There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Apple Cinnamon Muffins baking in the oven. Warm, fluffy, and bursting with cozy fall flavors, these muffins are the perfect blend of tender apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a buttery brown sugar crumb topping that melts into every bite.

These muffins are wonderful for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack with tea or coffee. Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or simply treating yourself, Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Crumb Topping are a heartwarming way to celebrate the sweetness of the season.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s everything you want in a homemade muffin — moist, soft, and full of flavor. The diced apples add a natural sweetness and juicy texture, while cinnamon and brown sugar create that nostalgic, bakery-style warmth.

Every time I bake these muffins, they remind me of cozy weekends, changing leaves, and the joy of homemade comfort food.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfectly moist and fluffy – no dry muffins here!
• Irresistible crumb topping – buttery and crunchy perfection.
• Full of real apple flavor – juicy apple pieces in every bite.
• Great anytime treat – breakfast, snack, or dessert.
• Simple ingredients, big flavor – easy to make with pantry staples.

If you love warm, cinnamon-scented bakes that feel like home, this is a must-try recipe.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Step	Time
Preparation Time	20 minutes
Cooking Time	22–25 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 12 muffins
• Calories: ~230 kcal per muffin
• Course: Breakfast / Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American / Bakery

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) milk (or buttermilk for extra moisture)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (180g) peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons (55g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

(Optional) Cinnamon Glaze for Drizzling:

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly with butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.
3. Place in the fridge to chill while preparing the muffin batter.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Mix the Batter

1. Add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
2. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix!
3. Fold in the chopped apples evenly.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

1. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin (fill each about ¾ full).
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of crumb topping over each muffin.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: (Optional) Add Cinnamon Glaze

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled muffins for a sweet finishing touch.

How to Serve

Serve these Apple Cinnamon Muffins:

• Warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
• As part of a brunch spread with coffee or chai.
• Packed in lunch boxes or served as an afternoon snack.

They’re delightful with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!

Recipe Tips

• Use tart apples: Granny Smith or Pink Lady balance the sweetness beautifully.
• Keep butter cold for the crumb: It’s what makes the topping crisp and crumbly.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep muffins light.
• Fill evenly: Use an ice cream scoop for consistent muffin sizes.
• Bake on the middle rack: For even browning and rise.

Recipe Variations

1. Apple Walnut Muffins:
   Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
2. Caramel Apple Muffins:
   Swirl 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce into the batter before baking.
3. Whole Wheat Version:
   Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
4. Apple Oat Muffins:
   Add ½ cup rolled oats to the batter for extra fiber and chew.
5. Vegan Option:
   Use plant milk, coconut oil, and flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
6. Apple Cinnamon Streusel Loaf:
   Bake the batter in a loaf pan (350°F for 45–50 minutes) instead of muffin cups.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage:
  Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
• Freezing:
  Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
  Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Pastry cutter or fork (for crumb topping)
• Wire cooling rack

FAQ

Q1. Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
Yes! Replace half of the oil with applesauce for extra moisture and flavor.

Q2. Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry before mixing into the batter.

Q3. Why did my muffins sink in the middle?
They may have been underbaked or your batter was overmixed. Ensure proper baking time and gentle mixing.

Q4. Can I make mini muffins?
Yes! Bake mini muffins for 10–12 minutes at the same temperature.

Q5. How can I make the crumb topping extra crispy?
Use cold butter and refrigerate the streusel for 10 minutes before sprinkling it over the muffins.

Conclusion

These Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Crumb Topping are everything homemade comfort food should be — warm, fragrant, and irresistibly soft with a golden, buttery crunch on top. Each bite combines the sweetness of apples, the spice of cinnamon, and the richness of brown sugar into pure baking bliss.

Perfect for cozy mornings, special gatherings, or anytime you crave a little sweetness, this recipe is a must-try for every muffin lover. Bake a batch, share with friends and family, and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and apples.