Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins are the perfect balance of sweet, spiced apples and a crunchy, buttery crumb topping. The warm cinnamon and nutmeg blend beautifully with the apples, giving each muffin a comforting, autumn-inspired flavor. The crumb topping adds a lovely texture contrast, making each bite extra satisfying. They’re easy to make, great for breakfast or dessert, and are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples)

For the Crumb Topping:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the muffin batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the milk and stir until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
Make the crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the muffins: Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle a generous amount of the crumb topping over the batter in each muffin cup.
Bake the muffins: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve: Enjoy the muffins warm, or store them in an airtight container for later.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 muffins
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18-22 minutes

Variations

Nutty Muffins: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg, and non-dairy milk for a vegan version of these muffins.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.
Caramel Apple Muffins: Stir in a tablespoon of caramel sauce to the batter for a rich, caramelized flavor.
Mini Muffins: Make smaller versions of these muffins by using a mini muffin tin. Reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These muffins freeze well! Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
Reheating: To reheat, place the muffins in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any type of apple you like. Granny Smith apples work well for their tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add more sweetness.

Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crumb topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just sprinkle it over the batter before baking.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute any milk of your choice, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, for a dairy-free option.

How do I prevent the muffins from sinking in the middle?

To prevent sinking, make sure not to overmix the batter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, and fold in the apples gently.

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter to avoid sogginess.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

The muffins are done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I make these muffins without the crumb topping?

Yes, the muffins will still be delicious without the crumb topping. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top for a different flavor.

Can I use all brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute all the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor in the muffins.

Can I make these muffins in advance?

Yes, you can make the muffins the day before and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them or freeze them.

How do I store leftover muffins?

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins are the perfect blend of warm, spiced apples and a buttery, crunchy topping. With their tender crumb and irresistible flavors, these muffins are a fantastic choice for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends with their delicious aroma and satisfying taste. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or reheated later, these muffins will always hit the spot!