There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked Apple Muffins with Crumb Topping to make your home feel cozy and inviting. These muffins are soft, packed with apple goodness, and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb that adds the perfect crunch. Whether you need a quick breakfast or a sweet snack, these muffins are sure to satisfy!
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Why You’ll Love These Apple Muffins with Crumb Topping
- Apple-Filled Delight: Every bite is loaded with tender, juicy apple pieces.
- Irresistible Crumb Topping: The cinnamon-sugar crumb adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the soft muffins.
- Perfect for Breakfast or Snacks: These muffins are great for busy mornings or as a mid-day treat.
Ingredients for Apple Muffins with Crumb Topping
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (use your favorite variety)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Tools You’ll Need
- Muffin tin (12-count)
- Mixing bowls: For wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: To combine ingredients thoroughly.
- Pastry cutter or fork: For making the crumb topping.
- Spatula: To fold in the apples.
How to Make Apple Muffins with Crumb Topping
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk, and continue whisking until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Using a spatula, gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin and Add Topping
Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin.
Step 8: Bake the Muffins
Bake the muffins for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the crumb topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the muffins with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these muffins with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the muffins for extra sweetness.
- For an indulgent treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for the Best Apple Muffins with Crumb Topping
- Use Fresh, Crisp Apples: Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best, but you can use your favorite type of apple.
- Chill the Crumb Topping: For an extra crisp topping, refrigerate the crumb mixture while preparing the muffin batter.
- Add Extras: If you like a bit more texture, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for a longer shelf life.
- Freezing: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a quick treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Q2: Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?
For a smoother texture, you can substitute half of the diced apples with applesauce, but the muffins will be less chunky.
Q3: How can I make these muffins vegan?
Use a plant-based butter, a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed/chia seeds + 3 tablespoons of water), and a dairy-free milk alternative.
Conclusion: A Sweet and Crunchy Treat!
These Apple Muffins with Crumb Topping are the perfect balance of sweet, soft apples and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, they’ll quickly become a household favorite!
Did you bake these muffins? Share your creation with us on Instagram, and don’t forget to tag us!
Nutritional Information (per muffin)
Calories: 210
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every delicious bite of these apple-filled muffins, and make your mornings a little sweeter!
