Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe

If you’re searching for a warm and comforting treat that feels like a cozy hug in every bite, this Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, moist muffins bursting with the tart sweetness of Granny Smith apples, topped with a golden, crumbly cinnamon topping that adds an irresistible crunch. It’s a delightful way to start your day or enjoy a mid-afternoon snack, and once you make these, they’ll quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe calls for common ingredients that you probably already have on hand, yet every single one plays an essential role. From creating the perfect tender crumb to delivering bursts of apple flavor and that addictive cinnamon-sugar topping, these ingredients work together seamlessly.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure while keeping the muffins light and fluffy.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the muffins a nice rise for that airy, tender texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the apple’s natural brightness.
• 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to keep the muffins soft.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender without adding heavy flavor.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together while contributing to structure.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough to balance the apples’ tartness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a warm and inviting aroma that complements the apple perfectly.
• 1 ½ cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced: The star of the show, with tartness that brightens each bite.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar: For the crumb topping, adding sweetness and that deep molasses flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy spice note to the crumb topping.
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour: Forms the crumbly topping’s texture.
• 1 dash salt: Balances the sweetness in the crumb topping.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crumb together and gives a golden crisp finish.

How to Make Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your muffin pan by either lightly greasing it with non-stick spray or lining it with muffin liners. This step helps ensure your muffins come out perfectly shaped and don’t stick, setting you up for muffin success right from the start.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple blend is crucial because it distributes your leavening agent evenly throughout, which helps your muffins rise uniformly while seasoning enhances the overall flavor profile.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a larger mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the whole milk, vegetable oil, egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. This mixture forms the smooth, flavorful base that transforms into a tender crumb once baked. Mixing well here means a consistent muffin texture later on.

Step 4: Blend Batter

Add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently and carefully until just combined — the key is to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make your muffins tough, so take your time to mix until you see no more flour but still keep the batter slightly lumpy for softness.

Step 5: Add Apples

Fold in the diced Granny Smith apples with care. You want them evenly distributed to ensure each bite offers that refreshing tartness, but handle the batter gently to preserve its airiness for fluffy muffins.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Pan

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This space allows your muffins to rise beautifully without spilling over, giving you those perfect domed tops we all love.

Step 7: Prepare Crumb Topping

Now for the delicious crumb topping! In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Pour in the melted butter, stirring until the mixture forms pea-sized clumps. This crumbly texture is what will create that sweet, crunchy contrast to the soft muffins beneath.

Step 8: Top Muffins

Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin. Covering them well ensures every bite includes that wonderful cinnamon-sugar crunch.

Step 9: Bake Muffins

Pop your muffin pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin to test doneness — it should come out clean when the muffins are perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

After removing the muffins from the oven, let them cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This step helps the crumb topping set up nicely and allows the flavors to meld, giving you that perfect balance of crunchy and tender with every bite.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

For a simple yet lovely touch, dust your Apple Crumb Muffins with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. It adds a delicate sweetness and makes them look as irresistible as they taste. Fresh apple slices on the side add a crisp, refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a cup of warm tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for an ideal snack or breakfast. They also complement creamy yogurt or a smooth spread of almond butter, which can add protein and richness to your treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch or dessert table, arrange your Apple Crumb Muffins on a tiered stand with fresh apple branches or cinnamon sticks as decor. You could also serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Crumb Muffins keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This simple step keeps them fresh and moist so you can enjoy that homemade goodness just as much the next day.

Freezing

If you want to make these muffins well in advance, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to two months without losing their delicious texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or day-old muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. This revives their softness and crunch on top, making them taste freshly baked once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and texture, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples depending on your sweetness preference and availability. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might reduce the need for extra sugar.

Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help keep the muffins tender and allow the crumb topping to form nicely while accommodating gluten sensitivities.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

It’s best to mix and bake the muffins fresh to maintain their perfect rise and texture. However, you can prepare the crumb topping and chop apples in advance to make the process quicker on baking day.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

If you prefer, you can use melted coconut oil or melted butter as a substitute for vegetable oil. Both will add a slight variation in flavor and richness but still keep the muffins moist.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from sinking into the muffins?

Ensuring the crumb topping has those pea-sized clumps and sprinkling it evenly on top helps keep it from sinking. Also, avoid pressing the topping into the batter; instead, gently scatter it so it bakes on the surface perfectly crunchy.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings simple, wholesome ingredients together in a way that feels both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re new to baking or an old pro, these muffins are sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. So grab those apples and get baking — your taste buds will thank you!

Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Apple Crumb Muffins are a delightful blend of tender, moist muffins packed with fresh diced Granny Smith apples and topped with a sweet, crunchy cinnamon crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they offer a comforting homemade taste with a satisfying texture.

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Ingredients

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Muffin Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (about 2 apples)

Crumb Topping

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 dash salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with muffin liners to prevent sticking, then set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly for proper leavening and seasoning throughout the batter.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, vegetable oil, egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated to create a uniform wet base.
4. Blend Batter: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the muffins stay tender and light.
5. Add Apples: Fold the peeled and diced Granny Smith apples into the batter gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.
6. Fill Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each muffin cup about two-thirds full to allow space for rising during baking.
7. Prepare Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms pea-sized clumps, creating the desired crumbly texture for the topping.
8. Top Muffins: Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin, covering the batter for a deliciously sweet and crunchy finish once baked.
9. Bake Muffins: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the muffins are fully baked.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This helps to set the crumb topping and enhances the flavor before serving.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and tender.
• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart crunch that balances the sweetness.
• If you prefer, you can substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter for richer flavor.
• Ensure the crumb topping has pea-sized clumps for the best texture.
• Allow muffins to cool adequately to avoid breaking the crumb topping when removing from pan.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American