I make these Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins when I want my kitchen to smell warm and comforting. They’re soft, tender, and filled with sweet apple pieces, all topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb that makes them feel extra special without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s cozy, reliable, and perfect any time of day. I like how the apples keep the muffins moist, while the cinnamon crumb topping adds texture and sweetness. I also enjoy that they’re easy to make and work just as well for breakfast as they do for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
brown sugar
baking powder
baking soda
salt
ground cinnamon
eggs
milk or yogurt
vegetable oil or melted butter
vanilla extract
apples, peeled and diced
all-purpose flour
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
butter, melted
Directions
I start by preheating the oven and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, I mix the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk or yogurt, oil or butter, and vanilla. I combine the wet and dry ingredients just until mixed, then gently fold in the diced apples.
For the crumb topping, I stir together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a crumbly mixture. I divide the muffin batter evenly into the muffin cups and sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each one.
I bake the muffins until they’re golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. I let them cool slightly before removing them from the pan.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 muffins. I usually spend around 15 minutes preparing the batter and about 20 to 25 minutes baking. I like that they’re ready in under an hour from start to finish.
Variations
I sometimes add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch. When I want more spice, I add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves. I’ve also made these with pears instead of apples, and they turn out just as delicious.
storage/reheating
I store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, I warm them briefly in the microwave or let them come to room temperature before eating.
FAQs
What type of apples work best for these muffins?
I usually use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape well.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
I often bake them the day before, and they stay moist and flavorful.
Can I freeze apple cinnamon crumb muffins?
I freeze them once cooled, and they keep well for up to 2 months.
Why are my muffins dense?
I’ve found this happens when the batter is overmixed, so I mix just until combined.
Can I make these muffins without the crumb topping?
I can skip the topping, but I really enjoy the extra texture and flavor it adds.
Conclusion
I keep these Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins in my baking rotation because they’re warm, comforting, and easy to make. I like how they turn simple ingredients into a cozy treat that feels perfect for quiet mornings or sharing with others.
PrintApple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
Warm, cozy apple cinnamon muffins that are soft and tender inside, filled with sweet apple pieces, and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Author: Mayaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk or yogurt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (crumb topping)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (crumb topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (crumb topping)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (crumb topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk or yogurt, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
- In a small bowl, combine crumb topping flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each muffin.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Notes
- Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
- Avoid overmixing to keep muffins light and tender.
- Add nuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
- Pears can be substituted for apples.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
