Name: Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (about 2 apples); ⅓ cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅔ cup all-purpose flour; 1 dash salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

If you’re craving a cozy treat that combines the crisp freshness of apples with a buttery, crumbly topping, you’re going to love this Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe. I absolutely love how these muffins come out tender, juicy, and packed with just the right hint of cinnamon sweetness. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a casual brunch, these are always a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance: The tart Granny Smith apples complement the sweet crumb topping beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry and fridge.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, these muffins come together in just about 35 minutes.
Family Favorite: My crew always goes crazy for these, and I bet yours will too!

A dark metal muffin tray holds eleven freshly baked muffins, each topped with a thick layer of light brown crumbly streusel that is unevenly spread, giving a rough texture and scattered crumbs around the tray. The muffins themselves show a golden brown base with soft, creamy white swirls underneath the crumb topping. Around the tray, on a white marbled surface, a green apple sits near the top left corner, and a white and dark striped cloth lies folded on the right side. The scene is bright with soft natural light highlighting the textures of the muffins and crumbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Crumb Muffins, apple crumb muffins recipe, easy apple muffin ideas, cinnamon apple muffins, homemade apple muffins

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create a tender muffin with a crunchy, flavorful topping. My tip? Use fresh Granny Smith apples for that lovely tartness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, two teaspoons of baking powder and a dash of salt in separate small white ceramic bowls, a whole large egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, another small white bowl holding vegetable oil, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, two peeled and diced Granny Smith apples on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with brown sugar, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with unsalted butter melted, all arranged symmetrically and balanced placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Apple Crumb Muffins, apple crumb muffins recipe, easy apple muffin ideas, cinnamon apple muffins, homemade apple muffins

All-purpose flour: Provides structure; sift it well for lighter muffins.
Baking powder: The rising agent that helps your muffins stay fluffy and soft.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness; you can substitute with buttermilk for a tangier note.
Vegetable oil: Keeps muffins tender without overpowering flavors.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffin base just right.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the batter.
Granny Smith apples: Use firm, fresh apples for that crisp texture inside your muffins.
Brown sugar: For the crumb topping’s rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that signature spicy warmth to the crumb.
Unsalted butter: Melted to bring the crumb topping together with a perfect, crumbly texture.

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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

One of the best parts about this Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe is how easy it is to personalize — you can tweak the flavors or swap ingredients to fit your preferences. I’ve tried a few variations that turned out delicious, and I encourage you to experiment too.

Use different apples: When I swapped Granny Smiths for Fuji, the muffins turned a bit sweeter, which my kids loved.
Gluten-free version: Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend — it works well if you add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to keep the texture balanced.
Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans in the crumb topping add a lovely crunch and richness.
Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger alongside the cinnamon for warming spice notes.

How to Make Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). I like to line my muffin pan with paper liners because it makes cleanup easier and the muffins pop right out. But if you’re in a pinch, a good spritz of non-stick spray works just as well.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. I always sift these ingredients because it helps keep the batter smooth and airy.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This is the base that keeps your muffins moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until you no longer see flour — but be careful not to overmix! Then fold in the diced Granny Smith apples gently, so they stay evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture clumps together into little pebbly crumbs. This topping is what gives the muffins that coveted sweet crunch.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy

Spoon the batter into your muffin pan, filling each cup about two-thirds full, then sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over each one. Bake for 20-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean but the muffins still feel moist. Resist the urge to dig in right away — let them cool for 15 minutes so the crumb topping firms up perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe

Don’t Overmix: I learned that overmixing the batter makes muffins dense — mix until just combined for the fluffiest texture.
Peel the Apples: Peeling prevents any bitter bits and keeps that perfect soft apple bite every time.
Use Fresh Butter for Topping: Melted unsalted butter makes the crumb topping crispy and golden, a key to irresistible muffins.
Watch Baking Time: I avoid drying them out by starting to check at 20 minutes and trusting the toothpick test.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe

The image shows eight crumb-topped muffins, arranged casually on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The muffins have a golden brown crumb layer on top, which is rough and textured, giving them a crunchy look. One muffin is broken in half, showing a soft, light, and fluffy yellow interior with crumb pieces around it. Two green apples, shiny and smooth, rest next to the muffins toward the left side of the image. Some crumbs are scattered around the muffins and apples, adding to the casual, homemade feel. A corner of a gray and white striped cloth is visible in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Crumb Muffins, apple crumb muffins recipe, easy apple muffin ideas, cinnamon apple muffins, homemade apple muffins

Garnishes

I like a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top for a pretty finish and just a touch of extra sweetness. Sometimes I add a tiny pat of butter on a warm muffin — it melts right in and feels like a little gift.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a steaming mug of chai tea. For brunch, I love serving them alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon — the sweet and savory combo is unbeatable.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these Apple Crumb Muffins in a rustic basket lined with a colorful kitchen towel, adding fresh apple slices as a garnish. It makes an inviting centerpiece and invites everyone to grab a cozy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, popping them in the fridge helps keep the crumb topping crisp without sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these muffins successfully by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months — just thaw at room temperature overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring the muffins back to life, I gently warm them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This method revives the crumb topping’s crunch while warming the soft, tender center perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give the perfect tartness that balances the sweetness, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples too. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the muffins sweeter overall.
How do I prevent the crumb topping from falling off?

Make sure your butter is fully melted and mixed into the topping ingredients until they hold together in crumb-like clusters. Pressing the topping lightly onto the batter before baking also helps it stick better.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes! Try substituting the whole milk for almond, oat, or soy milk and replace the butter in the topping with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

The best test is inserting a toothpick in the center of a muffin—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Also, the tops should look golden brown and the crumb topping slightly crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Muffins Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want a reliable, delicious muffin with a touch of autumn magic — even in the middle of summer! I love sharing them with friends because they’re straightforward to make but taste like you put in way more effort. Give this recipe a try and watch your family go crazy for these little nuggets of apple-y goodness. Happy baking!