Warm up your autumn mornings with Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins, loaded with tender apple chunks and a buttery crumb topping. These cozy muffins come together quickly with a simple streusel sprinkle before baking for that signature crunch. Whether for breakfast or a snack, they fill the kitchen with the inviting scent of cinnamon and brown sugar perfect for a slow weekend bake.
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Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
For the muffins
- All-purpose flour – The base of our muffin batter, giving it that perfect structure.
- Granulated sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart apples.
- Baking powder – Essential for that lovely rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt – Don’t skip it—it enhances all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon – Warm and cozy, a must for apple cinnamon anything.
- Egg – Room temperature blends best into the batter.
- Whole milk – Adds richness and moisture—low-fat just won’t do the same job.
- Unsalted butter – Melted and slightly cooled for a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla is worth it here for that extra depth of flavor.
- Apple – Finely chopped and peeled for little bursts of fruity goodness in every bite.
For the streusel topping
- All-purpose flour – The base of our crumbly, buttery streusel.
- Light brown sugar – Packed for that caramel-like sweetness and slight chew.
- Ground cinnamon – Doubling down on that warm spice flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Cold and cubed, so it creates those perfect little streusel clumps.
Cook Time for Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins breakfast
One of the things I love most about this Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins recipe is how quickly they come together.
From the moment you start gathering your ingredients to pulling that warm tray out of the oven, you’re looking at just about 40 minutes. It’s one of those fall baking recipes that feels special without demanding your entire morning.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing each cup lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
Prepare the streusel topping by combining 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until evenly distributed and no clumps remain.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients & Fold in Apples
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully blended and smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula just until combined, taking care not to overmix.
The batter should be thick with some small lumps remaining. Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Topping
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin, then lightly press it into the batter to help it adhere.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
After making these baked apple muffins with cinnamon streusel more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make them even more delightful. Here’s how I like to tweak the recipe depending on my mood and what I have in the pantry.
- Flavor Swap: For a deeper, more caramel-like flavor, try swapping the granulated sugar in the muffin batter with an equal amount of light brown sugar. It pairs beautifully with the apples.
- Diet Tweak: To make these a bit lighter, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use a healthier muffin recipe base as inspiration. The result is still wonderfully soft.
- Texture Fix: For an extra crunchy topping, don’t press the streusel down too firmly. Let it sit loosely on the batter for a craggier, more delicate crumble.
- Storage Tip: These muffins are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but they freeze beautifully. For longer storage, check out my guide on healthy baking recipes that include proper storage methods to keep them fresh.
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups apple finely chopped peeled
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold, cubed
Equipment
- oven
- muffin tin
- Rubber spatula
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
- Make the streusel by combining 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then set aside.
- Whisk together the 2 cups flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until just combined; the batter will be thick and a few lumps are okay. Gently fold in the chopped apple.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each portion of batter, gently pressing it down slightly so it adheres.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While these Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins are certainly a treat, I love knowing they offer some wholesome goodness too. Apples bring natural sweetness and fiber to the batter, while cinnamon adds its warm, comforting aroma without any extra calories.
For those watching their intake, you can enjoy these as part of a balanced approach—maybe pair one with a protein-rich breakfast or enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re looking for even lighter ideas, check out my collection of healthy apple snacks for more inspiration.
According to the NIH Nutrition Information, apples provide valuable nutrients like vitamin C and dietary fiber, which can support overall wellness. And if you’re curious about other muffin varieties that pack a nutritional punch, don’t miss my spinach banana muffins—they’re a favorite in our house for sneaking in extra greens.
A Lighter Version of Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
I know many of you are looking for ways to enjoy baked goods with less sugar or fat, and I’ve found a few simple swaps that work beautifully with this Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins recipe. These tweaks let you savor that same cozy flavor without all the guilt.
For a lower-sugar version, try replacing half the granulated sugar with unsweetened applesauce—it keeps the muffins moist while cutting back on sweetness. You can also use whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour to add fiber and nutrients.
If you love this lighter approach, you might also enjoy my blueberry muffins which use similar healthy substitutions. And for more ideas on creating wholesome baked goods, explore my guide to healthy baking recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I’ve had many readers ask how to adapt these Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins for special dietary needs, especially those looking for diabetic-friendly or low-sugar options. It warms my heart to share recipes that everyone can enjoy around the table, no matter their health considerations.
For sugar-conscious baking, I recommend using natural sweeteners like stevia or xylitol in place of granulated sugar—just be sure to check conversion ratios since they vary by brand. You can also reduce the brown sugar in the streusel topping by half and add a pinch of extra cinnamon for that warm spice flavor without the sugar spike.
Another trick I’ve found helpful is using whole grain flours like oat or almond flour to help with glycemic control. These alternatives add nutty flavor and extra fiber, making these fluffy muffins with brown sugar crumble more blood sugar friendly while maintaining that tender texture we all love.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
I’ll never forget the autumn morning when I first served these Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins to my family. The kitchen filled with that incredible cinnamon-spiced aroma, and before I could even set them on the cooling rack, little hands were reaching for a taste. Now it’s become our Saturday tradition—waking up slowly with warm muffins and sharing stories from the week.
These muffins are wonderful served warm with a pat of butter that melts into the streusel topping, or alongside a hot cup of coffee for the perfect fall breakfast. For a special brunch spread, pair them with my cranberry apple coleslaw for a sweet and savory combination that always delights guests.
If you’re planning a holiday breakfast or looking for other festive options, try these alongside my apple pie cinnamon rolls for an apple-themed feast that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family morning or sharing with friends, these cinnamon spiced apple muffins from scratch make every moment feel special.
Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made plenty of muffins over the years, and I want to help you avoid the common pitfalls that can trip up this Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins recipe. Nothing is worse than expecting fluffy muffins with brown sugar crumble and ending up with dense little rocks.
One big mistake is overmixing the batter. Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, gently fold everything together until it’s just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will keep your cinnamon spiced apple muffins from scratch tender. Another hiccup is overfilling the muffin cups. I always aim for about two-thirds full to give them room to rise into that perfect dome shape without spilling over.
Don’t forget to let your muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy from trapped steam. For more baking wisdom, take a peek at my guide to healthy baking recipes. And for authoritative food safety tips, the FDA Food Storage Guidelines are a great resource to ensure everything stays fresh.
I learned the hard way after a batch of hockey pucks that patience is key. Now, my family knows that a perfect batch of these Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins is worth the careful attention to detail.
How to Store Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
My grandma always said a muffin tasted best the day it was baked, but I’ve found a few tricks to keep that just-baked magic going for days. She’d wrap them in a clean tea towel, but we have better options now to keep our Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins fresh.
For short-term storage, let your muffins cool completely before placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully soft for about 2 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, freezing is your best friend. I individually wrap each cooled muffin in plastic wrap, then pop them all into a large freezer bag.
This way, you can grab a single serving of this easy baked breakfast treat with apple whenever a craving strikes. To reheat, just unwrap a frozen muffin and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. It brings back that warm, cozy aroma perfectly. For more ideas on keeping baked goods fresh, check out my blueberry muffins storage tips. If you find yourself with extra apples, my healthy apple snacks are a great way to use them up.
Try This Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Yourself
I truly hope you feel inspired to warm up your own kitchen with the smell of these Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins. There’s something so special about sharing a homemade treat that fills the house with love and cinnamon spice.
I still remember the first time my daughter helped me make these. Her little hands carefully sprinkling the streusel topping, her face beaming with pride when we took the golden muffins out of the oven. It’s moments like these that turn a simple recipe into a cherished family tradition.
So, preheat that oven and gather your ingredients. This soft muffin recipe with crunchy topping is waiting for you to make it your own. And if you love baking with fruit, I think you’ll adore my other creations like these pumpkin muffins and these wholesome strawberry protein muffins. For a fun holiday twist, don’t miss my mummy muffins that the kids go crazy for!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make healthy apple muffins?
You can easily make a lighter version of these Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins. I often substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce and use whole wheat flour for extra fiber. For more inspiration, browse my collection of healthy muffin recipes.
Can I use applesauce in muffins?
Absolutely! Unsweetened applesauce is a fantastic way to add natural moisture and sweetness to your muffins. It works beautifully in this recipe, allowing you to reduce the amount of added sugar or oil for a healthier treat.
What is the difference between apple bread and apple muffins?
The main differences are the texture and baking time. Muffins, like these Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins, are typically lighter and fluffier and bake much faster in individual portions. Apple bread is denser, baked in a loaf pan, and often has a tighter crumb.
How do you keep muffins moist?
The key is not overbaking them and storing them correctly. Let them cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container. The fresh apples in this recipe also help keep these baked apple muffins with cinnamon streusel wonderfully moist for days.
What is apple crisp topping made of?
A classic crisp topping is similar to our streusel—a simple mix of flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. For a delicious dessert version, you’d love my apple crisp mini cheesecakes that combine both worlds.
Can you put bananas in muffins?
Yes, mashed ripe banana is a wonderful addition! It adds natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re a banana fan, you must try my beloved spinach banana muffins for a sneaky dose of greens.
More Cozy Fall Baking Favorites
If you loved these muffins, your kitchen adventures are just beginning. Here are a few more of my most-baked recipes for the season.
Maple Muffins – Sweet, cozy, and full of warm maple flavor that feels like a hug in a muffin cup.
Cranberry Muffins – Tart bursts of cranberry in a soft, sweet muffin that are perfect for holiday mornings.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls – All the flavor of apple pie swirled into a soft, gooey cinnamon roll.
Cranberry Apple Coleslaw – A crisp, refreshing slaw that’s the perfect side for any hearty fall meal.
