Irresistible Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe

Sweet mornings deserve warm apple cinnamon crumb muffins that melt in your mouth.

Fragrant spices dance through the kitchen, promising comfort in every bite.

Soft, tender textures combine with crisp apple chunks and a delectable crumbly topping.

Baking these muffins fills your home with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the kitchen.

Each muffin offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, blending classic flavors into a delightful breakfast treat.

Rich and satisfying, these muffins transform an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every crumbly, cinnamon-kissed moment of this delectable recipe.

What Makes Apple Crumb Muffins So Good

• Simple Muffin Magic
• Create bakery-quality treats with minimal professional baking skills, making these apple cinnamon muffins accessible for everyone from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Burst with Flavor Versatility
• Enjoy incredible taste complexity from basic ingredients – cinnamon, apples, and crumb topping combine for a rich, satisfying experience that feels like a special indulgence.
• Perfect Weekend Family Delight
• Craft a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch option that brings everyone together, offering homemade warmth and comfort with each delicious, tender bite.
• Meal Prep Champion
• Easily prepare ahead and store, making these muffins an excellent grab-and-go option for busy mornings or quick snacks throughout the week, maintaining incredible freshness and taste.

Ingredients for Apple Crumb Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the muffin that provides structure and texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become light.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the apple perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the muffins.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and adds delicious flavor to the muffins.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, moist texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the muffins' structure.
• Sour Cream, Milk: Add moisture and help create a tender, soft muffin.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Apples: Fresh, juicy chunks that add natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
• Butter, Flour, Brown Sugar: Combine to create a crispy, crumbly topping that adds texture and extra sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Step 1: Whip Up the Crumbly Topping

In a mixing bowl, blend the dry ingredients.

Slice in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse sand with tiny butter chunks scattered throughout.

Step 2: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 425°F.

Grab a muffin tin and line it with paper liners or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 3: Blend the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Ensure everything is evenly mixed with no lumps.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a larger bowl, beat the butter and sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and almost pale in color.

This process incorporates air, making the muffins wonderfully soft.

Step 5: Introduce the Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Marry the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stop mixing the moment no flour streaks remain to keep the batter tender.

Step 7: Fold in the Apples

Gently stir in diced apple chunks, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 8: Fill and Top the Muffin Tin

Scoop the batter into each muffin cup, filling them to the brim.

Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping generously over each muffin.

Step 9: Bake with a Special Technique

Start baking at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 15-18 minutes.

This method creates a beautiful, high-rising muffin.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Enjoy them warm for the most incredible experience.

Tips for Apple Crumb Muffin Success

• Pat chopped apples dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring your muffins stay perfectly crisp and fluffy.
• Toss apple chunks with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar before adding to the batter for an extra burst of warm, caramelized taste.
• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, placing a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and maintain their soft texture.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version, and use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
• Freeze unbaked filled muffin tins with crumb topping, then transfer frozen muffins directly to the oven when ready to bake, adding 5-7 minutes to the original baking time.

Storing and Reheating Apple Muffins

• Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature, then warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This method restores the crispy crumb topping and brings back that fresh-baked warmth.
• Defrost frozen muffins for 20-30 seconds, then heat for 10-15 seconds. While convenient, this method might slightly soften the crumb topping, so use sparingly.

What to Serve with Apple Muffins

• Pair with Warm Vanilla Chai Latte: Complement the cinnamon apple flavors with a creamy, spiced chai that echoes the muffin's warm notes and adds a cozy touch.
• Serve with Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the sweetness by drizzling golden caramel over the muffin, creating a rich, indulgent experience that amplifies the apple's natural sugars.
• Match with Maple Pecan Butter: Spread a homemade butter blending maple syrup and toasted pecans, introducing a nutty depth that beautifully connects with the crumb topping's texture.
• Create a Cheese Plate Companion: Add a slice of sharp aged cheddar or creamy brie alongside the muffin, offering a savory contrast that balances the muffin's sweetness and highlights its complex flavors.

Apple Muffin Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for structure, ensuring the same tender crumb and delicious apple cinnamon flavor.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select plant-based milk and dairy-free sour cream alternative to create a compassionate yet moist muffin.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the rich cinnamon-apple essence, perfect for health-conscious bakers.
• Nutty Protein Boost: Incorporate almond flour partially into the dry ingredients, adding ground walnuts to the crumb topping for extra nutrition and a delightful crunchy texture.

FAQs

• Why use sour cream in the muffins?

Sour cream adds moisture and creates a tender, soft texture. It helps make the muffins incredibly rich and prevents them from becoming dry or dense.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can! Firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

• How do I prevent the crumb topping from sinking?

Make sure your crumb topping is cold and sprinkle it generously right before baking. The cold butter helps the topping stay on top and creates those delicious crispy chunks.

• What makes the muffins rise so well?

The combination of baking powder, baking soda, and the initial high temperature of 425°F creates a quick rise. This technique gives the muffins their beautiful bakery-style dome and light texture.

Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Moist apple cinnamon crumb muffins deliver a delightful autumn embrace with spiced warmth and sweet fruit notes. Crumbly streusel topping and tender cake create a perfect breakfast companion for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar (for crumb topping)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for crumb topping)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/4 cup softened butter (for crumb topping)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Fruit Ingredient:

• 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch chunks

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the crumb topping by blending dry ingredients and incorporating softened butter until it resembles coarse, irregular crumbs. Aim for small butter pieces that will create crispy pockets during baking.
2. Heat the oven to 425°F and prepare the muffin tin with liners or nonstick spray to ensure easy removal.
3. Combine flour, leavening agents, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, which creates a tender muffin texture.
5. Incorporate eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until smooth and cohesive.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stopping mixing the moment flour streaks disappear to maintain a delicate crumb.
7. Carefully integrate diced apple pieces, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the batter.
8. Fill muffin cavities completely with batter, creating tall, bakery-style mounds.
9. Generously sprinkle prepared crumb topping over each muffin, covering the entire surface.
10. Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 15-18 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
11. Allow muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, letting them cool slightly for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Swap ingredients to accommodate dietary needs by using gluten-free flour, dairy-free milk, and vegan butter alternatives for a more inclusive recipe.
• Prevent apple browning by tossing chopped pieces in a bit of lemon juice before adding to the batter, ensuring fresh and vibrant fruit color.
• Control moisture by gently patting apple chunks dry with paper towels, preventing excess liquid from making muffins soggy.
• Elevate flavor complexity by experimenting with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, each offering unique sweetness and texture profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg