Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe with Crunchy Topping

Moist, tender, and studded with juicy apple pieces, these apple cinnamon streusel muffins are a comforting bake that fills your kitchen with warm fall aromas. A crunchy cinnamon-sugar streusel crowns each muffin for an irresistible contrast of textures. They’re perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or packing in lunchboxes.

Cozy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Crumb Topping

These muffins are soft and fluffy with plenty of fresh apple flavor and a buttery cinnamon-sugar crumb on top. The aroma of cinnamon while they bake makes them a favorite for cool mornings and holiday baking.

Serve them warm with butter or jam for a cozy breakfast, bring them to a potluck, or enjoy one as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. This recipe quickly becomes a repeat during apple season.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredients and a few simple substitutions.

For the Muffins:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the muffins rise.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warm spice; apple pie spice works too.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances flavor.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Keeps the crumb tender.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter.
• ¾ cup vegetable oil – Keeps muffins moist; applesauce or melted coconut oil can substitute.
• ½ cup light brown sugar – Adds depth; dark brown sugar may be used.
• 2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk – Bind and enrich the batter.
• ¾ cup milk – Adds moisture; buttermilk can be used for tang.
• ⅓ cup sour cream – Adds tenderness and a slight tang.
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor; almond extract is an option.
• 2 ½ cups peeled and diced Granny Smith apples – Tart apples hold up well; Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are good alternatives.

For the Cinnamon Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour – Base for the streusel.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the topping.
• ¼ cup light brown sugar – Adds caramel notes; dark brown sugar works too.
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – Warm spice; nutmeg can be added if you like.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the topping.
• 3 tablespoons salted butter – Cold and cubed, to form crumbs.

How To Make Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins

The method is straightforward: make the streusel, combine dry and wet ingredients separately, fold in apples, top, and bake.

1. Make the topping: In a small bowl mix the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl whisk granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and extra yolk and beat until combined. Stir in the milk, sour cream, and vanilla.
   
4. Combine the batter: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; do not overmix. Fold in the diced apples using a spatula.
5. Fill and bake: Line a muffin tin with paper liners and lightly spray. Scoop batter into the cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle roughly 1 tablespoon of streusel over each muffin. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven 24–26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and repeat: Let muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Re-line the tin and bake any remaining batter.

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

These muffins are tender and moist, filled with juicy apples and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb—ideal for cozy breakfasts or fall baking.

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 26 mins

Cooling Time: 1 hr

Total: 1 hr 41 mins

Servings: 22 people

Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Paper muffin liners
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

For the Muffins

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk
• ¾ cup milk
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups peeled and diced Granny Smith apples

For the Cinnamon Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons cold, cubed salted butter

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pans:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and lightly spray; set aside.

Make the topping:

• Combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.

Mix the dry ingredients:

• Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl.

Mix the wet ingredients:

• Whisk granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and yolk, then stir in milk, sour cream, and vanilla.

Combine the batter:

• Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples; avoid overmixing.

Fill and bake:

• Scoop batter into the prepared tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Top with about 1 tablespoon of streusel per muffin. Bake 24–26 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and repeat:

• Let muffins cool in the pan a few minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Re-line the pan and bake remaining batter.

Notes

Storage and make-ahead:
Room temperature: Store baked muffins in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap cooled muffins individually, place in a freezer bag, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave 10–15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 muffin, Calories: 240 kcal, Carbohydrates: 35 g, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 11 g, Sugar: 21 g

Nutrition information is an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe FAQs

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