Introduction

These Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins offer a delightful combination of tender muffin crumb, fresh apple bits, and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, they bring warm autumn flavors to your kitchen year-round.

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for muffins)
½ cup granulated sugar (for muffins)
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for muffins)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg, at room temperature
½ cup milk, at room temperature
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (for muffins)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
½ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
¼ cup packed light brown sugar (for streusel)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel)
¼ cup unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small pieces (for streusel)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cut in ¼ cup very cold unsalted butter using your fingertips or a pastry blender until a coarse, crumbly mixture forms. Set the streusel topping aside.
Step 2: Peel, core, and finely dice 1 cup of apples. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until smooth and just combined.
Step 5: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a rubber spatula just until moistened; avoid overmixing. Fold in the diced apples evenly.
Step 6: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each two-thirds to three-quarters full. Generously sprinkle the prepared cinnamon streusel on top of each muffin. Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 5 minutes. Without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
Step 7: Remove the muffin tin from the oven carefully. Let muffins cool in the tin for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the muffin batter.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast with the sweet streusel.
If you prefer, substitute half the milk with buttermilk for a richer texture.
To keep the streusel extra crunchy, sprinkle it on just before baking instead of mixing into the batter.

Storage

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep longer, freeze them for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat in a microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm briefly in a low oven to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are best for texture, but you can use thawed, well-drained frozen apples if needed. Make sure to pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the batter.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

These Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are moist, tender, and bursting with fresh apple flavor, complemented by a sweet, crumbly cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, they combine warm spices and fresh fruit with a delightful crunchy finish.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Muffin 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, at room temperature
½ cup milk, at room temperature
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced

Streusel Topping

½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small pieces

Instructions

Prepare Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cut in ¼ cup very cold unsalted butter using your fingertips or a pastry blender until a coarse, crumbly mixture forms. Set aside.
Prepare Apples and Preheat Oven: Peel, core, and finely dice 1 cup of apples. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Combine Dry Muffin Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt until evenly mixed.
Combine Wet Muffin Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk 1 large room temperature egg, ½ cup room temperature milk, ¼ cup melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until just combined and smooth.
Mix Batter and Fold in Apples: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a rubber spatula until just moistened. Carefully fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed. Do not overmix to keep the muffins tender.
Assemble and Bake Muffins: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds to three-quarters full. Generously sprinkle the prepared cinnamon streusel topping over each muffin. Bake in the 400°F (200°C) oven for 5 minutes, then without opening the door, reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Make sure the apple pieces are finely diced to ensure even distribution and moisture.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins.
The two-step baking method helps the muffins rise quickly and then bake evenly.
You can substitute the apples with pears or berries if desired.
Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth batter and better rise.

Keywords: apple muffins, cinnamon streusel muffins, breakfast muffins, fall baking, homemade muffins, apple cinnamon, streusel topping