Name: The Best Apple Crumb Muffins: Warm, Comforting, and Irresistible
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487548H50M25S
Total time: PT-487548H50M25S
Yield: undefined
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (57g/2 ounces) all-purpose flour (for crumb topping); 1/4 cup (50g/1 and 3/4 ounces) granulated sugar (for crumb topping); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crumb topping); 1/8 teaspoon salt (for crumb topping); 1/4 cup (57g/2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted (for crumb topping); 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour (for muffins); 3 teaspoons baking powder (for muffins); 2 teaspoons apple pie spice (for muffins); 1/2 teaspoon salt (for muffins); 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature (for muffins); 1 cup (199g) granulated sugar (for muffins); 1/4 cup (53g) light brown sugar, packed (for muffins); 2 large eggs, room temperature (for muffins); 1 large egg yolk, room temperature (for muffins); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for muffins); 1/2 cup (113ml) buttermilk, room temperature (for muffins); 1/2 cup (113g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature (for muffins); 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (for muffins); Honey, for serving (optional)

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These Apple Crumb Muffins are the perfect combination of soft, flavorful muffins and a crunchy, buttery crumb topping. With the natural sweetness of apples, the warmth of apple pie spice, and a generous layer of crumbly streusel, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. They’re easy to make, wonderfully fragrant, and absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect texture: The muffins are light, fluffy, and moist, with tender chunks of apple throughout.
Crispy crumb topping: The buttery, cinnamon-sugar topping adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft muffin base.
Warm fall flavors: With apple pie spice and fresh apples, these muffins have all the cozy, comforting flavors of fall.
Great for any occasion: These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. They also make a lovely gift for friends and family!

Ingredients

For the Crumb Topping:

1/2 cup (57g/2 ounces) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g/1 and 3/4 ounces) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (57g/2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

For the Muffins:

3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons apple pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (199g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (53g) light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup (113ml) buttermilk, room temperature
1/2 cup (113g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
Honey, for serving (optional)

Instructions

For the Buttery Crumb Topping:

Prepare the topping:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture just comes together.
Chill the topping:
Place the topping in the fridge while you prepare the muffin batter. The mixture will absorb the butter as it sits and become more crumbly by the time you’re ready to use it.

For the Muffins:

Preheat oven and prepare the muffin tin:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and set it aside.
Combine dry ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugars:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a handheld electric mixer), combine the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium-low speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs and wet ingredients:
Add the eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Slowly beat in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and sour cream.
Incorporate the dry ingredients:
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the apples:
Turn off the mixer and use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold in the finely chopped apples.
Fill the muffin tin:
Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Don’t fill them all the way to the top—leave some room for the crumb topping.
Add the crumb topping:
Crumble the chilled topping over the muffin batter, piling it high in the center of each muffin. Gently press the crumbs into the batter to help them stay put while baking.
Bake the muffins:
Bake for 22-24 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.
Cool and serve:
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a serving plate. If desired, drizzle with honey for extra sweetness and serve warm.

Servings and Timing:

Servings: 12 muffins
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 22-24 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes

Storage:

Refrigeration: Allow the muffins to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: These muffins freeze well! Let them cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast or snack.

Variations:

Add nuts: Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Add raisins or dried cranberries: For extra sweetness, add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the muffin batter for more fall-inspired flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! You can use any variety of apple, but firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala work best for this recipe because they hold up well when baked.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, these muffins are perfect for making ahead! Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I make the crumb topping in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the crumb topping ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake the muffins.

Conclusion

These Apple Crumb Muffins are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, flavorful muffins with a crunchy, buttery crumb topping. They’re easy to make, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, and they’re sure to bring the cozy flavors of fall to your kitchen. With a sprinkle of honey and a warm mug of coffee, these muffins are an ideal treat for any occasion!