Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins filling your kitchen. These delightful muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon and juicy apples. Topped with a buttery, crunchy crumb topping, they make for the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Muffins are an all-time favorite treat, and when you add fresh apples and a touch of cinnamon, they become even more irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy fall morning or just craving something deliciously comforting, this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins recipe will surely satisfy your taste buds. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to ensure your muffins turn out perfect every time.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite variety)

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add the melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Set aside while you prepare the muffin batter.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners or grease with non-stick spray.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.
2. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
3. Gently fold in the diced apples.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

1. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
2. Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping generously over each muffin.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

1. Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins for an extra touch of sweetness.

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Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap muffins individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Best Apples for Baking Muffins

• Granny Smith: Tart and firm, perfect for a contrast of flavors.
• Honeycrisp: Naturally sweet and crisp.
• Fuji: A great balance of sweetness and juiciness.
• Braeburn: Slightly tart and holds its shape well.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

1. Use Fresh Apples: Freshly diced apples provide the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense muffins.
3. Fill Muffin Cups Evenly: This ensures even baking and consistent results.
4. Bake at the Right Temperature: Too high, and they may brown too quickly; too low, and they may turn out undercooked.
5. Let Muffins Cool Before Adding Glaze: This prevents the glaze from melting away.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture and a nutty flavor.

2. Can I add nuts to these muffins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition to the crumb topping or the batter itself.

3. How can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Substitute buttermilk with almond milk + 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

4. What’s the best way to reheat these muffins?

For a freshly baked taste, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast them in an oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

5. Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Yes! Adjust the baking time to 10-12 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

6. Can I make this batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the muffins immediately after mixing, but you can store the batter in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking.

7. Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?

Yes, but it will alter the texture slightly. Use 1/2 cup of applesauce in place of the diced apples.

8. What type of sugar works best in the crumb topping?

Brown sugar is recommended for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

9. Why did my muffins turn out dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness. Measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.

10. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

These Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins are the perfect blend of soft, fluffy texture and warm, comforting flavors. With a delightful crunch from the crumb topping and the sweet, spiced aroma of cinnamon and apples, they are bound to become a favorite in your home. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, they are incredibly satisfying and easy to make.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the magic of homemade Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins! Let us know how they turn out in the comments!

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