Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Moist, tender, and packed with chunks of fresh apple, these Apple Cinnamon Muffins are topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb for a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. They’re simple to make and bring the cozy flavors of fall to your table all year round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh apples and cinnamon is classic and irresistible.
• Moist and Tender: Thanks to sour cream and butter, these muffins are wonderfully soft.
• Crumb Topping: A buttery, cinnamon-sugar topping adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and simple ingredients make this recipe accessible for any home baker.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crumb Topping:

• All-purpose flour – ⅔ cup
• Light brown sugar, packed – ⅓ cup
• Granulated sugar – 1 tbsp
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp
• Butter, softened – ¼ cup

Muffins:

• All-purpose flour – 1¾ cups
• Baking powder – 1 tsp
• Baking soda – 1 tsp
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp
• Salt – ¼ tsp
• Butter, softened – ½ cup
• Light brown sugar, packed – ½ cup
• Granulated sugar – ¼ cup
• Large eggs – 2
• Sour cream – ½ cup
• Milk – ¼ cup
• Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
• Apples, peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks – 2 cups

Directions

Crumb Topping

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly, resembling coarse sand. Set aside.

Muffins

1. Prepare the Pan:
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with paper muffin cups.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
4. Incorporate Liquids:
   Add the eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined; avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in Apples:
   Gently fold in the chopped apples.
7. Fill the Muffin Cups:
   Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup to the top.
8. Add the Crumb Topping:
   Spoon the crumb topping evenly over each muffin.
9. Bake:
   Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) without opening the door. Bake for an additional 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Serve:
    Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 24 minutes
• Total Time: 44 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Spiced Muffins: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
• Double Apple: Stir in ¼ cup of applesauce for an extra burst of apple flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.
• Reheating: Heat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well for baking.

2. Can I make these muffins without sour cream?

You can substitute plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture.

3. How do I prevent overmixing?

Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid tough muffins.

4. Can I make mini muffins?

Yes, bake mini muffins at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes.

5. What if I don’t have a muffin pan?

Use ramekins or an 8×8-inch baking dish to make a muffin loaf or bars.

6. Can I skip the crumb topping?

Yes, the muffins are delicious on their own, but the topping adds texture and flavor.

7. How do I know when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two batches or use two muffin pans.

9. Are these muffins freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw or reheat as needed.

10. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce the granulated sugar in the muffins by 2 tablespoons for a less sweet version.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Muffins are the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and fruitiness, making them a versatile treat for any time of day. The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch, while the moist interior keeps you coming back for more. Bake a batch today and enjoy these irresistible muffins with your favorite coffee or tea!

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