Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

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If you love soft, flavorful muffins with a sweet crunch, these Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins are for you. They are packed with tender apple pieces and warm cinnamon flavor, topped with a buttery crumb that adds texture. Every bite is cozy and satisfying, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Apple cinnamon muffins served on a wooden board.

Apple muffins are popular in the fall when apples are in season, but they're great any time of year. They're often enjoyed during family breakfasts, brunches, or even for special occasions like school events and holiday gatherings.

This recipe is part of a collection of fall-inspired desserts on my blog. For a delightful pairing, consider trying the Mini Apple Crumbles with Cinnamon Oat Topping. These individual servings feature warm, spiced apples beneath a golden oat topping, making them a perfect companion to the muffins.

Apple cinnamon muffins served on a wooden board, garnished and accompanied by fresh apple.

Ingredients

Flour provides structure to the muffins and helps them rise.
Baking powder and baking soda act as leavening agents to make the muffins light and fluffy.
Salt and cinnamon enhance the flavor and add warmth to the muffins.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar sweeten the batter and contribute to a soft texture.
Butter adds richness and moisture.
Eggs bind the ingredients and help the muffins rise.
Vanilla extract adds a hint of sweetness and depth.
Milk keeps the muffins moist.
Apples peeled, cored, and diced provide natural sweetness and tender bites.
Crumb topping is made with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter mixed until coarse crumbs form.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

Ingredients for apple cinnamon muffins mixed in a large bowl, surrounded by other ingredients on the surface.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Large bowl with wet ingredients being mixed and a small bowl with diced apples and a whisk on the surface.

In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.

Two bowls containing dry and wet ingredients separately with diced apples placed nearby in a small bowl.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing.

Mixed ingredients in a large bowl with a whisk resting on it and diced apples in a small bowl nearby.

Fold in the diced apples carefully.

Cream and spices in a white bowl with butter on a gray background.

In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping.

Dry ingredients being mixed together in a bowl. — Add the softened butter and work it in with a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Mixture in a bowl with a tin can holding a scooped portion of the apple muffin mixture. — Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

Apple cinnamon muffins placed in a baking tray ready to be baked. — Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over each muffin.

Freshly baked apple cinnamon muffins resting on a cooling wire rack. — Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Hint: For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel on top after baking.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-free: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Vegetarian: Already vegetarian, but you can use plant-based butter if preferred.
Deluxe: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or a caramel drizzle for extra richness.
Kid-friendly: Mix in small chocolate chips or cinnamon sugar for a fun twist.

💭Crucial Success Tips

Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can make muffins tough. Folding in apples gently ensures even distribution without breaking them down.

FAQ

Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, store cooled muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Can I use other fruits?

Pears or berries can be swapped in place of apples.

How do I keep the crumb topping crunchy?

Add it just before baking and avoid covering the muffins while hot.

Printable Recipe

📖 Recipe

Tina

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are soft, moist, and bursting with sweet apple pieces and warm cinnamon flavor. Topped with a buttery crumb, they make a perfect breakfast, afternoon snack, or cozy dessert.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Cool Time 10

Total Time 45

Servings: 12 muffins

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar packed
½ cup unsalted butter melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
1.5 cups apples peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples)

For the Crumb Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup brown sugar packed
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter softened

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing.
Fold in the diced apples carefully.
In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping.
Add the softened butter and work it in with a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over each muffin.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Store Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 2 months.