Apple crumble muffins are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and apple with a sweet, crumbly topping. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these muffins bring comfort in every bite. Their tender texture and inviting aroma make them an ideal choice for cozy gatherings or simply enjoying at home. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of apple crumble muffins without any hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have delicious muffins in no time.
- Versatile Flavor: The combination of apples and cinnamon makes these muffins perfect for any season.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, these muffins fit the bill.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet taste and soft texture make them a hit with kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation
To create your apple crumble muffins, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Proper preparation will ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Ensures even baking and helps shape your muffins perfectly.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures your batter is well combined for fluffy muffins.
- Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of bowls to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
Ingredients
Apple crumble muffins are tender and sweet muffins spiced with cinnamon and topped with a brown sugar crumble.
Dry 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
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 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)
Add-ins
- 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, then set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Crumble
In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.
2. Pour in the melted butter.
3. Mix until small clumps form. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
2. Set this mixture aside as well.
Step 4: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl:
1. Use an electric mixer to beat together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and room-temperature butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time along with sour cream and vanilla extract; mix until well combined. Scrape down the sides as necessary.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add half of the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients:
1. Mix just until combined.
2. Add milk; mix again until incorporated.
3. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture; stir gently until just combined.
4. Fold in diced apples by hand.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter among prepared muffin cups:
1. Fill each cup three-quarters full.
2. Generously sprinkle the crumble mixture over each muffin.
Step 7: Bake
Place in preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with few crumbs.
2. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your freshly baked apple crumble muffins! They are sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen!
How to Serve Apple Crumble Muffins
Apple crumble muffins are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your muffin experience.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing balance.
Drizzled with Honey
- A drizzle of honey enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely glaze.
Accompanied by Yogurt
- Pair the muffins with Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
As a Dessert
- Warm them up slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy your muffins alongside a cup of coffee or tea to complement the flavors.
How to Perfect Apple Crumble Muffins
Achieving the perfect apple crumble muffins involves attention to details. Here are some tips to ensure they come out just right.
- Use room temperature ingredients – Room temperature butter, eggs, and milk mix better and create a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the muffins tender and fluffy.
- Choose the right apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples provide the best flavor and texture.
- Fill muffin cups correctly – Fill each cup about three-quarters full to allow for proper rising without overflowing.
- Add extra crumble – Don’t skimp on the crumble topping; it adds texture and sweetness that enhances the muffin.
- Cool properly – Let muffins cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack for even cooling.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumble Muffins
Apple crumble muffins can be served with several delicious side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Greek Yogurt – Creamy and tangy, it pairs well with the sweet muffins.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness.
- Scrambled Eggs – Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein and make for a hearty breakfast option.
- Maple Syrup – A light drizzle enhances sweetness, making it feel like an indulgent treat.
- Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast.
- Chai Latte – The warm spices in chai elevate the cozy flavor profile of the muffins.
- Nuts – A handful of mixed nuts offers crunch and healthy fats to round out your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Apple Crumble Muffins can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for perfect muffins.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make muffins dense. Mix just until combined for light and fluffy results.
- Not measuring flour accurately: Too much flour can ruin your muffins. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for precision.
- Skipping the crumble topping: The crumble adds texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it’s what makes these muffins special!
- Not checking doneness: Relying solely on time can be misleading. Always check with a toothpick for perfect baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Apple Crumble Muffins
- Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Apple Crumble Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat muffins for 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Apple Crumble Muffins that you might find helpful.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can substitute with any firm variety like Fuji or Gala for different flavors.
How do I make gluten-free Apple Crumble Muffins?
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
What spices pair well with Apple Crumble Muffins?
Cinnamon and nutmeg work wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with ginger or cloves.
How do I store leftover Apple Crumble Muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them.
Final Thoughts
Apple Crumble Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips! Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting aroma of fresh-baked muffins in your kitchen.

Apple Crumble Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Apple Crumble Muffins are a cozy treat that perfectly balances the warm sweetness of cinnamon and apples with a delightful crumbly topping. Ideal for breakfast or as a snack, these muffins are sure to bring comfort in every bite. With their tender texture and inviting aroma, they make a wonderful addition to any gathering or simply as a treat at home. Made with straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can bake these delicious muffins with little hassle.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugars, and cinnamon for the crumble topping; add melted butter until clumps form.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon for the dry mix.
- In a large bowl, beat brown sugar, granulated sugar, and room-temperature butter until fluffy; incorporate eggs one at a time along with sour cream and vanilla.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients followed by milk; fold in diced apples.
- Fill muffin cups three-quarters full and top generously with crumble mixture.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean; cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing results. Don’t overmix the batter to keep muffins fluffy. Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavors.