Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Crumb Topping

Few things smell more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Muffins wafting through the kitchen. These muffins are soft, moist, and filled with tender apple bits, warm cinnamon, and a buttery brown sugar crumb topping that adds irresistible crunch.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these muffins capture the cozy essence of autumn — but they’re so good, you’ll want them year-round! They taste just like a bakery treat but are easy to make right at home.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it feels like a hug in muffin form. The sweetness of the apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the crunchy crumb topping create the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Each bite is tender and flavorful, with juicy apple bits throughout. The streusel topping gives it that special touch that makes it bakery-style but without the fuss. Plus, it fills your home with the most heavenly smell — cozy, nostalgic, and delicious.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Incredibly Moist & Soft – Thanks to fresh apples and yogurt or buttermilk.
• Cinnamon-Spiced Comfort – Perfectly warm and aromatic.
• Bakery-Style Crumb Topping – Buttery, crisp, and golden.
• Simple Ingredients – All pantry staples, nothing fancy needed.
• Freezer-Friendly – Great for meal prep and busy mornings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings

• Makes 12 regular muffins

Calories

• Approximately 210–230 calories per muffin

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Breakfast / Dessert / Snack

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) plain yogurt or buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups peeled, finely diced apples (about 2 small apples — use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Crumb Topping:

• ⅓ cup (40g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons (40g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

(Optional) Glaze:

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 teaspoons milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make the crumb topping and chill it.
2. Whisk dry ingredients together.
3. Mix wet ingredients separately.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures, fold in apples.
5. Fill muffin cups, top with crumbs, and bake.
6. Cool, glaze (optional), and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in cold butter using a fork or fingers until crumbly.
3. Chill the mixture in the fridge while preparing the batter.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prep Muffin Pan

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, yogurt (or buttermilk), and vanilla until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

1. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.
2. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix.
3. Fold in diced apples.

Step 6: Fill and Top Muffins

1. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about ¾ full).
2. Sprinkle chilled crumb topping evenly over each muffin.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 8: Add Glaze (Optional)

1. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled muffins for extra sweetness.

How to Serve

Serve these muffins:

• Warm or at room temperature with tea, coffee, or hot apple cider.
• With a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
• As part of a breakfast spread with yogurt, fruit, and eggs.

They’re also perfect for on-the-go snacks or packed lunches!

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) for balanced flavor.
• Don’t overmix — it keeps muffins light and fluffy.
• Chill crumb topping before using for a crispier texture.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts or raisins for texture.
• Muffins taste even better the next day — the flavors deepen overnight.

Recipe Variations

• Apple Nut Muffins: Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Chocolate Chip Apple Muffins: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips.
• Maple Apple Muffins: Replace some sugar with maple syrup.
• Spiced Muffins: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for warmth.
• Healthy Version: Use whole-wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

• Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack
• Small bowl for crumb topping

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?
Yes — substitute ½ cup applesauce for the fresh apples, but the texture will be softer.

Q2: Can I make these muffins without eggs?
Yes! Use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) per egg.

Q3: Why are my muffins dense?
Overmixing the batter can make muffins dense. Mix gently until just combined.

Q4: Can I skip the crumb topping?
Yes, but the crumb adds a lovely crunch and flavor. If skipping, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top instead.

Q5: Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely — try pears, peaches, or blueberries for variety.

Conclusion

The Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Crumb Topping are pure comfort in every bite — soft, moist, and filled with cozy cinnamon-spiced apples. The golden crumb topping adds the perfect crunch, making these muffins taste straight from a bakery.

Whether you bake them for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, they’ll fill your home with warmth and joy. Easy to make, freezer-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is a must-have in your baking collection.