The Juiciest Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe Ever

Warm, fragrant apple cinnamon crumb muffins waft through the kitchen, promising pure comfort in every bite.

Baking these delectable treats brings an irresistible aroma that fills your home with warmth.

The delicate balance of sweet apples and rich cinnamon creates a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.

Soft, tender muffins topped with a crispy, buttery crumb topping make this recipe a breakfast or brunch favorite.

Each muffin bursts with juicy apple chunks and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon-infused crumble.

The golden-brown exterior gives way to a tender, moist interior that melts in your mouth.

You’ll find these muffins impossible to resist, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a hot cup of coffee.

Kitchen Tools For Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

• Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for perfectly portioned muffins.
• Paper Liners: Helps prevent sticking and easy muffin removal.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking dry ingredients together.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Two needed for crumb topping and optional glaze.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients without lumps.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for gentle folding of batter.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.
• Fork: Perfect for mixing crumb topping.
• Cooling Rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Toothpick: Helps check muffin doneness.

How To Make Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Soft

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375F. Grab a muffin tin and line it with paper cups or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Crumbly Heaven

In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle melted butter and use a fork to create those irresistible crumbly bits. Set aside and let the magic wait.

• Dry Ingredient Dance

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg in a medium bowl. These will be the backbone of our delicious muffins.

• Wet Ingredient Waltz

Combine melted butter with sugars in a large bowl until silky smooth. Crack in the eggs, pour in milk, and add a splash of vanilla. Stir until everything plays nicely together.

• Muffin Melody

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mix. Don’t go crazy with mixing – keep it light and airy. Softly introduce chopped apples into the batter.

• Tin Filling

Scoop the batter into muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Shower the tops generously with those crumbly bits we made earlier.

• Baking Bliss

Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let them rest in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Tips To Make Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Extra Flavorful

• Perfect Crumb Technique: Use cold butter when making the crumb topping to create more defined, crispy texture. Break the butter into small pieces with your fingertips for a more rustic, uneven topping that delivers delightful crunch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare muffin batter the night before and store in the refrigerator. The overnight rest allows apple flavors to intensify and develops deeper, richer taste. Simply add crumb topping right before baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Add one extra tablespoon of milk to compensate for moisture absorption. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Fruit Swap Strategy: Substitute apples with pears, peaches, or berries for seasonal variety. Chop fruits into similar small sizes to maintain consistent moisture and baking time. Consider reducing sugar slightly when using sweeter fruits.
• Healthier Twist: Reduce butter by using unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. Incorporate whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour to boost fiber content. Add ground flaxseed for additional nutritional benefits without compromising taste.

How To Serve Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Fresh

• Sweet Morning Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm, fragrant muffins with a steaming cup of coffee or hot tea for a delightful breakfast experience that awakens your senses.
• Elegant Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange muffins on a beautiful platter surrounded by fresh apple slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an impressive brunch spread that looks as amazing as it tastes.
• Cozy Afternoon Snack Pack: Pack these muffins in a cute container for a mid-afternoon treat at work or school, wrapped in parchment paper to maintain their delicious moisture and cinnamon-apple goodness.
• Homemade Gift Delight: Wrap individual muffins in clear cellophane with a rustic twine bow as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or teachers who will appreciate the warm, comforting flavors.

Keep Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Soft All Week

• Quick Counter Storage: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and maintain their delightful texture.
• Refrigeration Strategy: When stored in a sealed container, these apple cinnamon muffins remain fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve their soft crumb.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Pack muffins in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm briefly in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare muffin batter the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, simply fill muffin cups and bake for a quick, delicious breakfast. Unbaked batter stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours, ensuring maximum flavor and convenience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients That Make Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Amazing

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the crispy, golden-brown topping.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a crunchy crumb.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic flavor that complements the apple perfectly.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crumb mixture and creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth topping.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the muffin with a tender, soft crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Ensures light, fluffy muffins with perfect rise.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes throughout the muffin.
• Nutmeg: Provides subtle, earthy depth to the spice blend.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates moisture and rich flavor in the muffin base.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeten and help create a tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure to the muffins.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a soft crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances other flavors.
• Fresh Apples: Bring natural sweetness, moisture, and chunks of fruity goodness.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, smooth glaze for finishing.

Heavenly Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Scrumptious apple cinnamon crumb muffins deliver sweet comfort with rich seasonal flavors. Homemade bakery-style pastries promise a delightful breakfast treat you’ll savor with each tender, warmly spiced bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 cups (180 g) apples, peeled and finely diced (about 2 medium apples)
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1.75 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 0.5 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup (55 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
• 0.33 cup (65 g) brown sugar, packed (for crumb topping)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for crumb topping)
• 0.25 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted (for crumb topping)
• 0.5 cup (60 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 12 tbsps milk or heavy cream (for glaze)
• 0.25 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Position oven rack in middle position and preheat to 375F (190C). Prepare muffin tin with paper liners or cooking spray.
2. Crumb Topping Creation: Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Incorporate melted butter and transform into rustic clusters using a fork. Set aside momentarily.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
4. Wet Ingredient Emulsion: Whisk melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until integrated. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring to create a silky, consistent mixture.
5. Batter Assembly: Delicately fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, avoiding overmixing. Gently distribute diced apples throughout the batter, ensuring even incorporation.
6. Muffin Formation: Fill muffin cups three-quarters full with batter. Generously sprinkle reserved crumb topping across each muffin’s surface for complete coverage.
7. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 20-23 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rest muffins in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
8. Optional Finishing Touch: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle elegantly over completely cooled muffins.

Notes

• Prevent Dense Muffins: Fold dry ingredients gently into wet mixture, avoiding overmixing to keep the batter light and airy. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough, dense muffins.
• Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor balance. Dice apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
• Crumb Topping Technique: Create irregular, chunky crumb clusters by using a fork to mix melted butter with dry ingredients. Larger, uneven clusters provide a more satisfying crunch and visual appeal.
• Moisture Preservation: Let muffins cool in the tin for exactly 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents soggy bottoms while allowing steam to escape, maintaining the perfect moist interior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg