Let’s talk about fall cravings, shall we? The air turns crisp, leaves crunch underfoot, and suddenly you’re dreaming about warm baked goods that smell like cinnamon and hugs. That’s where these Apple Crumble Muffins come in. They’re everything you want in a comforting treat: tender, buttery, and topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel that adds the perfect crumbly contrast.

Whether you’re corralling kids for school, powering through back-to-back Zoom calls, or just enjoying a quiet morning with coffee in hand, these muffins are your delicious answer to chilly-day cravings. Packed with juicy apples and warm spices, they taste like your favorite fall apple dessert — in grab-and-go form.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Crumble Muffins

Tender and moist from a mix of butter, sour cream, and milk.
Loaded with apple flavor thanks to diced Granny Smiths or Honeycrisps.
Topped with a heavenly streusel that brings the bakery vibe home.
Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved, because mornings don’t wait.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crumble Topping:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Muffins:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Let’s Bake!

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Start with the crumble: mix the flour, both sugars, and cinnamon in a bowl. Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbly. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter until light and fluffy.
Mix in eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Add half of the dry ingredients. Mix gently. Pour in the milk, then the remaining dry mix. Stir just until combined.
Fold in the diced apples by hand — this keeps them from breaking down.
Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling 3/4 full. Generously sprinkle crumble topping on each.
Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs. Cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a rack.

Tips for Muffin Mastery

Room temp ingredients = smooth batter and better rise.
Dice your apples small so they cook through and evenly distribute.
Don’t overmix once the flour hits the bowl — tender muffins are the goal.
That crumbly streusel? Make extra and freeze it. Future-you will thank you.

From My Kitchen to Yours

The first time I baked these was during a chaotic Tuesday with toddlers underfoot and a to-do list a mile long. One bite and everything slowed down. They became our fall tradition—warm muffins in mismatched pajamas, apple peels on the counter, cinnamon in the air.

Cooking isn’t just about feeding the body; it’s about feeding the soul. And these muffins? They do both.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Apple Crumble Muffins

These cinnamon apple muffins are just as cozy solo as they are dressed up:

With a hot mug of chai or cinnamon-spiced coffee.
Alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a weekend brunch.
Topped with a dollop of vanilla yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
Or, warmed up and served with a scoop of ice cream for dessert. Yes, dessert-for-breakfast is real.

Storing Your Streusel Muffins

Let them cool completely before storing:

Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container up to 2 days.
Fridge: Extend life to 5 days — just pop in the microwave for 10 seconds before eating.
Freezer: Flash-freeze individually, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat at 300°F for 8-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I substitute the apples?

Absolutely! Pears work beautifully, or try a mix of apple and pear for a fun twist.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes — use your favorite 1-to-1 GF baking flour and check your baking powder is gluten-free.

What’s the best apple for muffins?

Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweet-crisp texture. Both hold up well to baking.

Can I skip the streusel?

Sure, but why would you? That buttery crumble is half the magic.

Your New Fall Favorite

Apple Crumble Muffins are the cozy, cinnamon-spiced hug your mornings have been missing. Whether you bake a batch to share or keep them all to yourself (we won’t judge), they’re sure to bring warmth, comfort, and a little joy to your day. So tie on your apron, cue up your favorite playlist, and let’s bake some happiness.

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Apple Crumble Muffins

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Author: Amanda Thompson
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 40 minutes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Apple Crumble Muffins are everything you love about fall wrapped into one warm, tender, cinnamon-kissed treat. Filled with juicy diced apples and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and cozy. Whether you’re making breakfast special or preparing an afternoon snack, these muffins bring homemade bakery charm right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crumble Topping:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Muffins:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 stick unsalted butter (113 g), room temperature
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk
1½ cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Make the crumble: combine flour, sugars, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.
Add half the dry mix, then milk, then remaining dry ingredients—mix just until combined.
Fold in diced apples gently.
Spoon batter into muffin cups ¾ full. Top generously with crumble.
Bake 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and rise.

Dice apples finely for even texture.

Streusel topping can be made in bulk and frozen.

Serve warm with yogurt or butter for extra indulgence.

Great for meal prep—freezer-friendly and quick to reheat.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Cozy Mornings Start with Apple Crumble Muffins