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For these delicious muffins, gather these simple items: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 cup buttermilk - 2 cups peeled, diced apples (I love Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble topping) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping) - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Choose ripe apples for the best flavor. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp, while Granny Smith adds a tart kick. Use high-quality butter for a rich taste. Opt for fresh ground cinnamon for a warm aroma. If you can, use whole buttermilk. It gives a lovely moisture to the muffins. If you need to swap some ingredients, here are some great options: - For gluten-free muffins, use a gluten-free flour blend. - Replace buttermilk with plain yogurt mixed with a bit of milk. - You can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. - If you want a nut-free recipe, leave out the walnuts or pecans. - Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets your muffins ready to rise. Line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients well is key for even flavor. In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup melted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1 cup of buttermilk. Blend these until they are smooth. Next, pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if the batter has a few lumps. Finally, fold in 2 cups of diced apples. When mixing the batter, be gentle. Overmixing can make your muffins tough. The goal is to combine the wet and dry ingredients without losing air. This keeps your muffins light and fluffy. Use a spatula to fold in the apples. This ensures they distribute evenly without smashing. If you want extra flavor, try to use tart apples like Granny Smith. They balance the sweetness well and add a nice tang. To make the crumble topping, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup flour, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. If you like nuts, add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Melt a little butter and drizzle it over the mixture. Mix until it becomes crumbly. This topping adds a nice texture to your muffins. Spoon your muffin batter into each cup, filling them about 2/3 full. Sprinkle the crumble generously on top. This creates a great contrast between the soft muffin and crunchy topping. To keep your muffins moist, use fresh apples. I love Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They add a sweet and tart flavor. Make sure to fold the apples gently into the batter. Overmixing can make them dense. Also, use buttermilk for added moisture. It gives a rich taste that balances the sweetness. One big mistake is overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined. A few lumps are okay. Another mistake is not measuring flour correctly. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy. Too much flour leads to dry muffins. Lastly, don't skip the crumble topping. It adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast. These muffins shine when warm. Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top for extra sweetness. You can serve them with a side of yogurt. A dollop of whipped cream also works well. For drinks, pair them with coffee or spiced cider. These combinations really enhance the muffin experience. Enjoy exploring these tasty pairings! Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, choose firm, fresh apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold up well during baking and provide a nice tartness that complements the sweetness of the muffins. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Customize the Topping: Feel free to add your favorite nuts, like pecans or almonds, to the crumble topping for added crunch and flavor. You can also mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist! Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your muffins a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. {{image_2}} You can easily make these muffins gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help the muffins rise and stay fluffy. While apples shine in this recipe, you can mix in other fruits. Try diced pears or berries for a twist. Make sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit. This way, you keep the muffins balanced and delicious. If you or someone you know has nut allergies, leave out the nuts. The crumble topping will still be tasty without walnuts or pecans. You can add additional oats for crunch instead. This keeps the muffins safe and just as delightful. To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped muffins in a container. This will prevent them from getting stale. Store the muffins at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Freezing is a great way to save muffins for later. Once the muffins cool, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out any air before sealing the bag. Label the bag with the date and type of muffin. These muffins can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just take out a muffin and let it thaw. To reheat your muffins, use an oven or a microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This warms them evenly. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too. Heat the muffin for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can get tough. Enjoy your warm muffins with your favorite toppings! The best apples for muffins are Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. They add a nice texture. Granny Smith apples provide a tart taste that balances the sweetness. Both types keep their shape well when baked. You can also mix different apples for added flavor. Yes, you can make these muffins ahead of time. Bake them, then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. Just wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To check if the muffins are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the muffins are ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, they need more time. Typically, muffins bake for 18-20 minutes at 375°F. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking. We covered essential ingredients, helpful baking steps, and tips for moist muffins. I shared popular variations, storage methods, and answers to common questions. Baking muffins can be fun and easy with the right approach. Remember to choose quality ingredients and avoid common mistakes. Try different fruit or gluten-free options to make it your own. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Cinnamon Apple Crumble Muffins

Delicious muffins filled with diced apples and topped with a crunchy crumble.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups peeled, diced apples
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup rolled oats
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble topping)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • 0.25 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
  • In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and buttermilk until well combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
  • Fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed in the batter.
  • In a small bowl, prepare the crumble topping by combining the brown sugar, rolled oats, 1/4 cup flour, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using). Melt a little butter and drizzle it over the mixture until just combined and crumbly.
  • Spoon the muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling them about 2/3 full. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each muffin.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top, and garnish with a sprig of cinnamon or a thin apple slice on the side. Enjoy!
Keyword apple, cinnamon, dessert, muffins