These delicious Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, featuring tender apples and a delightful streusel topping.
This recipe is designed for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up, bringing the comforting flavors of fall right into your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these muffins are incredibly straightforward to make. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy the classic combination of apples and cinnamon, all topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel that adds an irresistible texture to every bite.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
- Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
These delicious Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, featuring tender apples and a delightful streusel topping. This recipe is designed for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up, bringing the comforting flavors of fall right into your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin: Start by preheating your oven to 375 F (190 C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it thoroughly with non-stick spray. This ensures your muffins won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.
2. Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these ingredients, making sure there are no lumps and the spices are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for an even rise and flavor.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and uniform.
4. Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Once mostly combined, gently fold in the 1 cup of chopped apples.
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add the 1 tablespoon of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the signature crumbly texture of streusel.
6. Fill Muffin Cups and Add Topping: Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle a generous amount of the streusel topping over the top of each muffin. Don’t press it down; just let it sit on top.
7. Bake Until Golden: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The streusel should be lightly toasted and fragrant.
8. Cool Before Serving: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy and makes them easier to handle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
Keywords: muffins, apple, cinnamon, streusel, breakfast, snack, fall, easy, sweet, baked good
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true winner for anyone looking for a comforting and delicious baked good without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for families, especially those with little ones who love a sweet treat for breakfast or a snack. The combination of tender, spiced apples and the crunchy streusel topping makes these muffins incredibly appealing, and they’re substantial enough to keep everyone satisfied. You can serve them warm with a pat of butter, or simply enjoy them on their own with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re also fantastic for brunch gatherings, school lunchboxes, or as a cozy dessert after a weeknight meal. This recipe works because it delivers big on flavor and texture with simple ingredients and clear steps, making it accessible for even the most novice bakers.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients before you begin ensures a smooth baking process. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry, making this a convenient recipe to whip up on short notice.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apples (about 1 medium apple, peeled and cored)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the flour, any standard all-purpose flour will work beautifully. For the apples, firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith are excellent choices as they hold their shape well during baking and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Feel free to use any type of milk you have on hand, whether it’s whole, 2%, or even a non-dairy alternative like almond milk for a slightly different flavor profile. The vegetable oil can be swapped for another neutral-flavored oil like canola oil or even melted coconut oil if you prefer.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed to be quick and efficient, perfect for when you want fresh-baked goods without a long wait.
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes Total time: 35-40 minutes
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating these delightful apple cinnamon streusel muffins is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it thoroughly with non-stick spray. This ensures your muffins won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.
- Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these ingredients, making sure there are no lumps and the spices are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for an even rise and flavor.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large egg, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and uniform.
- Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Once mostly combined, gently fold in the 1 cup of chopped apples.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add the 1 tablespoon of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the signature crumbly texture of streusel.
- Fill Muffin Cups and Add Topping: Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle a generous amount of the streusel topping over the top of each muffin. Don’t press it down; just let it sit on top.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The streusel should be lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Cool Before Serving: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy and makes them easier to handle.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
These apple cinnamon streusel muffins are delicious as is, but there are many ways to customize them or serve them to suit different occasions and tastes. For a touch of extra sweetness, you could drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk over the cooled muffins. If you want to boost the apple flavor, consider adding a pinch of apple pie spice to the batter along with the cinnamon.
For kid-friendly options, small chocolate chips or a sprinkle of mini marshmallows could be added to the batter (or just sprinkled on top before baking, under the streusel). You can also use different fruits; diced pears or even berries would be a lovely substitute for apples. When serving for a party or buffet, arrange them on a nice platter and consider offering a small bowl of whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt on the side for guests to add if they wish. They also pair wonderfully with a warm drink, making them perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to look out for will help you achieve perfect muffins every time.
One frequent mistake is overmixing the batter. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir only until they are just moistened. A few lumps are perfectly acceptable. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, chewy muffins instead of light and tender ones.
Another common issue is overfilling the muffin cups. Filling them more than two-thirds full can cause the muffins to spill over the sides of the tin, creating a messy bake and oddly shaped muffins. Stick to the recommended fill level for nicely domed tops.
Incorrect oven temperature can also be a problem. If your oven runs too hot, the muffins might brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw in the center. If it’s too cool, they might not rise properly. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.
Finally, not letting the muffins cool properly in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them can cause them to break apart. The structure is still delicate right out of the oven, and a short cooling period allows them to firm up enough to be moved without damage.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Proper storage is key to keeping your apple cinnamon streusel muffins fresh and delicious. Once completely cooled, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container and another on top of the muffins can help absorb any excess moisture, preventing them from becoming soggy.
If you want to make them ahead for a longer period, these muffins freeze beautifully. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen muffins to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave or a low oven for a few minutes.
You can also prepare the dry ingredients for the muffins and the streusel topping in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers at room temperature. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the wet ingredients and the chopped apples, assemble, and bake. This can shave off a few minutes from your prep time on a busy morning.
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Can I use frozen apples? Yes, you can use frozen chopped apples. Thaw them completely and pat them very dry with paper towels before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
Do I need to peel the apples?
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
