Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins

Featured in: Warm Bakes

These moist, fluffy muffins combine finely diced fresh apples with warm cinnamon for a comforting flavor. The buttery crumb streusel topping adds a delightful crisp texture. Perfectly balanced sweetness and spice make them ideal for breakfast or a snack. Easy to prepare and bake in under 45 minutes, these muffins offer a satisfying homemade treat with a tender crumb and aromatic fragrance.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:50:00 GMT
Fluffy Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins topped with buttery crumb for breakfast delight.  Save
Fluffy Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins topped with buttery crumb for breakfast delight. | moonthyme.com

Moist, fluffy muffins packed with fresh apples and warm cinnamon, topped with a buttery crumb streusel for the perfect breakfast or snack.

These muffins quickly became a favorite at family breakfasts, with everyone loving the balance of cinnamon and fresh apples.

Ingredients

  • For the Muffins: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups (180 g) peeled cored and finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
  • For the Streusel Topping: 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup (65 g) light brown sugar packed, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter cold and cubed

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl whisk together flour baking powder baking soda salt and cinnamon
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl whisk melted butter and sugar Add eggs milk and vanilla whisking until smooth
Combine Ingredients:
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined (do not overmix)
Add Apples:
Fold in diced apples until evenly distributed
Fill Muffin Cups:
Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups filling each about 3/4 full
Prepare Streusel:
For the streusel combine flour brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
Add Streusel:
Sprinkle streusel evenly over muffin batter
Bake:
Bake for 20 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
Cool:
Cool muffins in tin for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Warm, fresh-baked Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins bursting with sweet apple and spice.  Save
Warm, fresh-baked Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins bursting with sweet apple and spice. | moonthyme.com

This recipe always brings smiles when we share these muffins during weekend family breakfasts.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for extra flavor or sweet apples like Honeycrisp for a milder taste Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for crunch Muffins freeze well for up to 2 months thaw at room temperature

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Whisk Muffin tin Paper liners or nonstick spray Pastry cutter or fork Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) eggs milk and butter (dairy) May contain traces of nuts if added Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens

Delicious Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins with a crunchy topping, perfect for a snack. Save
Delicious Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins with a crunchy topping, perfect for a snack. | moonthyme.com

Enjoy these flavorful muffins fresh or thawed from frozen either way the aroma and taste are irresistible.

Recipe FAQ

What type of apples work best for this dish?

Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice tang, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp offer a milder flavor. Both maintain texture well during baking.

How can I make the streusel topping crispier?

Use cold butter and cut it into the flour and sugar until coarse crumbs form. This creates a crumbly, crisp texture once baked.

Can nuts be added to the batter?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded into the batter for added crunch and flavor.

What is the best way to store these muffins?

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days, or freeze them for up to two months for longer preservation.

How can I prevent the muffins from becoming dry?

Do not overmix the batter and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean but avoid overbaking. The apples and butter help keep them moist.

Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins

Fluffy muffins with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery crumb streusel topping.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
22 min
Total Duration
42 min
Created by Lydia Brooks

Type Warm Bakes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 12 Serving Size

Diet Info Vegetarian Friendly

What You'll Need

Muffins

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
07 2/3 cup granulated sugar
08 2 large eggs
09 1/2 cup whole milk
10 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 1 1/2 cups peeled, cored, and finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

Streusel Topping

01 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.

Step 02

Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 03

Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.

Step 04

Incorporate wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined without overmixing.

Step 05

Add diced apples: Fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 06

Fill muffin cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

Step 07

Prepare streusel topping: In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 08

Top muffins with streusel: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the muffin batter in each cup.

Step 09

Bake muffins: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10

Cool muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Paper liners or nonstick spray
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Wire rack

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and ask a medical professional when unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and butter (dairy).
  • May contain traces of nuts if added.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

These details are for reference only, and shouldn't replace healthcare advice.
  • Energy: 225
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 3 g