There’s something wonderfully cozy about the smell of apple and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen on a chilly morning. And when it’s baked into soft, crumb-topped apple streusel muffins, it’s hard to think of a better treat to start the day or enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Apple muffins might seem straightforward, but a few tips can take them from good to absolutely unforgettable. Here’s some tips for making these muffins bakery-worthy every time, along with some easy ways to switch things up to keep the recipe fresh and exciting.

Tips for Muffin-Making Success

1. Choose the Right Apples
   Not all apples are created equal in baking. Firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonders here. They hold their shape and provide a refreshing bite of flavor against the sweetness of the muffin. If you prefer a softer apple texture, you can also try Golden Delicious or Fuji, which melt a bit more into the muffin as they bake.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
   One of the biggest muffin mistakes is overmixing. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until they’re combined. Overworking the batter can make the muffins tough and dense rather than light and tender. You’re looking for a few small lumps in the batter—that’s perfectly normal and will bake out beautifully.
3. Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature
   For the fluffiest muffins, make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before you start. Cold ingredients don’t combine as well and can create a dense, uneven texture. Taking a few extra minutes to let them warm up a bit can make a noticeable difference.
4. Master the Streusel Topping
   A good streusel topping should be crumbly, but not dry. Combine cold butter with flour and sugar until it forms coarse crumbs. You can use your hands or a fork to mix it—just avoid over-blending into a paste. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the streusel can add even more warmth to the topping. For an extra indulgent touch, try adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch!
5. Fill Muffin Cups Generously
   Muffins with a high dome are always eye-catching and satisfying. Fill the muffin cups almost to the top, leaving just a little room to sprinkle on the streusel. This technique ensures a high rise and a generous, rounded muffin top. If you prefer smaller muffins, aim to fill each cup about two-thirds full, but adjust baking time slightly to avoid over-baking.
6. Test for Doneness with a Toothpick
   Apple muffins can take a little longer to bake because of the moisture from the apples. Around the 20-minute mark, test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they’re ready. If not, give them a few more minutes and test again.

Fun Variations to Try

The beauty of apple streusel muffins is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few ways to keep things interesting:

• Apple Cinnamon Raisin Muffins
  Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the batter for an extra pop of sweetness and a little chew. Raisins pair wonderfully with apples and cinnamon, giving these muffins a bit of nostalgic charm.
• Apple Walnut Streusel Muffins
  For some extra crunch, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts into the batter, and add another 1/4 cup to the streusel topping. The walnuts add a hearty, earthy flavor that works beautifully with the sweetness of the apples.
• Caramel Apple Muffins
  Looking for a slightly indulgent twist? Swap out half of the sugar in the batter with brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor, and drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the tops of the baked muffins. It’s like a caramel apple in muffin form!
• Spiced Apple Streusel Muffins
  If you love warming spices, try adding 1/4 teaspoon each of nutmeg and cloves to the batter alongside the cinnamon. This combination gives the muffins a deeper, spicier flavor profile that feels perfect for fall.
• Gluten-Free Apple Muffins
  For a gluten-free option, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just be mindful of baking times, as gluten-free muffins sometimes need a couple of extra minutes in the oven.

Apple Streusel Muffins

Recipe by Jessie

Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

muffins

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

These apple streusel muffins are everything you want in a cozy fall treat: soft, moist, and packed with fresh apple flavor, all topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel that adds the perfect bit of crunch. With simple ingredients and a few baking tips, you’ll have bakery-quality muffins right from your own oven.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 3/4 cup diced peeled apple

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tsp flour

• 1/2 cinnamon cinnamon

• 1 tsp butter or margarine

Directions

• Preheat Oven & Prepare Muffin Tin
  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup to prevent sticking.
• Make the Batter
  In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon until evenly blended.
  Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.
  Gently fold in 3/4 cup diced apple until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Spoon Batter into Muffin Cups
  Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter, leaving some space for the streusel topping.
• Streusel Topping
  In a small bowl, mix together 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp flour, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
  Cut in 1 tsp butter or margarine until the mixture is crumbly. You can use a fork or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients.
  Sprinkle a little bit of the streusel topping over each muffin, covering the tops.
• Bake
  Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
• Cool & Serve
  Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Apple streusel muffins are a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of fall, and with these tips and variations, you’ll be well on your way to creating a batch that’s perfectly tailored to your family’s tastes.

So, grab your favorite mixing bowl, let the smell of cinnamon and apples fill your kitchen, and enjoy these comforting, homemade treats!

While you are here, try out these other great recipe ideas!

• 25 Pumpkin Bread Recipes That Are So Good, You’ll Want to Bake Them All!
• Pineapple Zucchini Muffins
• Chocolate Zucchini Cake
• Zucchini Bread
• Pumpkin Muffins with Walnuts and Raisins: A Fall Favorite You Can Enjoy All Year Round
• A Family Favorite Carrot Pineapple Muffins Recipe: An Oldie But Goodie
• Blueberry Banana Muffins: Easy, Delicious, and Ready in 30 Minutes