Crumb Apple Muffins

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall, these Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins by Sally are just what you need. With a moist, cinnamon-spiced muffin base loaded with juicy apples and topped with a buttery crumb topping, these muffins are a delightful way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of vanilla icing takes them to the next level. Let’s dive into the details of how to make these irresistible muffins and explore some tips and variations.

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

These Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and fruity, making them an ideal treat for any time of year, especially during the cooler months. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Warm Flavors: The cinnamon and apple combination is a classic that never disappoints. These muffins are packed with warm, comforting flavors that make you feel right at home.
Buttery Crumb Topping: The crumb topping adds a delightful texture contrast with its buttery, sugary crunch. It’s the perfect finishing touch that makes these muffins truly special.
Moist and Tender: Thanks to the yogurt (or sour cream) in the batter, these muffins are incredibly moist and tender, with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
Customizable: Whether you enjoy them plain, with the crumb topping, or drizzled with vanilla icing, these muffins can be tailored to your taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious apple cinnamon crumb muffins:

For the Crumb Topping:

Brown Sugar (⅓ cup / 67g): Adds sweetness and a rich molasses flavor to the topping.
Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon / 15g): Provides a bit of extra sweetness and crunch.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, spicy flavor to the topping.
Unsalted Butter (¼ cup / 56g, melted): Binds the topping ingredients together and adds richness.
All-Purpose Flour (⅔ cup / 84g): Helps create the crumbly texture.

For the Muffins:

All-Purpose Flour (1¾ cups / 219g): The base of the muffin batter, providing structure.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) & Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Leavening agents that help the muffins rise.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the muffins with warm, spicy flavor.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup / 113g, softened): Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
Brown Sugar (½ cup / 100g) & Granulated Sugar (¼ cup / 50g): Sweetens the muffins and adds depth of flavor.
Large Eggs (2, at room temperature): Provide structure and richness to the batter.
Yogurt or Sour Cream (½ cup / 120g, at room temperature): Keeps the muffins moist and tender. You can use either, depending on your preference.
Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the muffins.
Milk (¼ cup / 60ml, at room temperature): Helps to moisten the batter and keep it light.
Peeled & Chopped Apples (1½ cups / 180g): The star of the muffins, adding juicy sweetness and texture.

For the Vanilla Icing (Optional):

Confectioners’ Sugar (1 cup / 120g): The base of the icing, providing sweetness and a smooth texture.
Heavy Cream (3 tablespoons / 45ml) or Milk: Adds richness to the icing. Use heavy cream for a thicker consistency, or milk for a thinner drizzle.
Pure Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the icing with a sweet, vanilla note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line it with cupcake liners. Set aside. You may need a second pan, as this recipe makes up to 14 muffins.

2. Prepare the Crumb Topping:

In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon together. Stir in the melted butter, then gently mix in the flour using a fork. Keep the mixture as large crumbles and avoid over-mixing, which can turn the topping into a paste. Set aside.

3. Make the Muffin Batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and both sugars together on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Add the eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute, then turn the speed up to high until the mixture is combined and mostly creamy. It’s okay if the mixture appears somewhat curdled—this is normal.
With the mixer running on low speed, add the dry ingredients and milk into the wet ingredients, and beat until no flour pockets remain. Fold in the chopped apples.

4. Assemble and Bake:

Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling each all the way to the top. Spoon the crumb topping on each, gently pressing it down so it sticks.
Bake the muffins for 5 minutes at 425°F (218°C), then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) without opening the oven door. Continue baking for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The total baking time is about 20-23 minutes.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to continue cooling.

5. Make the Vanilla Icing (Optional):

In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm or cooled muffins before serving.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

1. Don’t Over-Mix the Crumb Topping:

The key to a perfect crumb topping is to mix the ingredients just enough to form large crumbles. Over-mixing will turn it into a paste, which won’t have the same texture.

2. Room Temperature Ingredients:

Make sure all your ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, yogurt, and milk, are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix together smoothly and evenly, resulting in light and fluffy muffins.

3. High Initial Temperature:

Starting the muffins at a higher temperature (425°F) helps them rise quickly, creating a nice dome shape. Lowering the temperature partway through baking ensures they cook through without burning.

4. Use Fresh Apples:

Fresh, crisp apples are best for these muffins. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are excellent choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness.

5. Freezing and Storing:

These muffins freeze well, so if you want to make a batch ahead of time, simply freeze them without the icing. Thaw at room temperature and add the icing just before serving for the best flavor.

Customization and Variations

These muffins are delicious as they are, but you can also customize them to suit your taste:

1. Add Nuts:

For extra crunch, fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, along with the apples.

2. Use Different Fruits:

If you’re out of apples or want to switch things up, try using pears or even peaches for a different flavor profile.

3. Add Spices:

Enhance the warmth of the muffins by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter.

4. Make Them Healthier:

Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin. You can also reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet muffin.

5. Skip the Crumb Topping:

If you prefer a simpler muffin, you can skip the crumb topping altogether. The muffins will still be delicious, and you can enjoy them plain or with just a drizzle of vanilla icing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional information for one muffin (based on the recipe making 14 muffins):

Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
Sodium: 200mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Vitamin A: 300 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 1mg

These muffins are a tasty treat to enjoy in moderation, providing a balance of carbs, fat, and a small amount of protein.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter when making these muffins and how to fix them:

1. Muffins Didn’t Rise:

Make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh. Old leavening agents can lose their effectiveness. Also, ensure the oven is fully preheated before you start baking.

2. Crumb Topping Sunk:

If the crumb topping sinks into the muffins, it may have been over-mixed. Make sure the topping remains in large crumbles and gently press it onto the batter before baking.

3. Muffins are Dry:

Dry muffins can result from over-baking. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

4. Muffins Stuck to the Pan:

Be sure to grease the muffin pan well or use liners to prevent sticking. Let the muffins cool slightly in the pan before removing them to prevent tearing.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins are the perfect way to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall in a portable, delicious treat. With their moist, tender crumb, juicy apple chunks, and buttery crumb topping, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy them plain, with the crumb topping, or drizzled with vanilla icing, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, the next time you’re in the mood for baking, give these muffins a try—you won’t be disappointed!