Apple Crumble Muffins (Cinnamon Muffins)

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Nothing says cozy like a batch of fresh Apple Crumble Muffins straight from the oven. These soft, tender muffins are loaded with juicy apple pieces, warm spices, and topped with a buttery crumb topping that adds the perfect crunch. They come together in just minutes, making them an easy choice for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. Pair one with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and you’ll have the ultimate fall treat!

Apple Crumble Muffins Recipe

There’s something really cozy about the idea of a warm apple muffin with a crumbly streusel. Apple Crumble Muffins deliver that warm apple-pie feeling in handheld form – perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack.

Once you smell these Apple Cinnamon Muffins baking in your kitchen, I promise, one muffin will not be enough!

Why You’ll Love these Apple Crumble Muffins

The perfect balance of textures. This apple muffins recipe combine the soft, moist crumb of the apple-spiced batter with the irresistible crunch of a buttery crumble topping.

Simple ingredients with big taste! Using everyday pantry staples along with fresh apples makes this recipe very approachable. But there’s nothing simple about these Apple Crumb Muffins – they’re realy special and delicious!

Versatile and comforting. These delicious muffins fit so many occasions – from a casual breakfast on the go to a cozy afternoon treat with a hot cup of coffee or an ice cold glass of milk (or almond milk, if that’s your jam).

Apple Cinnamon Crumble Muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, a snack, or a special occasion.

Tools Needed

Muffin Pan
Cupcake Liners
Apple peeler
Large mixing bowl and medium mixing bowl
Hand Mixer
Medium scoop, optional but helps so much!

Ingredients

The best part of this cinnamon muffins is that all of the ingredients are very common, probably already in your pantry, or can easiy be found at any grocery store!

Muffins:

all purpose flour
ground cinnamon
nutmeg
baking powder
salt
light brown sugar, packed (or dark brown sugar, if you prefer)
granulated sugar
unsalted butter, softened
sour cream
large eggs
vanilla extract
whole milk
Granny Smith apples (or other tart apples)

For the crumble topping recipe:

all-purpose flour
brown sugar
granulated sugar
cinnamon
unsalted butter, melted

Find the complete recipe with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins

This apple muffin recipe is really easy to make and perfect for apple season! Delicious moist muffins with apple chunks and a buttery streusel topping on the top of each muffin.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Peel and chop the apples into small pieces. (Optional: drizzle with lemon or lime juice to prevent browning.)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugars until creamy.
Mix in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until just combined.

wet ingredients for apple cinnmaon muffins

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Add the milk and continue folding until the batter comes together.
Fold in the chopped apples.
In a small bowl, use a fork to combine the flour, sugars, cinnamon, and melted butter for the topping.

mixing chopped apples into muffin batter

Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter.
Sprinkle generously with crumb topping.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

apple cinnamon muffins with crumble on top

baked apple crumble muffins on a wire rack

Pro Tips

To check if muffins are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready. If there’s wet batter, give them a few more minutes and test again.
Use ingredients at room temperature – it helps the batter come together better, improving texture and rise. If you forgot to plan ahead, pop eggs in warm water for a few minutes to warm them up quickly.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, refrigerate up to a week but bring back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing: Let muffins cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or placing in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm in a low oven or microwave.

baked apple crumble muffins - one cut in half

FAQ

Can I use applesauce instead of diced apple?

Using applesauce will add moisture but remove the texture and the delightful chunks of apple. If you do substitute, reduce other liquids slightly to keep the batter from becoming too wet.

Are these sweet muffins good without the crumble mixture on top?

Yes, although the crumble adds a lovely texture and extra sweetness, the muffins themselves are flavorful and moist enough to enjoy plain if you prefer a less sweet or simpler treat.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

You can substitute regular butter with plant-based butter alternatives and use flax or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg replacement to make a vegan version of these muffins.

How do I keep the apple pieces from browning before baking?

Toss chopped apples with a little lemon juice or a splash of orange juice to slow oxidation and keep them looking fresh in the batter.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Absolutely. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch while raisins bring bursts of sweetness. Fold them into the batter with the apples for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

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