apple crumble muffins.

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

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other varieties such as Fuji or Braeburn. Each type will lend its unique flavor!

How do I make my Apple Crumble Muffins even healthier?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour, use less sugar, or add some oats into the crumble topping. You could also replace sour cream with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.

What makes these Apple Crumble Muffins so special?

These muffins combine the comforting flavors of baked apples with a crispy crumble topping. They’re moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Plus, they’re easy to whip up!

Can I add nuts or other ingredients to my Apple Crumble Muffins?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch. You can also mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries if you like!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these scrumptious apple crumble muffins! They’re not only a treat but also filled with warmth and love—perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to try out variations that fit your taste! Happy baking!

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