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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Heat the oven to 425°F and prepare the muffin tin with liners or nonstick spray to ensure easy removal.
- Combine flour, leavening agents, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, which creates a tender muffin texture.
- Incorporate eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until smooth and cohesive.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stopping mixing the moment flour streaks disappear to maintain a delicate crumb.
- Carefully integrate diced apple pieces, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the batter.
- Fill muffin cavities completely with batter, creating tall, bakery-style mounds.
- Generously sprinkle prepared crumb topping over each muffin, covering the entire surface.
- 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.
- 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