Hey there, muffin lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share a recipe that’s a true fall favorite in our house: Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins. These little gems are like having a cozy autumn day in muffin form. Trust me, once you make these, your home will smell like heaven.
I remember the first time I tried making these — it was a chaotic Sunday morning with the kids running around, and I was desperately trying to make something that felt seasonal and special. Let’s just say the first batch was a bit… overmixed! But over time, I’ve fine-tuned the recipe into the perfect blend of apples, cinnamon, and that lovely crumbly streusel topping we all adore.
If you’re in the mood for more fall baking, check out this pumpkin spice bread to keep those autumn vibes going!
Why you’ll love this recipe
There’s so much to love about these muffins. First off, they’re super easy to whip up, which is perfect when you’re juggling a million things (like I usually am!). The combination of juicy apples and warm cinnamon is both comforting and satisfying.
Plus, that streusel topping? It’s the icing on the cake… er, muffin! You can enjoy these as a breakfast treat, a midday snack, or even as a delightful dessert. The versatility is part of what makes these muffins so amazing.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel topping)
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (for streusel topping)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel topping)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces (for streusel topping)
Step-by-step instructions
Preheat & Prep
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, you’ll want that oven nice and hot before putting your muffins in. Then, line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. This helps with both clean-up and presentation.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. I’ve messed up a couple of times by skipping this little step — not pretty!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a middle-sized bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until they’re well combined. The melted butter adds a delicious richness!
Create the Batter
Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until moistened — don’t overmix! I used to get overzealous and mix until my arm hurt, but trust me, muffins don’t like that.
Fold In the Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples. This is where the magic starts to happen. You’ll be thanking yourself later when you bite into those apple chunks!
Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble & Bake
Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Sprinkle a generous amount of the streusel topping over each one. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Once a wooden skewer comes out clean, you’re in business!
Cool & Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. It’s a step I often overlook in my haste, but it’s essential for that perfect texture.
Recipe tips & variations
Want to shake things up? Try using pears instead of apples for a pear-cinnamon twist. Feel like adding a little crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts. The recipe is super forgiving, so make it your own!
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For a longer life, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. Just pop one in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to enjoy it warm again!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour will give the muffins a denser texture.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
I like using Granny Smith for their tartness, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
Can I skip the streusel topping?
Of course! The muffins are delicious on their own, but I’d recommend trying the streusel for a really special touch.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Recipes you may like
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken: Sweet, Savory Goodness!
Savory Slow-Cooker Lemon-Garlic Chicken Breast Bli
Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins turn out!
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious recipe for Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins, perfect for fall baking.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel topping)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (for streusel topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces (for streusel topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a middle-sized bowl, whisk together egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until moistened.
- Gently fold in chopped apples.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Divide the muffin batter evenly among the muffin cups and sprinkle streusel topping over each.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a wooden skewer comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Try using pears instead of apples for a pear-cinnamon twist.
- Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg