12 Divine Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat (or an anytime snack) that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven, you absolutely have to try my 12 Divine Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe. These muffins are the perfect combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced crumb, juicy chunks of apple, and a buttery, crunchy streusel topping that my family goes nuts for. I remember the first time I baked these—I couldn’t wait for them to cool, but trust me, they’re worth the patience. Ready to fill your home with that cozy, irresistible aroma? Let me show you how!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet cinnamon and tart apples blend beautifully, making every bite delightfully cozy.
  • Easy to Make: You don’t need to be an expert baker—this recipe is straightforward and forgiving for beginners.
  • Crunchy Streusel Topping: That buttery, crumbly topping adds an irresistible texture contrast you’ll keep coming back for.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can store or freeze these muffins to enjoy fresh taste anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this 12 Divine Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe comes from simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have at home, plus a fresh apple for that juicy pop. To get the best flavor, choose crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold up well during baking.

  • All-purpose flour: The base for your muffins, providing structure without being too dense.
  • Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Baking powder: Gives your muffins lift and fluffiness.
  • Ground cinnamon: The signature warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the batter.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
  • Milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
  • Unsalted butter: Melted into the batter for buttery flavor and also cold and cubed for that crumbly streusel.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds depth and sweetness to the flavor profile.
  • Chopped apples: Fresh, crisp, and juicy pieces are key for texture and flavor.
  • Light brown sugar: Used in the streusel topping for a hint of molasses and moisture.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this 12 Divine Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe—it’s such a versatile base that you can easily personalize to fit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeling a little nutty or want to make it gluten-free, there’s so much you can try!

  • Add Crunch: My family adores adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for an extra nutty crunch.
  • Swap Apples: Try pears or even add blueberries for a juicy twist on the classic apple filling.
  • Make It Vegan: Use your favorite plant-based milk and a flaxseed egg replacement to keep these muffins moist and delicious.
  • Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice in the batter amps up the cozy vibes perfectly.

How to Make 12 Divine Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients With Love

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners—this step saves cleanup time later! In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. This helps distribute the leavening and spice evenly so your muffins bake perfectly.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. I like doing this separately because it makes mixing the wet and dry ingredients easier and you avoid overmixing later.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Gently

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture, and stir just until the flour disappears and everything is moistened. Don’t worry about a few lumps—that’s totally OK. Overmixing is the enemy here and will leave your muffins tough, so keep it gentle! Then, fold in your chopped apples carefully—this keeps them intact so you get juicy bursts in each bite.

Step 4: Whip Up the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, toss together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for your streusel topping. Here’s a little trick I discovered: use cold butter and cut it into the mixture with a pastry blender or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. This cold butter is the secret to creating that crispy, melt-in-your-mouth topping we all crave.

Step 5: Bake to Muffin Perfection

Scoop the batter evenly into your muffin liners, and sprinkle each generously with streusel topping. Bake in your preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a skewer inserted comes out clean, and the tops are golden with that delightful crunch.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let your muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes—this helps them set without falling apart—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. I can never resist this part because the aromas start filling the kitchen, and it’s pure bliss.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making 12 Divine Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: I used to stir obsessively, thinking it made better muffins, but this recipe works best with a light hand to keep them tender.
  • Use Cold Butter for Streusel: Keep your butter chilled before adding it to your topping mix—this is key for that crumbly texture.
  • Choose Crisp Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • Let Muffins Cool Properly: Cooling in the pan prevents sogginess, so be patient—the muffins will thank you!

How to Serve 12 Divine Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

A close-up image of a single muffin with a crumbly topping sits on a white plate with circular ridges. The muffin has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a baked golden-brown crust that wraps around the sides; the middle layer is a soft, light yellow cake with a slightly moist texture and small pieces of apple inside; the top layer consists of a rough, crumbly streusel topping sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, giving it a light brown color with a grainy texture. There are a few small crumbs scattered on the plate near the muffin. The background has a white marbled texture, and natural light highlights the details of the muffin. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to add a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle a little honey on top when serving these muffins fresh. It adds just a touch of extra sweetness and looks charming if you’re sharing with guests.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai tea or coffee for an indulgent morning boost. If you want something a little more savory, a side of scrambled eggs or creamy yogurt balances out the sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch, I’ve arranged these muffins in a rustic basket lined with a cute gingham cloth, sprinkled with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks around for decoration. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and makes your kitchen feel like a cozy café.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay moist for up to three days. Just be sure to cool them completely before sealing, to avoid any sogginess from steam.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver with these muffins. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and pop them in the freezer. When you want one, just thaw at room temperature or warm straight from frozen!

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked feel, I reheat muffins in a microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes—it crisps up the streusel perfectly without drying out the muffin inside.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

    Absolutely! While I recommend crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their texture and tartness, you can swap in Fuji or Gala. Just keep in mind that softer apples might break down more during baking, giving you a moister muffin.

  2. How do I prevent my muffins from being dry?

    The key is to not overmix your batter. Stir gently just until combined, leaving a few lumps—it keeps the texture tender. Also, measure your flour correctly by spooning it into your cup and leveling rather than scooping directly from the bag.

  3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust baking time slightly; watch your muffins closely and test with a toothpick.

  4. What can I use instead of unsalted butter?

    You can swap unsalted butter for coconut oil or a neutral-flavored oil. If you use salted butter, reduce added salt slightly. The key is keeping the fats cold for the streusel topping to maintain that crumbly texture!

  5. How long do these muffins stay fresh?

    Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them as explained above.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this 12 Divine Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe turns out—each bite is a little celebration of fall flavors that you can enjoy anytime of the year. Once you try it, I bet your family and friends will ask you to make them again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with warmth and cozy vibes. So, grab those apples, dust off the muffin tin, and bake some love into your day. You won’t regret it!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
12 Divine Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

12 Divine Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 523 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Enjoy these moist and flavorful Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Made with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery streusel topping, these muffins deliver the perfect balance of sweet and spice with a delightful crumbly finish.


Ingredients

Muffin Batter

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)

Streusel Topping

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt evenly to ensure the leavening and spices are well distributed.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined for a smooth wet mixture.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until moistened, being careful not to overmix; a few lumps are acceptable for a tender texture.
  5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter to incorporate fruit evenly without breaking them down.
  6. Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which will create a crumbly topping.
  7. Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the muffin batter evenly into the 12 prepared muffin cups.
  8. Add Streusel Topping: Generously sprinkle the streusel mixture over the top of each muffin to add a delightful crunchy texture.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, ensuring the muffins are fully cooked.
  10. Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the muffin batter to avoid tough muffins and dense texture.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *