Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins: The Ultimate Fall Baking Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, especially as the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp. These Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins perfectly capture the essence of autumn, offering a delightful blend of sweet, spiced apple flavor and a satisfyingly crunchy streusel topping. They’re more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of the season, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. This recipe is designed to be accessible for bakers of all skill levels, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure success every time. Get ready to create some of The Best Muffins Ever! These Homemade Apple Muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them a must-try for your Fall Apple Muffins baking repertoire. They are perfect Harvest Desserts and Easy Fall Snack Recipes.
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- Prepare the streusel: In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or fingers until coarse crumbs form. Refrigerate until needed.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Some lumps are okay.
- Fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. Top generously with the chilled streusel topping.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the tin briefly, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition
Notes
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Ingredients List
Detailed description of ingredients and exact quantities
To create these delectable Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Muffins:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g). Provides the structure for the muffins. Ensure it’s measured accurately using the spoon and level method.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g). Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons. A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon. Another leavening agent that reacts with the acidity in the buttermilk to create a light and airy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons. Essential for the warm, comforting flavor.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml). Adds moisture and a slight tang, contributing to a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup (120ml). Adds moisture and richness. Canola oil or melted coconut oil can also be used.
- Eggs: 2 large. Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the overall flavor.
- Apples: 2 medium (about 2 cups diced). Use a firm, tart variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Peel, core, and dice into small pieces.
For the Streusel Topping:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (60g).
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g), packed. Adds a caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (25g). Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (57g), cut into small cubes. The cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly streusel texture.
Nutritional benefits of key ingredients
These Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins offer some nutritional benefits, primarily from the apples and cinnamon:
- Apples: Rich in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety. They also contain antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin C.
- Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. It also adds a warm, comforting flavor without adding extra calories.
- Buttermilk: Contains probiotics that support gut health and is a good source of calcium and protein.
While the muffins do contain sugar and fat, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet in moderation. The use of whole wheat flour (as mentioned below) can further enhance the nutritional value.
Healthy or alternative ingredient options
For a healthier twist on these muffins, consider the following substitutions:
- Flour: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. Be aware that this may slightly alter the texture, making the muffins a bit denser.
- Sugar: Reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly, or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
- Oil: Replace the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option. This will also add more apple flavor.
- Butter: Use a plant-based butter alternative for the streusel topping to reduce saturated fat.
- Apples: While tart apples are recommended, you can experiment with other varieties based on your preference. Consider adding other fruits like blueberries or cranberries for added nutrients and flavor.
Preparation Instructions
Pre-preparation guidelines
Before you begin baking, it’s essential to prepare your ingredients and equipment:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and proper rising of the muffins.
- Prepare the muffin tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with cooking spray. This prevents the muffins from sticking and makes them easier to remove.
- Measure ingredients: Accurately measure all ingredients using measuring cups and spoons. This ensures the correct ratios and consistency in the batter.
- Dice the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. This ensures they distribute evenly throughout the muffins.
- Prepare the streusel: Combine all streusel ingredients in a bowl and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step-by-step cooking process
Follow these steps to create your delicious Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough muffins. A few lumps are okay.
- Fold in the apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Fill the muffin cups: Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Add the streusel topping: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the tops of the muffins.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops of the muffins should be golden brown.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for avoiding common errors and enhancing flavor
Here are some tips to ensure your Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins turn out perfectly:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined, leaving a few lumps.
- Use cold butter for the streusel: Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly streusel topping. If the butter is too soft, the streusel will be greasy and won’t hold its shape.
- Measure accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use measuring cups and spoons, and level off the ingredients for precise results.
- Use fresh baking powder and baking soda: Expired leavening agents can result in flat, dense muffins. Check the expiration dates before using.
- Add a glaze (optional): For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled muffins. Combine powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the batter or streusel for a more complex flavor profile. These Easy Apple Baking Recipes are a great way to experiment with spices.
Serving Suggestions & Nutritional Info
Innovative plating and presentation ideas
Elevate your Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins with these presentation ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt: This adds a creamy element that complements the warm, spiced flavors of the muffins.
- Arrange on a tiered serving stand: This creates a visually appealing display for parties or gatherings.
- Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks: This adds a festive touch and reinforces the apple cinnamon flavor.
- Wrap individually in cellophane bags with ribbon: This makes them perfect for gifting or party favors.
Suitable side dishes and pairings
These muffins pair well with a variety of side dishes and beverages:
- Coffee or tea: The classic pairing for muffins. Choose a bold coffee or a spiced tea to complement the apple cinnamon flavor.
- Milk or juice: A refreshing option for breakfast or brunch.
- Fruit salad: A light and healthy side dish that complements the sweetness of the muffins.
- Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a more substantial breakfast or brunch option.
- Scrambled eggs or bacon: For a savory-sweet combination.
Nutritional facts and health benefits
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (one muffin):
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 | 13% |
| Total Fat | 12g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 200mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35g | 13% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars | 18g | |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 50mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
These Easy Baked Apple Muffins are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. They are perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delicious dessert. With their warm, spiced flavor and crunchy streusel topping, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. This Apple Bake Recipe is a great way to use up those fall apples!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Just make sure they are firm enough to hold their shape during baking. - Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the muffins ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. - How do I freeze these muffins?
Let the muffins cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. - Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results. - Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for added flavor and texture. - What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. - How do I prevent the streusel from sinking into the muffins?
Make sure the streusel is cold before sprinkling it on top of the muffins. This will help it hold its shape during baking. Also, avoid overfilling the muffin cups.
These Apple Baked Recipes are perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of The Best Muffins Ever! You won’t be disappointed. These Easy Apple Baking Recipes are a fall favorite for a reason!
