Apple Crumble Muffins
Apple crumble muffins are a delightful treat that blend the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of apples. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. With their tender texture and a crunchy crumble topping, they stand out at any gathering, making them a must-try for your next baking session.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These muffins come together quickly and effortlessly, making them great for busy mornings.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of apples and cinnamon creates a comforting taste that everyone loves.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch or a cozy evening at home, these muffins fit right in.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties or add nuts for extra crunch.
- Great for Meal Prep: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these delicious apple crumble muffins, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and enhance your baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Paper liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: This ensures your muffins bake evenly and maintain their shape.
- Electric mixer: It saves time and helps achieve the perfect fluffy batter by thoroughly mixing ingredients.
- Whisk: Ideal for combining dry ingredients smoothly, ensuring no lumps remain.

Ingredients
Enjoy this simple list of ingredients needed to create your own Apple Crumble Muffins:
For the Muffins:
- ¾ cup (93 g) all purpose flour
- 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)
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)
How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400° F. Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners; set aside.
Step 2: Make the Crumble
Whisk together the following ingredients in a bowl:
1. Flour
2. Brown sugar
3. Granulated sugar
4. Cinnamon
Pour in melted butter and mix until small clumps form. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Salt
4. Cinnamon
Whisk together until well combined; set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
1. Brown sugar
2. Granulated sugar
3. Butter
Mix until light and fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined. Scrape down sides of the bowl as necessary.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients; mix just until combined. Then add milk and mix again before adding the remaining flour mixture. Stir in diced apples by hand gently.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide batter among prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Generously sprinkle crumble mixture over each muffin.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 400° F for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with little to no crumbs attached. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade Apple Crumble Muffins fresh out of the oven!
How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins
Apple crumble muffins are not just delicious on their own; they can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance your experience. Here are some great serving suggestions that will elevate your muffin enjoyment.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy your apple crumble muffins alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack.
Top with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a creamy contrast to the spiced muffin.
Serve with Yogurt
- Pair with a side of yogurt for a refreshing twist, balancing the sweetness of the muffins.
Drizzle with Honey
- A drizzle of honey adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes for an indulgent treat.
Add Fresh Fruit
- Serve with sliced fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for added freshness and color.
Pair with Nut Butter
- Spread almond or peanut butter on your muffin for a protein boost and rich flavor combination.
How to Perfect Apple Crumble Muffins
Creating the perfect apple crumble muffins is easier than you think! Follow these tips to ensure your muffins turn out moist and flavorful every time.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep your muffins light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
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Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which provide a nice balance to the sweet batter.
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Fill Muffin Cups Properly: Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full to allow enough room for rising without overflow.
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Check for Doneness: Always test your muffins with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
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Cool Completely: Allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack after baking. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumble Muffins
To complement the delightful flavors of apple crumble muffins, consider serving them with these tasty side dishes. Each option adds something special to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and sweetness, balancing the richness of the muffins.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and honey makes a hearty breakfast alongside muffins.
- Cheese Plate: Pair with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast to the sweet muffins.
- Granola: Crunchy granola offers texture and additional flavor, making it an excellent side choice.
- Smoothie: A fruit smoothie can provide hydration and nutrients while perfectly matching the muffin’s flavors.
- Cottage Cheese: High in protein, cottage cheese pairs well as a savory side that complements sweet baked goods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Apple Crumble Muffins, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can prevent proper mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough muffins. Mix just until combined to keep them tender and fluffy.
- Not measuring accurately: Improper measurements can throw off your muffin’s texture. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precision.
- Skipping the crumble: The crumble adds flavor and texture. Don’t leave it out; it’s an essential part of Apple Crumble Muffins!
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. Baking at too low a temperature can result in soggy muffins.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Apple Crumble Muffins in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Apple Crumble Muffins
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Apple Crumble Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat muffins for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place a muffin on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with a lid, warming the muffins for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Apple Crumble Muffins:
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can use any variety of apples you like! Choose sweet or tart apples based on your preference.
How do I make my muffins fluffier?
To achieve fluffier Apple Crumble Muffins, ensure your baking powder is fresh and don’t overmix the batter.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can give your muffins an extra crunch and flavor.
Are there any substitutions for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt works as a great substitute in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Apple Crumble Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different fruits or nuts based on your taste preferences. These muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a snack—give this recipe a try!
Apple Crumble Muffins
Indulge in the delightful taste of Apple Crumble Muffins, a perfect treat that combines tender cake with sweet, spiced apples and a crunchy crumble topping. These muffins are ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. With their inviting aroma of cinnamon and the satisfying texture of fresh apples, they’re sure to impress at any gathering. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to whip up a batch quickly, making them great for busy mornings or cozy evenings at home. Plus, they can be customized with different types of apples or nuts to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (93 g) all purpose flour
- 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)
- ¾ cup (93 g) all purpose flour (for crumble)
- ¼ cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar (for crumble)
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (for crumble)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for crumble)
- 4 Tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter (melted, for crumble)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Add melted butter until clumps form; set aside.
- In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon for the muffin batter.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat brown sugar and butter until fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Gradually add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, followed by milk. Mix until just combined; fold in diced apples gently.
- Fill muffin cups about three-quarters full and sprinkle crumble topping generously over each.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (85g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg