Apple crumble muffins are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of apples and spices in a tender muffin form. They’re perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. The crunchy brown sugar crumble topping adds a unique texture, making these muffins irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply enjoying them at home, these muffins are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These muffins come together quickly with simple ingredients.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, inviting flavor profile.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or at gatherings with friends.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in different apple varieties or add nuts for extra crunch.
- Great Storage Options: They freeze well for future enjoyment and can be reheated easily.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following essential tools before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Ensures all muffins bake evenly and maintain their shape.
- Mixing bowls: Allows for easy mixing without spills or messes.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and provides a fluffy texture to your batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate measurements for perfect results.
Ingredients
Apple crumble muffins are tender and sweet muffins spiced with cinnamon and topped with a brown sugar crumble.
Ingredients:
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
- 1/2 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)
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. This will help the muffins release easily after baking.
Step 2: Make the Crumble
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until combined:
* ¾ cup all-purpose flour
* ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Then pour in the melted butter and mix until small clumps form. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In another medium bowl, whisk together:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Set this bowl aside as well.
Step 4: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
* ½ cup packed light brown sugar
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup unsalted butter
Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add in:
* 2 large eggs
* ¼ cup sour cream
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Continue mixing until everything is well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add half of the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Then add:
* ½ cup milk
Mix again before adding the remaining dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Finally, fold in:
* 1½ cups diced apples
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Generously sprinkle the crumble mixture over each muffin.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with few crumbs. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade Apple Crumble Muffins!
How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins
Apple crumble muffins are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins are versatile and delicious.
For Breakfast
- Serve warm with a pat of butter for a rich flavor boost.
- Pair with fresh fruit like berries or banana slices for a refreshing touch.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy alongside your favorite coffee or tea to complement the sweet and spiced flavors.
- Consider a splash of cream in your beverage for an indulgent pairing.
As a Snack
- Pack them in lunchboxes for an easy on-the-go snack.
- Top with a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
For Dessert
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra sweet treat.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream to create a comforting dessert experience.
How to Perfect Apple Crumble Muffins
To achieve the ideal texture and flavor in your apple crumble muffins, keep these tips in mind.
- Use fresh apples: Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep the muffins tender.
- Cool before serving: Let muffins cool slightly before enjoying to enhance their flavor and texture.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumble Muffins
Apple crumble muffins pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Greek Yogurt: A creamy addition that complements the sweetness of muffins.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits add brightness and balance the richness of the muffins.
- Oatmeal: A hearty option that rounds out a breakfast spread nicely.
- Cheese Plate: Pairing with cheeses like cheddar or brie enhances flavors beautifully.
- Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on half a muffin for extra protein and flavor.
- Granola: Serve with granola on the side for added crunch and nutrition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making apple crumble muffins, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls that can affect the texture and flavor. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Bold measurement errors: Using incorrect measurements can lead to muffins that are either too dry or too soggy. Always measure your ingredients accurately using the right tools.
- Bold skipping the room temperature step: Using cold ingredients can result in dense muffins. Allow eggs, butter, and sour cream to come to room temperature before mixing.
- Bold overmixing the batter: Overmixing can create tough muffins instead of light and fluffy ones. Mix just until combined to maintain the right texture.
- Bold ignoring oven preheating: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven for consistent results.
- Bold not using fresh apples: Using old or bruised apples may affect taste and texture. Choose fresh, firm apples for the best flavor in your muffins.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store apple crumble muffins in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Apple Crumble Muffins
- Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Apple Crumble Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm muffins for about 10 minutes for best results.
- Microwave: Heat individual muffins on high for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place muffins in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making apple crumble muffins.
Can I substitute other fruits in Apple Crumble Muffins?
Yes! You can use other fruits like pears or berries instead of apples for a different flavor profile.
How do I make gluten-free Apple Crumble Muffins?
You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I reduce sugar in Apple Crumble Muffins?
Absolutely! You can cut back on sugar or use alternative sweeteners according to your taste preference.
How long do homemade Apple Crumble Muffins last?
Homemade muffins will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months if frozen properly.
Final Thoughts
Apple crumble muffins are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or snacks. Their tender texture combined with a crunchy topping makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts, spices, or even chocolate chips for an extra twist!
Apple Crumble Muffins
Apple Crumble Muffins are a delightful blend of moist apple-filled muffins topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble. These treats are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a sweet ending to your day. The wonderful combination of spiced apples, cinnamon, and a sugary topping creates an irresistible flavor profile that will leave everyone reaching for more. Easy to make and highly customizable, these muffins can incorporate various apple types or even nuts for added texture. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving some for later, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 muffins 1x
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup 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 milk (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In one bowl, mix together flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble; then combine with melted butter until clumps form.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices for the muffin batter.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy; add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternating with milk; fold in diced apples.
- Divide batter into muffin cups and sprinkle crumble topping over each one.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (85g)
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg