Name: Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 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

If ever there was a bakery treat that combined cozy autumn comfort and everyday cheer, it’s Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins. These muffins fill your kitchen with apple and spice as they bake, and each bite delivers fluffy cake, juicy apple pockets, and a buttery, crumbly streusel that’s downright irresistible. Whether you’re chasing a sweet breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or just an excuse to bake with apples, this recipe will become your go-to treat.

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything needed for Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins is likely already in your kitchen or easily picked up at the store. Each ingredient really pulls its weight, adding flavor, structure, or that rewarding crunch on top.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your muffin; it creates a tender structure without heaviness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a golden hue to the crumb.
Baking powder: Gives the muffins a beautiful domed rise.
Ground cinnamon: The essential spice that gives classic warmth and aroma.
Salt: A pinch brings the other flavors to life and balances sweetness.
Large egg: Binds everything together while adding richness.
Milk: Keeps the crumb soft and moist; whole milk or 2% both work well.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds flavor, tenderness, and richness to the muffins.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a gentle, sweet undertone.
Chopped apples: Notes of sweet-tart apple make every bite juicy and exciting; choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji.
Streusel topping (flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cold butter): This combo bakes up into delightfully buttery, crumbly bits that crown the muffins with texture and flavor.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. This bit of prep ensures your muffins bake evenly, and the liners make them easy to remove (plus, they look adorable for gatherings or breakfast spreads).

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these now means each muffin gets even flavor, and the cinnamon won’t clump.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, combine the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until thoroughly blended. These ingredients ensure the muffins are moist and flavorful from top to bottom.

Step 4: Combine Batter (Don’t Overmix!)

Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just moistened—some lumps are okay! Resist the temptation to overmix, as that’s the secret to absolutely tender Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Add your chopped apple pieces and very gently fold them in using a spatula. The apple bits are little juicy treasure pockets that will shine through every muffin.

Step 6: Make and Apply the Streusel

In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle a generous layer over each filled muffin cup—don’t hold back! The buttery streusel is a true showstopper.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen and the tops should look golden and crumbly.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief wait helps set the crumb and topping, but we won’t judge if you sneak one warm!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar instantly adds a bakery-fresh touch to your Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins. Or, for a lush finish, a drizzle of warm honey or caramel pairs perfectly with the spice and apple. Slices of fresh apple or a pinch more cinnamon make them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

These muffins shine on their own, but pair them with vanilla yogurt and a handful of toasted nuts for a balanced breakfast. If you’re serving for brunch, fresh berries, extra apple slices, or a homemade chai latte really round out the cozy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins into stunning brunch centerpieces by arranging them on a tiered cake stand with mini cinnamon sticks and apples nearby. For a quick grab-and-go snack, wrap each muffin in parchment and tie with baker’s twine—they’ll look (and taste) extra special in lunchboxes or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Line the container with a paper towel to help absorb any excess moisture from the apples, keeping the streusel crisp.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Once completely cool, wrap each muffin individually and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a homemade treat, just thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up.

Reheating

For that just-baked taste, pop muffins in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. You’ll revive the warmth, and the scent of apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen all over again.

FAQs

What apples work best for Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins?

Firm, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their shape during baking and provide the perfect sweet-tart contrast to the cinnamon and streusel.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for best texture.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Yes, mix in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for extra flavor and crunch. Fold them in with the apples so everything is evenly distributed.

Why is my streusel not crumbly?

The key is using cold butter. If the butter softens too much, the streusel can melt instead of baking up into delicious crumbles. Chill your streusel briefly if the kitchen is warm before topping the muffins.

How do I prevent my muffins from becoming tough?

Don’t overmix the batter! Stop stirring as soon as the dry ingredients are just moistened. Overmixing develops gluten and can make muffins dense rather than light and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the combination of apples, cinnamon, and a buttery crumb that makes these Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins impossible to resist. Whether for breakfast or snacking, they’re everyday wonderful and always worth the effort. So grab your favorite apples and make a batch—you might just find yourself baking them again and again!