These Easy Apple Crumble Muffins are fluffy and packed with delicious apple bits. The sweet topping adds a delightful crunch that makes every bite irresistible!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh muffins baking. I love having these for breakfast or as a cozy afternoon treat with my favorite tea. They’re simply happy little bites! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the muffins. If you want a healthier twist, try using whole wheat flour. The muffins will be denser but still delicious!
Granulated sugar: Regular sugar gives sweetness, but you can use brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor. Honey or maple syrup also works; just reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and perfect for baking, but you could use Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter taste. Even canned pie filling can work in a pinch!
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, just mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. Simple and effective!
Crumble topping: If you want to skip the butter, coconut oil can be a great substitute. For a nutty flavor, consider adding some chopped nuts or oats to the topping!
How Do I Ensure My Muffins Are Fluffy?
Mixing techniques are key to fluffy muffins. Make sure not to overmix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. A few lumps are okay! This keeps the muffins light and airy.
- Start with the dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- When combining, gently fold the batter together. Use a spatula or wooden spoon, and stop mixing as soon as there are no dry spots.
- Let the batter sit briefly while you prepare the crumble topping; this helps produce a more tender muffin.
Following these simple steps should give you perfect, fluffy muffins every time!
Easy Apple Crumble Muffins with Sweet Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (about 1 large apple, e.g. Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Sweet Crumble Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to bake, totaling around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick baking session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s hot and ready to bake when your muffins are prepared. Don’t forget to line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, use a whisk to mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This mixture will give your muffins structure and flavor!
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy. Then, add the melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together well until fully combined—this will create a nice base for your muffins.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until everything is mixed. Remember, it’s okay if the batter is lumpy—overmixing can make your muffins tough!
5. Add the Apples:
Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter. They’ll add moisture and sweetness to your muffins.
6. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the crumble. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This will create a delicious crunchy topping!
7. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with your batter. This allows room for them to rise while baking.
8. Add the Crumble Topping:
Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each muffin. This step is what makes your muffins extra special and adds a lovely texture!
9. Bake the Muffins:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy the wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they cool a bit, they’re ready to enjoy! Warm or at room temperature, they make the perfect snack or breakfast treat.
These Easy Apple Crumble Muffins will surely become a favorite! Enjoy every bite of this delightful recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor. Just make sure to peel and core them first!
Can I Prepare the Muffin Batter Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just give it a good stir before filling the muffin cups, as it may thicken slightly when chilled.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly and place them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using—it’s a quick and effective solution!
