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Moist Apple Muffins with Crumb Topping – A Cozy Homemade Treat

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked apple muffins wafting through your kitchen. With their soft, moist crumb, bursts of apple flavor, and buttery crumb topping, these muffins are the perfect balance of sweetness and comfort. Whether you’re baking them for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time. Unlike plain muffins, these apple muffins with crumb topping are elevated with a sweet and slightly crunchy streusel-like topping that adds texture and extra flavor. The apples keep the muffins moist, the cinnamon gives a warm spiced note, and the yogurt helps create a tender, bakery-style texture. If you’ve ever wished for a recipe that combines the simplicity of muffins with the indulgence of coffee cake, this is it. These muffins are also family-friendly and perfect for using up seasonal apples, making them an excellent way to celebrate autumn or simply enjoy a fruity baked good year-round.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
bake & Cooling Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Muffins:
  • 2 cups apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 2 medium apples)
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 ½ sticks ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Equipment

  • To bake these delightful apple muffins, gather the following tools:
  • Mixing bowls (large, medium, and small)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk and rubber spatula
  • Hand or stand mixer (optional)
  • Muffin tin (12-cup standard size)
  • Paper muffin liners (optional, but makes cleanup easier)
  • Box grater or knife (for chopping apples)
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Pan
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
  1. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Step 4: Cream Butter & Sugars
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla.
Step 5: Add Yogurt & Apples
  1. Mix in yogurt until smooth. Fold in chopped apples with a spatula, distributing evenly.
Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Tins
  1. Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle crumb topping generously over each muffin.
Step 8: Bake
  1. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
  1. Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4–5 days.
Freezer: Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
🥄 Variations
Apple-Cinnamon Muffins: Add extra cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a spicier flavor.
Apple-Carrot Muffins: Fold in grated carrots for extra moisture and nutrition.
Apple-Cranberry Muffins: Add dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
Apple-Walnut Muffins: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Glazed Apple Muffins: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze on top for extra sweetness.
Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Which apples are best for baking muffins?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
2. Can I leave the apple skin on?
Yes, but peeling gives a softer texture.
3. Can I make mini muffins instead?
Absolutely—bake for 12–15 minutes instead of 20–25.
4. Can I replace yogurt with sour cream?
Yes, sour cream works perfectly and adds richness.
5. How do I keep muffins moist?
Don’t overbake and store in an airtight container.
6. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use two muffin tins.
7. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but replace only half of the flour to maintain softness.
8. What can I use instead of butter?
Vegetable oil or coconut oil works, but the flavor will change slightly.
9. Can I add oats to the topping?
Yes, adding rolled oats makes the crumb topping heartier.
10. Are these muffins freezer-friendly?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
🏁 Conclusion
These moist apple muffins with crumb topping are everything you want in a homemade baked good—soft, fruity, warmly spiced, and topped with a buttery crumble that adds just the right amount of crunch. They’re versatile, easy to make, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with a hot drink.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the fun variations, these muffins will quickly become a go-to recipe in your baking collection. With their cozy flavor and comforting texture, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.