Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe With Crumb Topping
Cinnamon Apple Muffins: A Taste of Fall’s Simplicity
As autumn gently arrives, bringing its golden light and whispers of crisp winds, the apple trees bow under the weight of a rich and beautiful harvest.There’s something enchanting about how apples, in all their simple splendor, pair so perfectly with the season—much like falling leaves and evening firesides.
These Cinnamon Apple Muffins are a gentle nod to the changing season, filled with the warmth of cinnamon flavors and the sweetness of freshly picked apples. Each bite is a tender reminder of the coziness that autumn brings, whether enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee in the quiet of morning or shared with loved ones by candlelight as the day comes to a close.
These muffins are not only a delight to bake but also a joy to serve, filling your kitchen with the comforting scent of spiced apples and sugar. Just as one might discover a charming note tucked into a storybook, these easy apple muffins hold tiny treasures of flavor, waiting to be savored.
Choosing the Best Apples for Your Muffins
The magic of these muffins begins with the apple. For baking, I often turn to Granny Smith apples, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples. These tart apples hold their shape well in the oven, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and bite. Using the best apples ensures that your apple muffin recipe delivers delicious apple muffins with a tender crumb and moist texture, making them the perfect way to celebrate the season.
If you have a surplus of apples from a day of apple picking, this recipe is a great way to use them up. And next time, feel free to experiment with different kinds of apples like Gala apples or Golden Delicious. No matter which variety you choose, this apple recipe will yield the best results! (And with the apple core and scraps, make sure to whip up your own Apple Cider Vinegar!)
How to Store Your Cinnamon Apple Muffins
After baking, you’ll want to keep your muffins fresh for as long as possible. Here are some simple tips to ensure your easy apple muffins stay soft and flavorful:
- Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, place your muffins in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. They will stay fresh on your countertop for 3 to 4 days. For best results, be sure to store them in a cool, dry place.
- Freezing: If you’d like to enjoy them later, these muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Nutritional Information: For those following a medically restrictive diet, you can easily substitute ingredients to make healthy apple muffins. Swap out all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or spelt flour, and replace butter with coconut oil or almond milk to create applesauce muffins. You’ll find the available nutrient data and daily values will still make for a satisfying, nutritious treat.
Common Muffin Troubles and How to Fix Them
Even with the coziest muffin recipes, small issues can arise during baking. Here’s how to troubleshoot a few common muffin problems to ensure yours turn out perfectly:
- Muffins Came Out Dense: This often happens if the batter is overmixed. When combining the wet ingredients with the flour mixture, use a gentle hand. Divide the batter into the muffin cups immediately after mixing for light, fluffy muffins.
- Soggy Muffin Bottoms: If your muffins seem too moist on the bottom, they may have been left in the muffin pan too long after baking. Transfer them to a wire rack within a few minutes of removing them from the oven to allow them to cool properly and prevent sogginess.
- Flat Muffins: If your muffins didn’t rise enough, it might be due to old baking powder or the batter sitting too long before baking. Always use fresh baking powder and bake your muffins immediately after mixing the batter.
- Muffins Stuck to Liners: If your muffins cling to the muffin liners, try using parchment paper liners, or lightly spray the liners with non-stick spray before filling them with batter. This small trick makes for an easier release after baking.
- Dry Muffins: If your muffins came out dry, the oven temperature might have been too high, causing them to cook too quickly. For a tender crumb and moist crumbs inside, check the bake time and test with a toothpick for doneness.
Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe with Crumb Topping
Now that you’re ready to bake, here’s the full apple muffin recipe. Feel free to make mini muffins for a delightful bite-sized treat or use an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop for perfect portions.
Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe with Crumb Topping
Ingredients
- 1 large fresh apple finely chopped (set aside 1/4 cup for sprinkling on top)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour or substitute with whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- Chopped walnuts optional
Crumb Topping
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp butter softened
- 1/3 cup flour
- A dash of cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with muffin liners.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined, followed by the vanilla extract and apple sauce.
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just incorporated, forming the muffin batter.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently stir the diced apples into the muffin batter.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Use an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop to ensure even portions.
- Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, flour, and cinnamon. Mix with your fingers or a fork until it forms a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this streusel topping and the reserved apple pieces over the tops of the muffins.
- Bake: Place the muffins in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the muffin tops, ensuring they don’t over-brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Sweet Autumn in Every Bite
These Cinnamon Apple Muffins are more than just a recipe—they are a moment of quiet joy, a cozy offering to those we love, and a simple way to celebrate the beauty of the changing season. May they fill your kitchen with warmth and the smell of apples this coming season.
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