Crumble Topped Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Muffins– Every bite of these yummy muffins is filled with tender apples. With a cinnamon crumble topping and cinnamon icing, they are simply spectacular!

These muffins are simple to make with basic ingredients, but the taste is anything but ordinary. You can enjoy them any time of day. And you don’t even need a mixer, just a couple of whisks!

 A PERFECT FALL MUFFIN

When cooler temperatures start to roll around, is there anything better than the smell of cinnamon wafting through the air? It just makes my heart happy.

With cinnamon in the batter, the crumble topping, and the icing, these muffins are perfect for cinnamon fans. And of course chunks of apples scream fall as well.

Most often I try to make muffins that are at least a little on the healthy side. But these cinnamon apple muffins are purely decadent! The apples do make them marginally healthy, but with the streusel and the glaze, they are definitely a special treat.

Of course, if you leave off either the glaze or the crumb topping, they will still be mighty tasty, but much better for you. You decide, I won’t judge.

What kind of apples are best for muffins?

For most baking recipes, it’s best to use a firm apple that holds its shape when baked. No one wants to bite into a mushy, mealy apple! 

I like using Granny Smith, Jonathon, and Honeycrisp apples. I’ve also used Braeburn and Gala apples in a pinch, and they work fine as well.

HOW TO MAKE APPLE CRUMBLE TOPPED MUFFINS

1. TOPPING: The first thing you need to do is make the topping, it is going to chill while you prepare the muffins. Stir together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Use a fork to gently stir in the melted butter. Don’t overmix or you will end up with a dough instead of crumbs. Place in the refrigerator.
   
2. PREP: Spray 12 muffin cups with cooking spray, or line with paper liners. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Peel and dice your apples. 
3. DRY INGREDIENTS: In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon; set aside. If your flour is lumpy, sift it first.
   
4. WET INGREDIENTS: Whisk together oil, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Add the dry ingredients and stir gently just until flour is barely mixed in. Fold in the diced apples. 
   
5. BAKE: Divide the batter between the 12 cups. Press crumb mixture on top of each muffin. Bake at 425° for 5 minutes. Then TURN THE HEAT DOWN TO 350° and bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched.
   
6. COOL: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then remove to wire cooling racks. 
   
7. GLAZE: Whisk all ingredients together until smooth, adding cream as needed. Drizzle over muffins while they are warm, or after they cool. 

PRO TIPS:

• Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Use a light touch so you don’t activate the gluten, which leads to tough muffins. 
• Baking the muffins at a high temperature for just a few minutes helps them rise up nice and tall. Just make sure you turn the heat down or they will burn on the outside before the middle cooks!
• If you want your icing to melt into the muffins a bit, add it while they are warm. For a more stiff icing, wait until they are completely cool. 

APPLE STREUSEL MUFFINS VARIATIONS

• Even without the crumb topping and glaze, these muffins are mighty tasty. You can even use half whole wheat flour.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, sour cream or plain yogurt is a great substitution. The batter will be a little more thick. 
• Have kids that don’t like chunks of apple? You can grate the apples and it works great. 

GOT EXTRA APPLES? MAKE THESE:

• Dutch Apple Bread
• Cranberry Apple Crisp
• Apple Dutch Baby
• Mini Apple Muffins

MORE TASTY MUFFIN RECIPES:

• Zucchini Chocolate Muffins
• Cornbread Muffins
• Morning Glory Muffin Recipe
• Oatmeal Muffins

APPLE CINNAMON MUFFINS

Muffins studded with juicy apples, then topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble, and finished off with a cinnamon icing. You can’t go wrong with these apple crumble muffins!