Introduction

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are a delightful treat that combines tender muffin crumb with warm cinnamon and chunks of fresh apple. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these muffins bring autumn flavors to your table anytime.

A close-up of a muffin with a bite taken out of it showing two layers: the bottom layer is a light yellow, soft cake with a moist texture, and the top layer is a crumbly, brown streusel topping with small sugar clumps. The muffin liner is light brown and ridged, holding the muffin firmly. The muffin is placed on a white marbled surface with some crumbs scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
½ cup milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just mixed. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Step 5: Fold in diced apples if desired for added texture and flavor.
Step 6: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
Step 7: For a streusel topping, mix together a simple combination of flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon and sprinkle on top before baking.
Step 8: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy contrast that balances the cinnamon sweetness.
Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for extra crunch.
Substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
For a richer flavor, mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract with the wet ingredients.

Storage

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat muffins gently in the microwave or oven before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a muffin with a large bite taken out of it, showing the soft, light yellow inside with bits of brown cinnamon swirled throughout. The muffin top is thick and crumbly with a golden brown, crunchy texture, with some crumbs scattered on a white marble surface beneath it. The muffin liner is a light tan color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain frozen apples well to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which can affect texture.

How do I make the streusel topping?

Combine equal parts flour and sugar with cold butter, then mix until crumbly. Add a pinch of cinnamon if desired, and sprinkle over the muffins before baking.

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 91 reviews

These Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are a delightful treat combining tender, moist muffins infused with warm cinnamon and crunchy apple pieces, topped with a buttery streusel that adds the perfect sweet and crumbly texture. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these muffins are easy to make and sure to satisfy your cinnamon and apple cravings.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Muffin Batter

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
½ cup milk
1 cup peeled and diced apples (medium dice)

Streusel Topping

⅓ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg and then add milk, mixing until smooth.
Combine Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender. Fold in the diced apples evenly throughout the batter.
Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness in the muffins.
Do not overmix the batter; it should be lumpy for moist muffins.
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
The streusel topping can be prepared ahead and kept chilled until ready to use.
These muffins freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Keywords: apple cinnamon muffins, streusel topping muffins, baked apple muffins, cinnamon apple breakfast, homemade muffins