Unleashing the aromas of freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins is like inviting a warm embrace into your kitchen. There’s something magical about the combination of tender apples with sweet, spiced cinnamon in a fluffy muffin, topped with an irresistible crumbly streusel. Whether it’s the crispness of a fall morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, these muffins are perfect for sharing with friends, enjoying with family, or savoring all on your own. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe one rainy afternoon, and it quickly became a cherished staple in our household.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

These Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are the kind of treat everyone craves. They’re not just delicious; they’re easy to make and pack plenty of flavor into every bite. Perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed family brunch, they cater to both sweet cravings and the wholesome goodness of fruit. Plus, they can be made ahead and easily stored for those times when you need a quick snack or breakfast option.

"These muffins are simply divine! The perfect mix of sweet and spice. My family couldn’t get enough – they were gone within a day!" – Satisfied Home Baker

Step-by-Step Overview

Creating these muffins is a simple and satisfying process. You’ll start by prepping your ingredients and then mix together the batter. After folding in fresh apples, you’ll whip up a quick streusel topping that adds an amazing crunch. Once baked and cooled, you can indulge in warm muffins with crisp tops and gooey apple centers.

What You’ll Need

Gather the ingredients for this delightful recipe:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
½ cup milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
For the streusel topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Feel free to use any apples you have on hand, or experiment with other types to find your favorite combination!

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
In another medium bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended together.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just moistened. A few lumps are perfectly fine—don’t overmix!
Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
For the streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These muffins are perfect as they are, but if you want to elevate them a notch, consider pairing them with a drizzle of honey or a smear of cream cheese. For a cozy breakfast, serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea, and watch everyone savor the moment.

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, they freeze beautifully! Just ensure they’re wrapped well in plastic wrap or a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Make sure to use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture.
If you prefer a sweeter muffin, consider adding a tablespoon or two of sugar to the apples before mixing them in.
For a fun twist, try adding nuts or dried fruits to your batter!

Creative Twists

Taking this recipe to the next level is easy with a few simple variations:

Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Change it up: Use other fruits like pears or cranberries for a seasonal twist.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth in the flavor profile.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare?
The total prep and cooking time is about 30-40 minutes, making this recipe a quick option for a delicious homemade treat.
Can I substitute the apples?
Yes! Pears or even diced peaches can work wonderfully in this recipe.
How can I adjust this recipe for dietary needs?
If you want to make these muffins gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For dairy-free options, replace the milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be ready to whip up a batch of these delightful Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins, tantalizing your taste buds and filling your home with irresistible aromas. Enjoy baking!

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

Delightful muffins made with tender apples and sweet, spiced cinnamon, topped with a crunchy streusel, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 muffins

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

Muffin Batter

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cups granulated sugar
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoons salt
1 large egg
0.5 cups milk
0.25 cups unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)

Streusel Topping

0.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.25 cups packed light brown sugar
0.25 teaspoons ground cinnamon
0.25 cups unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
In another medium bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended together.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just moistened. A few lumps are perfectly fine—don't overmix!
Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Streusel Preparation

For the streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Baking

Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or frozen for longer storage. Pair with a drizzle of honey or cream cheese for a special treat.

Keyword Apple Muffins, Baking, Cinnamon Muffins, Homemade Muffins, Streusel Muffins