Apple Crumble Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, then you have to try these Apple Crumble Muffins! Soft and tender, these muffins are packed with juicy apples and warming spices, making them an instant favorite in any household. The crunchy brown sugar crumble on top adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re busy on a weeknight or hosting a family gathering, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around.

These Apple Crumble Muffins are not just delicious; they also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, they’re simple enough that even the kids can help out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these muffins in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet apple flavor and crumbly topping.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert!
• Make-ahead option: These muffins freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
• Customizable: Play around with add-ins and spices to make them your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these scrumptious Apple Crumble Muffins, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Nothing too fancy here—just good old-fashioned baking staples that you likely already have in your pantry!

For the Crumble Topping

• ¾ cup (93 g) all purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 4 Tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter (melted)

For the Muffin Batter

• 2 cups (250 g) all purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt) (room temperature)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Variations

One of the best things about these Apple Crumble Muffins is how flexible the recipe is! Feel free to get creative and add your own twist to this classic treat.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Mix in dried fruit: A handful of raisins or cranberries can add a delightful chewiness.
• Switch up the spices: Try adding ginger or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
• Use different fruits: Swap out apples for pears or even berries if you’re feeling adventurous!

How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400° F. This ensures that your muffins will bake evenly and rise beautifully. While that’s happening, prepare a muffin tin with paper liners so your muffins won’t stick.

Step 2: Make the Crumble

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Pour in melted butter and mix until small clumps form. This step is crucial as it creates that delicious crunchy topping we all love!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents so every muffin rises perfectly.

Step 4: Cream Together Sugars and Butter

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and room-temperature butter until light and fluffy. Adding the eggs one at a time along with sour cream and vanilla will create a rich base for your muffins.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add half of the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix gently just until combined—overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Then add in the milk followed by the remaining dry mix. Finally, fold in those lovely diced apples by hand; this keeps them intact!

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter among prepared muffin cups—fill each about three-quarters full. Now generously sprinkle that heavenly crumble mixture over each muffin; don’t be shy!

Step 7: Bake

Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it. Let them cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.

And there you have it! Delicious Apple Crumble Muffins ready to be enjoyed fresh from your kitchen!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Muffins

Making these apple crumble muffins can be a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can elevate your baking game!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs, butter, and sour cream to room temperature helps them mix together more evenly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier muffin.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined keeps the muffins tender. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so fold gently when adding the flour and diced apples.

• Choose the right apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the muffin.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature. Start checking your muffins a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

• Cool completely: Allowing your muffins to cool on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy at the bottom. This way, they maintain their delightful crumb and texture!

How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins

Apple crumble muffins are not just tasty; they’re also perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting brunch or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances visual appeal without overwhelming sweetness.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon over the top right before serving brings an aromatic boost that complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on the side provides a satisfying contrast to the sweet muffins while adding some protein.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing bowl of mixed seasonal fruits brightens up your plate and adds variety to your meal.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these muffins with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea time.
• Nut butter spread: Offering almond or peanut butter as a side allows guests to enjoy an extra layer of flavor while adding healthy fats and protein.

Enjoy these apple crumble muffins at any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Crumble Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow muffins to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• To reheat from room temperature, place muffins in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• For frozen muffins, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as above or bake at 350° F for about 10 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious Apple Crumble Muffins!

Can I use different types of apples for Apple Crumble Muffins?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala apples for different flavors and textures.

How long do Apple Crumble Muffins stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, these muffins will stay fresh for about 3 days. In the fridge, they can last up to a week. For even longer storage, freeze them!

Can I substitute sour cream in the Apple Crumble Muffins recipe?

Yes! Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you’re looking to replace sour cream. It will give your muffins a similar texture and moisture level while adding a bit of tang.

Are Apple Crumble Muffins suitable for breakfast?

Definitely! These muffins make an excellent breakfast option. They’re sweet enough to satisfy your morning craving but also hearty enough to keep you full until lunchtime.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Apple Crumble Muffins as much as I do! They’re not only perfect for breakfast but also make a wonderful snack any time of day. The combination of tender muffin with that crunchy crumble on top is just irresistible! So gather your ingredients and get baking—you won’t be disappointed! Happy baking!