Apple Crumble Muffins
Apple crumble muffins are elevated with a delightful streusel topping. Enjoy the flavors of fresh apples, spices, and fabulous crunch.
These apple crumble muffins are tender, moist, and full of fresh apple flavor with a sweet, buttery brown sugar streusel on top. They’re the perfect fall treat—or a year-round favorite—for breakfast, brunch, or snacking. A handful of chopped walnuts adds crunch and nuttiness, but the muffins are equally delicious without them. Easy to make and freezer-friendly, these muffins are sure to become a go-to recipe.
Recipe Variations
- Spices: Swap the cinnamon for apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice for a deeper, warm spice blend.
- Nuts: Use chopped pecans or spiced pecans instead of walnuts, or skip the nuts altogether for a smoother texture.
- Fruit: Fold in 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or finely chopped dates for a bit of chew and extra sweetness.
- Bacon Twist: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of finely chopped cooked bacon to the batter for a sweet-savory combo.
- Topping: Mix rolled oats into the streusel topping for added texture, or sprinkle the muffins with coarse sugar instead.
How to Store and Reheat
Room Temperature: Let the muffins cool completely. Store in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep at room temperature for up to 4 to 5 days.Freeze: Arrange cooled muffins in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and name.
Reheat: Thaw at room temperature if frozen. To warm, wrap muffins in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave uncovered for 15 to 20 seconds.

Apple Crumble Muffins
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 113 grams butter, softened
- 3/4 cup 148 grams packed brown sugar, light or dark
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups 284 grams all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 cup finely chopped apple
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
Crumble Topping
- 1/3 cup 43 grams all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup 65 grams packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch salt
- 3 tablespoons 42 grams softened butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Heat the oven to 375 F and line a 12-well muffin tin with paper liners.
- Make the Batter:• In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs until well blended. Beat in the vanilla.• In a separate bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder, cinnamon, and salt; stir or whisk to blend the dry ingredients.• Add one-third of the dry ingredients to the butter and brown sugar mixture and beat until blended. • • Add half of the milk and beat until blended. Repeat with another one-third of the dry ingredients and the remaining milk, then beat in the remaining flour until blended. Avoid overbeating.• Fold in the chopped apple and walnuts (if using).
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Work the butter into the mixture with a fork or your fingers until the crumbs are formed.• Sprinkle crumbs over each filled muffin cup.
- Bake: Transfer the pan to the oven and bake the apple muffins for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.