Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe

The Magic of Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe

Baking these delightful moist apple cinnamon crumb muffins brings pure morning magic right to your kitchen.

Crisp autumn apples dance with warm spices in every tender bite.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, promising comfort and warmth.

Delicate crumb tops create a satisfying crackle when you break into these treats.

Homemade goodness beats any store-bought pastry, hands down.

Simple ingredients transform into something truly special with minimal effort.

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins For Cozy Mornings

  • Bake with Ease: Perfect for novice bakers seeking a simple, foolproof recipe that guarantees delicious results every single time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers warm, nostalgic flavors that appeal to all ages, making it ideal for family breakfasts, school gatherings, or weekend brunches.
  • Quick Morning Magic: Requires minimal preparation and basic pantry ingredients, allowing you to whip up a delightful treat with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
  • Seasonal Versatility: Celebrates autumn's bounty by incorporating fresh apples, creating a versatile recipe that captures the essence of cozy, comforting baking.

Essentials For Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the muffins.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the muffins.
  • Apples: Fresh fruit that brings natural sweetness and moisture to the recipe.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the muffins' soft texture.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a golden-brown color.
Dairy and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream, Milk: Enhance moisture and create a soft, tender muffin texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and complements the apple and cinnamon notes.
Spice and Seasoning:
  • Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.

Baking The Best Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

Baking The Best Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grab a muffin tin and line it with paper liners, creating cozy homes for your soon-to-be-amazing muffins.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and ground cinnamon until they’re perfectly blended, creating a fragrant base for your muffins.

Step 3: Cream the Sweet Base

Grab a large bowl and beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until they transform into a creamy, dreamy mixture.

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Blend in Moisture

Pour in sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract.

Stir until these ingredients create a luscious, silky batter that promises incredible moistness.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined – avoid overmixing to keep your muffins tender and light.

Step 6: Fold in Apple Chunks

Gently fold chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure each bite is packed with fruity goodness.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Cups

Carefully divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full for perfect rising.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool completely before diving into these irresistible treats.

Tips For Crisp Apple Cinnamon Crumb Topping

  • Use tart Granny Smith apples for a bright, intense apple taste that cuts through the sweetness of the muffins.
  • Toss chopped apples in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
  • Don't overmix the batter to keep muffins tender; mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft, delicate texture.
  • These muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months; wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for quick breakfast or snack options.
  • Replace sour cream and milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and coconut yogurt for a lactose-free version that maintains the same rich moisture.

Delicious Variations For Apple Cinnamon Muffins

  • Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Friendly Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of brown and granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content for health-conscious bakers.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter and sprinkle additional nuts on top for extra texture and protein boost.

Serving Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Warm

  • Breakfast Buddy: Pair these warm muffins with a steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy morning treat.
  • Dessert Delight: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent after-dinner dessert.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack these muffins in a portable container for a delightful outdoor snack during weekend adventures or family gatherings.
  • Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual muffins in cute parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade food gift that shows you care.

Keeping Apple Cinnamon Muffins Moist And Fresh

  • Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

  • Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute and provides similar moisture and tanginess to the muffins.

  • How finely should I chop the apples?

Dice apples into small, bite-sized pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes so they distribute evenly throughout the muffin batter.

  • Do I need to peel the apples before chopping?

You can leave the apple skin on for extra nutrition and texture, or peel them if you prefer a smoother muffin interior.

  • What types of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape well and provide excellent flavor during baking.

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Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe

Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins deliver pure comfort with their warm spices and buttery streusel topping. Sweet apple chunks nestled in tender crumb create a delightful breakfast treat you’ll crave morning after morning.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients and Spices:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Combine flour and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl, creating a dry ingredient base.
  3. Cream butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
  5. Gently stir in sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well integrated.
  6. Gradually fold the flour-cinnamon mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  7. Carefully incorporate chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
  8. Scoop the batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full for optimal rising.
  9. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean when inserted into the center.
  10. Allow muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the crumb to set and flavors to develop.

Notes

  • Swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Dice apples uniformly to ensure even distribution and consistent moisture throughout the muffins.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to create a smoother, more cohesive batter that rises evenly.
  • For extra texture, toast chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans and sprinkle on top before baking to add a delightful crunch.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 204 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 68 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 2.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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