There’s something magical about the combination of apples and cinnamon, isn’t there? These apple cinnamon crumb muffins are not just muffins, they’re little bundles of love that make your house smell heavenly while they bake. Plus, they’re easy enough for a weekday treat but fancy enough for brunch with friends.

Apple cinnamon crumb muffins on wooden chopping board

Let me share the recipe with you. It’s straightforward, and trust me, your family (and your nose) will thank you!

The Essentials

Servings: 12 muffins (but let’s be honest, you’ll want to double the batch)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cool Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

The Ingredients

For the Muffins:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or a little more if you’re a cinnamon fan!)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
1½ cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples, use something like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of tart and sweet)

For the Crumb Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (not melted, because we want that perfect crumbly texture!)

The Method

Step 1: Get the Oven Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grab a muffin tin and either line it with paper liners (because who likes scrubbing muffin tins?) or give it a good grease with butter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, combine:

The flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Cinnamon

Give it a whisk until everything’s evenly blended. This step is where all the dry magic happens.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

The granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Melted butter
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Milk

You’ll want a smooth, creamy mixture here, it’s like the glue that holds the muffins together.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix! (I know the temptation is real, but you want fluffy muffins, not dense hockey pucks.) Finally, fold in those lovely apple chunks.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and use your fingers (or a fork if you’re fancy) to mix it up until it looks like crumbly bits of heaven.

Step 6: Assemble the Muffins

Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of crumb topping over each one. Go big on the topping, no one ever said, “Wow, this muffin has too much crumb topping.”

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the muffins in your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean (or when your kitchen smells so good that the kids start hovering).

Step 8: Cool and Devour

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Or, if you’re like me and can’t wait, eat one warm, it’s an experience!

Apple cinnamon crumb muffins on cooling rack

Tips

Apple Varieties Matter: If you love a little tartness, go for Granny Smith. If you prefer sweeter muffins, Honeycrisp or Gala are your best friends.
Double the Topping: Because why not? You can always save the extra for future batches or sprinkle it on oatmeal.
Make It Ahead: These muffins freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, wrap them up tightly, and freeze. When you need a muffin fix, warm one in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Get the Kids Involved: Let them sprinkle the crumb topping! It might get messy, but the memories are worth it.

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

They’re soft, buttery, and packed with juicy apple bits. The crumb topping adds a sweet, slightly crunchy contrast that’s pure bliss. Whether it’s breakfast, snack time, or dessert, these muffins fit the bill. And hey, they even have fruit in them, so they’re basically healthy, right?

FAQ: Your Muffin Questions Answered

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! You can swap out half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if you want to make these a little healthier. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour might make the muffins slightly denser, but they’ll still be delicious!

2. What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith apples are perfect if you like a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp or Fuji are great for a sweeter muffin. Honestly, you can’t go wrong, use what you have on hand.

3. Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of regular milk. They’ll still be moist and yummy!

4. Can I skip the crumb topping?

Sure, but why would you want to? The crumb topping is the crown jewel of these muffins! If you’re in a pinch, you could sprinkle a little sugar and cinnamon on top instead.

5. How do I store these muffins?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need them to last longer, pop them in the fridge or freezer. (Pro tip: Reheat frozen muffins in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe.)

Variations: Make These Muffins Your Own

Add Some Nuts
Want a little crunch? Toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans. They add texture and pair beautifully with the apple-cinnamon flavor.
Extra Spices
Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the batter for a deeper, cozier flavor.
Caramel Apple Muffins
Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled muffins for an indulgent treat. You could even mix caramel bits into the batter for little pockets of gooey goodness.
Maple Cinnamon Twist
Replace the granulated sugar in the batter with maple syrup for a subtle, earthy sweetness. Bonus: it makes the muffins smell even more amazing!
Cranberry Apple Muffins
Toss in some dried cranberries for a tart and chewy addition. They add a festive touch, perfect for fall gatherings.
Gluten-Free Muffins
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Apple Pie Muffins
Add a tablespoon of apple pie filling to the center of each muffin before baking. The crumb topping will cover it up, and when you bite in, surprise! Gooey apple pie filling awaits.

I hope this recipe brings a little extra warmth to your home. If your family is anything like mine, these muffins will be gone before you even finish cleaning up!