Apple crumble muffins are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with tender apples, all topped with a sweet, crumbly topping. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even as a dessert, these muffins are sure to impress everyone. Their easy preparation and comforting flavors make them a favorite in any home. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later, apple crumble muffins bring joy to any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of apples and spices creates a warm and inviting flavor that’s perfect for any time of year.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is great for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These muffins are fantastic as a breakfast item or an afternoon snack.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste!
- Great for Meal Prep: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious apple crumble muffins, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and ensure perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Ensures even baking and provides the classic muffin shape.
- Electric mixer: Makes it easy to mix ingredients quickly and thoroughly for a fluffy texture.

Ingredients
Apple crumble muffins are tender and sweet muffins spiced with cinnamon and topped with a brown sugar crumble.
For the Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup (93 g) all purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 4 Tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter (melted)
For the Muffins
- 2 cups (250 g) all purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt) (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
How to Make Apple Crumble Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400° F. Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Brown sugar
3. Granulated sugar
4. Cinnamon
Pour in the melted butter and mix until small clumps form. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients for Muffins
In another medium bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Salt
4. Ground cinnamon
Set this dry mixture aside as well.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
1. Light brown sugar
2. Granulated sugar
3. Room temperature butter
Beat until light and fluffy. Then add in:
– Eggs
– Sour cream
– Vanilla
Mix until combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
Add half of the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Then pour in the milk and mix again before adding the remaining dry ingredients. Stir in diced apples by hand gently.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter among prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over each muffin.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 400° F for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with little to no crumbs attached. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious apple crumble muffins!
How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins
Apple crumble muffins are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins pair well with various accompaniments.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the muffins perfectly.
- Tea: A warm cup of tea can enhance the cozy experience of enjoying apple crumble muffins.
Topped with Spreads
- Butter: Spread a thin layer of butter on warm muffins for added richness.
- Cream Cheese: A light cream cheese spread adds a creamy contrast to the sweet muffin.
Accompanied by Fruits
- Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing side.
- Sliced Bananas: The sweetness of bananas pairs nicely with the cinnamon flavors in the muffins.
How to Perfect Apple Crumble Muffins
To achieve the best apple crumble muffins, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Apples: Fresh and crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide great texture and flavor.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Using precise measurements ensures consistent results every time you bake.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your muffins tender and fluffy.
- Cool Properly: Allow muffins to cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumble Muffins
Pairing apple crumble muffins with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fresh fruit offers a healthy balance.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal adds heartiness and complements the muffin’s flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and brightness to your plate.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses to contrast the sweetness of the muffins.
- Nut Butter Toast: Whole grain toast spread with almond or peanut butter makes for a satisfying side.
- Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars add crunch and are perfect for a quick snack alongside your muffin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, and even small mistakes can affect the outcome of your Apple Crumble Muffins. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or butter can lead to dense muffins. Allow these ingredients to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in tough muffins. Stir just until combined, especially after adding flour, to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Skipping the crumble topping: The crumble adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft muffins. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for flavor and texture.
- Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour can make your muffins dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement; scoop flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Ignoring baking times: Each oven may vary slightly, so always check your muffins a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with minimal crumbs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Apple Crumble Muffins in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Apple Crumble Muffins
- Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Apple Crumble Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat muffins for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat each muffin on high for 15-20 seconds or until warm. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place muffins in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Apple Crumble Muffins.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work great, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Fuji or Gala for different flavors.
How do I store leftover Apple Crumble Muffins?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these Apple Crumble Muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, ensuring you follow any package instructions for best results.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt as a perfect substitute; it will provide similar moisture and tanginess to the muffins.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields about 12 delicious Apple Crumble Muffins, perfect for sharing at breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Final Thoughts
Apple Crumble Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, raisins, or other spices according to your taste. Their tender texture paired with the sweet crumble makes them an irresistible treat that’s perfect any time of year. Try making these delightful muffins today!

Apple Crumble Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Apple Crumble Muffins, a delightful treat that combines tender apples with a hint of cinnamon, all topped with a sweet, crumbly mixture. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these muffins are easy to prepare and sure to impress. With their moist texture and inviting aroma, they are an ideal way to enjoy the cozy essence of fall any time of year. Whether served fresh from the oven or enjoyed later in the week, these muffins bring joy to every occasion.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (93 g) all purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 4 Tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups (250 g) all purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Add melted butter and mix until clumpy; set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon for the muffin batter.
- Using an electric mixer, beat light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and room temperature butter until fluffy. Add eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients while alternating with milk; fold in diced apples gently.
- Divide batter among muffin cups and sprinkle crumble mixture on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (85g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg