Cinnamon Apple Crumble Muffins – Easy Homemade Bakery-Style Recipe
Warm spices, tender apples, and a buttery crumble topping come together to create one of the most comforting baked treats: Cinnamon Apple Crumble Muffins. Perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon snacks, or even dessert, these muffins strike a beautiful balance between indulgence and homemade goodness. The aroma alone—sweet apples mingling with cinnamon and brown sugar—can instantly make a kitchen feel inviting and nostalgic.
Unlike overly sweet bakery muffins, this recipe focuses on real flavor and texture. Juicy apple chunks keep the muffins moist, while the cinnamon-infused crumble adds a delightful crunch on top. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven with a cup of coffee or packed into a lunchbox, these muffins offer a satisfying treat that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Baking them at home also means full control over ingredients, making it easy to adapt the recipe to your preferences.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a breakdown of the ingredients required for Cinnamon Apple Crumble Muffins, along with approximate calorie counts per ingredient (based on standard measurements).
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | 910 kcal |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | 580 kcal |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | 380 kcal |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup | 810 kcal |
| Apples (peeled & diced) | 2 medium | 190 kcal |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 kcal |
| Milk | ½ cup | 60 kcal |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | 5 kcal |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp | 12 kcal |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 kcal |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the crumble topping by mixing brown sugar, a small portion of flour, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl until crumbly. Set aside.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk the wet ingredients in another bowl, combining eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures gently, stirring just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Fold in the diced apples, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Fill the muffin cups about ¾ full with batter.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each muffin.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before removing from the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Apple variety matters: Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for natural sweetness.
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add extra crunch and richness.
- Boost the spice: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice deepens the warm flavor profile.
- Healthier swaps: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour or reduce sugar slightly without sacrificing taste.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with almond or oat milk.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin, Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Muffin) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280–320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
Values vary depending on portion size and ingredient substitutions.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Apple Crumble Muffins taste best slightly warm, paired with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. For a more indulgent experience, serve them with a drizzle of vanilla glaze or a small scoop of vanilla yogurt on the side. They also make a wonderful addition to brunch spreads, bake sales, or weekend breakfasts.
Cinnamon Apple Crumble Muffins
Course: Recipes12 muffins
servings15
minutes20
minutes280-320
kcalIngredients
For the Muffins
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 medium apples, peeled and diced
For the Crumble Topping
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
- In a small bowl, mix all crumble topping ingredients until crumbly. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gently combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in diced apples evenly.
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about ¾ full).
- Sprinkle crumble topping generously over each muffin.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For the best flavor and texture, use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, as they hold up well during baking and prevent soggy muffins.
Dice the apples into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and distribute throughout the batter.
Avoid overmixing the batter; stirring just until combined helps keep the muffins light and tender.
FAQs
1. What type of apples work best for cinnamon apple crumble muffins?
Firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady work best. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
2. Can these muffins be made ahead of time?
Yes, these muffins are great for making ahead. They stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
3. Can cinnamon apple crumble muffins be frozen?
Absolutely. Once completely cooled, wrap the muffins individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
4. How do I keep the muffins moist?
Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can make the muffins dense. Using fresh apples and the correct fat-to-liquid ratio also helps retain moisture.
5. Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes. You can reduce the sugar slightly, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or use applesauce to replace part of the butter.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Apple Crumble Muffins deliver everything a comforting baked good should—warm spices, tender fruit, and a satisfying crunch. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe fits seamlessly into both everyday baking and special occasions. Freshly baked and filled with familiar flavors, these muffins are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable. Whether shared with family or enjoyed quietly at home, each bite brings a sense of warmth and homemade joy.
