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Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Crumb Topping

Elina James
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 300 kcal

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

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly with butter.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Topping : In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. Place in the fridge to chill while preparing the muffin batter.
  • Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients : In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients : In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Step 5: Mix the Batter : Add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix! Fold in the chopped apples evenly.
  • Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups : Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin (fill each about ¾ full). Sprinkle a generous amount of crumb topping over each muffin.
  • Step 7: Bake : Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 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 :Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins for a sweet finishing touch.