Apple Crumble Muffins
If you’re looking for a warm and delightful treat that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon, then you’re in for a real treat with these Apple Crumble Muffins. This recipe has been a family favorite for years. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying, or for special occasions like family gatherings when you want to impress!
What makes these muffins so special is the tender crumb paired with a sweet crumble topping. Each bite is bursting with juicy apple pieces, making them irresistible! Plus, they are easy to whip up, so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll feel like a pro.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious muffins ready in no time.
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves the sweet flavors of apples and cinnamon, making these muffins a hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack, these muffins fit perfectly into your day.
- Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
- Deliciously versatile: You can customize the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need
These Apple Crumble Muffins use simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Gathering these will be a breeze!
For the Crumble
- 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
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with the flavors and ingredients based on what you have at home or what you enjoy most.
- Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
- Mix in dried fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins can add a lovely sweetness and chewy texture.
- Switch up the spices: Experiment with pumpkin spice or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
- Top it off differently: Instead of crumble, try sprinkling some oats for a heartier topping.
How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400° F. Preparing your muffin tin with paper liners now will ensure that your muffins come out easily after baking.
Step 2: Make the Crumble
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until small clumps form. This crumble will add a sweet crunch on top of your muffins!
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another medium bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents so that each muffin rises beautifully.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend brown sugar, granulated sugar, and room-temperature butter until it’s light and fluffy. Adding eggs, sour cream, and vanilla will create a rich base for your muffins.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Gradually add half of your dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Then pour in the milk before adding the rest of the flour mixture. Gently fold in diced apples by hand—this way they won’t break down too much in the batter.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter among prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Generously sprinkle your crumble mixture over each muffin—don’t be shy; this is what makes them extra special!
Step 7: Bake Them Up!
Place your muffin tin into the oven and bake at 400° F for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this cooling process helps set their shape.
There you go! Now you’ve got yourself a batch of delightful Apple Crumble Muffins that are sure to bring smiles all around! Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Muffins
Creating the perfect batch of apple crumble muffins is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some tips to help you achieve muffin perfection!
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature before mixing ensures a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients, leading to fluffy muffins.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins rather than the light texture we all crave.
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Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp. Their flavors balance beautifully with the sweetness of the muffin, enhancing every bite.
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Double the Crumble: If you’re a crumble lover, feel free to double the crumble topping for an extra crunchy texture. Just make sure your muffin base can hold the weight without collapsing.
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Cool Before Storing: Allow your muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container. This helps preserve their moisture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins
These apple crumble muffins are delightful on their own but can be easily elevated with some creative serving ideas that will impress your friends and family!
Garnishes
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal.
- Cinnamon Whipped Cream: A dollop of cinnamon-flavored whipped cream brings creaminess and flavor that perfectly complements the muffins.
Side Dishes
- Yogurt Parfait: Serve with a yogurt parfait made from layers of Greek yogurt, fresh fruits, and granola for a refreshing contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds brightness and additional flavors while keeping things healthy.
- Chai Tea: Pair these muffins with a warm cup of chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat that enhances the spices in both.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with sliced apples and nuts creates a hearty breakfast option when served alongside these muffins.
Now you’re all set to bake up these delicious apple crumble muffins and serve them in style! Enjoy the warm aromas wafting through your kitchen as they bake—there’s nothing quite like it!

Make Ahead and Storage
Apple crumble muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- To reheat, remove the muffin from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Warm in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
- Alternatively, microwave on low power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making apple crumble muffins.
Can I make Apple Crumble Muffins without eggs?
Absolutely! You can replace each egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce. Both options will keep your muffins moist and delicious!
What kind of apples should I use for Apple Crumble Muffins?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work best due to their balance of sweetness and tartness. Feel free to mix different varieties for added flavor!
How do I know when my Apple Crumble Muffins are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of one muffin; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, they’re ready!
Can I add nuts or other toppings to my Apple Crumble Muffins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a fantastic addition, adding crunch and flavor. You could also try mixing in dried cranberries or raisins if you like!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making these delightful apple crumble muffins as much as I do! Their tender texture and sweet, cinnamon-spiced aroma fill your kitchen with warmth, making them perfect for breakfast or a snack. Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe with your favorite ingredients—it’s all about what makes you happy. Wishing you lots of joy in your baking journey!

Apple Crumble Muffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful warmth of homemade Apple Crumble Muffins, a perfect treat for any occasion. With a tender crumb and a sweet, crunchy topping, these muffins are infused with the comforting flavors of baked apples and cinnamon. Ideal for busy mornings or as an afternoon snack, they bring joy to both kids and adults alike. Easy to whip up, even novice bakers will feel accomplished. Plus, customize them with your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch. Bake a batch today and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodness.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Prepare the crumble by mixing flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until clumpy.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream together butter and sugars until fluffy; add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients; fold in milk and diced apples gently.
- Fill muffin cups three-quarters full and top generously with crumble.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean; let cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (85g)
- Calories: 278
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 46mg