There’s something incredibly comforting about baking a batch of warm, fragrant muffins, and this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe hits just the right note every time. Perfect for cozy weekend mornings or a sweet afternoon treat, these muffins combine juicy apple pieces with a fragrant cinnamon crumb topping. I love how the crumb adds a toasty crunch that perfectly balances the tender, moist crumb underneath. Whether you’re cranking the oven early or baking for an impromptu gathering, these muffins never disappoint.
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In the Kitchen
I adore this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe because it reliably produces moist, tender muffins bursting with fresh apple flavor matched to a sweet, crunchy cinnamon topping. It’s a comforting classic that’s simple enough for any home baker to try, yet special enough to impress guests or lift your day.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Using fresh diced apples folded gently into the batter locks in moisture and ensures bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: The cinnamon-spiced crumb topping crisps up beautifully, creating a contrast in texture that's so addictive.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Pantry basics like cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar come together in a way that feels cozy and homemade.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: These muffins take under 30 minutes to prepare and bake — perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on the go.
Ingredients at a Glance
Choosing the right ingredients will set you up for success with this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe. I recommend the freshest apples you can find—something crisp and slightly tart like Granny Smith or Fuji really brightens the flavor and keeps the muffins from tasting too sweet or mushy.
- All-purpose Flour: A staple that gives the muffins a tender crumb without weighing them down.
- Ground Cinnamon: Freshly ground if possible; it gives the crumb topping and batter that warm, spicy aroma.
- Butter: Use unsalted for better control over salt levels; softened butter makes the crumb topping perfectly crumbly.
- Apples: Peeled, cored, and diced—fresh apples create moist pockets inside the muffins, so don’t skip them.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to both the muffins and crumb topping.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe
Step 1 — Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. This ensures your rising agents are evenly distributed and that the cinnamon is blended well for consistent spice in every muffin. I find taking a moment here helps prevent any surprises later, like pockets of baking soda.
Step 2 — Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk. The melted butter adds richness, but be sure it’s not too hot or you’ll scramble the eggs. Everything should be smooth and glossy before moving on. When I make this, I like to swirl the vanilla for that subtle perfume that fills the kitchen.
Step 3 — Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures Gently
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and stir just until combined. Remember, overmixing develops gluten and can make muffins tough. I like to stop as soon as I don’t see dry flour—that’s your cue. Then fold in the diced apples with care so they stay evenly dispersed but don’t break apart. Their texture really shines here.
Step 4 — Prepare the Cinnamon Crumb Topping
For the crumb topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add the softened butter and use a fork or your fingertips to combine until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This topping will bake into a buttery, crispy layer that’s incredibly satisfying. It’s a straightforward step but makes all the difference.
Step 5 — Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Then, generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin. This recipe loves a hearty dose of topping! Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden. I always keep an eye near the end to avoid overbaking and drying out that tender crumb.
Step 6 — Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents sogginess and keeps the crumb topping delightfully crunchy. Though tempting, try to wait a bit—it’s worth it for the perfect texture.
Things to Remember
I’ve found that a few small tips make a big difference in this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe. Paying attention to texture and temperature helps you get to that perfect tender crumb and irresistible topping every time.
- Doneness Cue: The toothpick should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs; any wet batter means a bit more bake time.
- Temperature Trick: Make sure your melted butter isn’t hot when mixing with eggs to avoid curdling or cooking them.
- Make-Ahead Move: The crumb topping can be made a day ahead and kept chilled to save time when baking.
- Common Pitfall: Overmixing the batter will densify the muffins; stir gently and just enough to avoid this.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
I love serving these Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins slightly warm with a slather of butter or a drizzle of honey. The butter melts into the crumb topping, creating a luscious blend of sweet and savory. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant, sweet note if you’re entertaining or just want to fancy them up a bit.
Plays Well With
These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy break. If you want to add some protein, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a smear of cream cheese complements the cinnamon and apple beautifully without overwhelming the flavors.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For a casual brunch, try stacking muffins on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks as garnish. On weekends, a small ramekin of apple butter or cinnamon-spiced jam on the side is a lovely touch that brings this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe to another level.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover muffins stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge works too, but the muffins may firm up a bit. Let them come to room temp before eating for the best texture.
Freezing Tips
These apple cinnamon crumb muffins freeze beautifully, which is great if you want to prep ahead. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to three months. Thaw on the counter or gently warm them in the oven to bring back their fresh-from-the-oven charm.
Reheating Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat without drying out your Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe, I recommend warming them in a 325°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, wrap a muffin in a damp paper towel and zap it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. The steam keeps the crumb moist and the topping crisp enough to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
While fresh apples give the best texture, you can use frozen apples if needed. Just thaw and drain them well before adding to prevent excess moisture, which could make the muffins soggy.
I recommend tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji. Their firm texture holds up in baking, and the tartness balances the sweetness beautifully.
Yes! Substitute the butter in the crumb topping with a solid coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Overmixing develops gluten, which creates tougher, denser muffins rather than light and tender ones. Stir gently until just combined to keep muffins fluffy and soft.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe is a staple I return to when I want simple, reliable comfort food that hums with cozy fall flavors. It’s approachable enough for beginners—yet the fresh apple chunks and crisp crumb topping make it feel truly homemade and special. Give this a whirl on your next baking day, and you’ll soon see why these muffins get such happy reviews from friends and family alike.
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe
Delicious Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins with a soft, moist interior filled with tender apple pieces and topped with a sweet, crunchy cinnamon crumb. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Muffins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1.5 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples)
Crumb Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with butter to prevent sticks.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the muffins.
- Add Apples. Gently fold the peeled, cored, and diced apples into the batter ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare Crumb Topping. In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Fill Muffin Cups. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Add Crumb Topping. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each portion of batter in the muffin cups.
- Bake Muffins. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and tops are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- Make sure butter for the crumb topping is softened but not melted for best crumb texture.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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