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Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

Delicious Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins featuring a tender, moist crumb bursting with fresh apple chunks and warm cinnamon flavor, topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel and optional vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

Crumb Topping

  • 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup (84g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

Muffins

  • 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120g) yogurt or sour cream, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (any kind), at room temperature
  • 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) peeled & chopped apples (1/2-inch chunks; about 2 medium apples)

Vanilla Icing

  • 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream (or milk for a thinner consistency)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with cupcake liners. You may need a second pan since this recipe makes about 14 muffins; baking in batches is fine. Set aside.
  2. Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter, then gently mix in the flour using a fork, keeping the mixture as large crumbles. Avoid over-mixing to prevent it from becoming a paste. Set aside.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a handheld or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down bowl sides and bottom as needed.
  5. Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute, then on high until mostly creamy, scraping down the bowl as necessary. It’s okay if the mixture looks slightly curdled.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With mixer on low, add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, beating just until no flour pockets remain. Fold in the chopped apples carefully.
  7. Fill Muffin Cups and Add Topping: Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin cup or liner, filling all the way to the top. Spoon the crumb topping over each muffin, pressing it gently so it sticks well.
  8. Bake Muffins: Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) without removing the muffins and continue baking for 15–18 minutes more, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Total bake time is about 20–23 minutes. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare the Icing: Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm or cooled muffins.
  10. Storage: Keep iced or plain muffins covered at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for up to one week.

Notes

  • If desired, this recipe can be adjusted to make jumbo or mini muffins, adjusting bake time accordingly.
  • Use a good quality yogurt or sour cream for best moisture and flavor.
  • Filling the muffin cups to the top gives you tall, bakery-style muffins.
  • The crumb topping should remain crumbly, not paste-like; be gentle when mixing.
  • The glaze adds a lovely sweetness but can be omitted for a less sweet option.
  • Ensure ingredients like eggs, yogurt, and milk are at room temperature for a smooth batter.