Moist Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

These moist apple cinnamon crumb muffins are the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. With a tender, fluffy base studded with fresh apple chunks and a buttery crumb topping, they’re a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The muffins are incredibly moist, thanks to Greek yogurt or sour cream.

They’re packed with warm cinnamon flavor and juicy apple bites.

The crumb topping adds a buttery, crunchy texture.

Easy to make with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.

Perfect for meal prepping—enjoy them fresh or reheat later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Muffins:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Crumb Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1–2 tbsp milk

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the Crumb Topping:
In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.

Make the Muffin Batter:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with liners or grease it. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in diced apples.

Assemble the Muffins:
Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with batter. Sprinkle crumb topping generously over each muffin.

Bake:
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Glaze:
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 muffins

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Spices: Include ground cloves or allspice for a deeper spice profile.

Fruits: Substitute apples with pears or add dried cranberries.

Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.

Gluten-Free: Replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Freezer: Freeze muffins in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Related Recipes:

• Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins
• Banana Crumb Cake
• Classic Sugar Cookies

FAQs

What kind of apples work best for these muffins?

I recommend using sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a great flavor balance.

Can I skip the crumb topping?

Yes, the muffins are delicious on their own, but the crumb topping adds a delightful texture.

How do I prevent overmixing the batter?

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gently and stop mixing as soon as they’re combined.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, the eggs with flax eggs, and the yogurt with a dairy-free option.

How do I keep the crumb topping from sinking?

Chill the topping for a few minutes in the freezer before sprinkling it over the batter.

Conclusion

These apple cinnamon crumb muffins are a must-try for anyone who loves a cozy, homemade treat. With their moist interior, crunchy topping, and optional glaze, they’ll quickly become a favorite. Make a batch for yourself or share them with loved ones—they’re guaranteed to impress.

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