These Apple Streusel Muffins are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon muffins, combining tender, moist apple-filled batter with a crunchy, sweet streusel topping.
Packed with fiber from fresh apples and healthy fats from butter, they’re both satisfying and nutritious.
Quick and easy to make, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep, offering a wholesome, comforting treat for busy days.
Apple Streusel Muffins
Equipment
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Cupcake liners or nonstick cooking spray
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spoon or spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 13.9 oz cinnamon muffin mix with streusel topping
- 1 ½ cups diced tart apples peeled and cored, about 2 small apples
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves or apple pie spice
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 –1 ½ tbsp milk adjust for desired consistency
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it has enough time to reach the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the muffins. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners, or generously spray each cup with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures the muffins release easily after baking and prevents sticking. Set the prepared pan aside on a flat surface, ready for the batter.
- Separate Streusel Topping: Most cinnamon muffin mixes with streusel come with two separate packets—one for the muffin batter and one for the streusel topping. Carefully open both packets and set the streusel topping aside in a small bowl. This allows you to sprinkle it evenly over the muffins later and ensures the topping stays crisp and crunchy rather than mixing into the batter.
- Combine Muffin Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cinnamon muffin mix, diced apples, milk, eggs, melted butter, and a pinch of ground cloves or apple pie spice. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients together. Stir just until all dry ingredients are moistened—overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so aim for a slightly lumpy, thick batter. The diced apples should be evenly distributed, giving each bite a burst of fruity flavor.
- Portion Batter into Muffin Cups: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the muffin batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup about halfway to three-quarters full, leaving space for the muffins to rise. Make sure the batter is level in each cup to promote even baking. This step ensures uniform-sized muffins with a soft, tender crumb.
- Add Streusel Topping: Evenly sprinkle the reserved streusel topping over each muffin cup. Gently press the topping into the batter so it adheres slightly but still maintains its crumbly texture. The streusel will bake into a golden, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft, apple-filled muffin beneath. This step is key for achieving the signature crunch of apple streusel muffins.
- Bake Muffins to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the muffins rise and the tops turn a lovely golden brown. To check doneness, gently press the center of a muffin—the top should spring back, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid opening the oven too frequently, as this can cause the muffins to sink.
- Cool Muffins on a Rack: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them sit in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling allows the muffins to set and prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy. While still slightly warm, they are perfect for adding the glaze, which will gently melt and form a delicate layer on top.
- Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency—it should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still drizzle easily. The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch, enhancing the flavor and visual appeal of the muffins.
- Drizzle Glaze Over Muffins: Using a spoon, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm muffins. Allow it to lightly set for a few minutes before serving. The glaze will soak slightly into the tops while maintaining a gentle sheen, making the muffins irresistible. For extra flair, you can use a piping bag or small zip-top bag with a cut corner to create neat lines across the muffins.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Apple Streusel Muffins are now ready to enjoy! Serve them warm for a comforting breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a sweet treat alongside tea or coffee. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days, or freeze for longer storage. Each muffin offers a perfect balance of tender apple-filled interior, cinnamon flavor, and crunchy streusel topping.
Notes
- Use any brand of cinnamon muffin mix; if it doesn’t include a streusel topping, you can easily make your own with flour, brown sugar, and butter.
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tangy flavor that holds up well during baking.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep muffins tender and fluffy; a few small lumps are okay.
- For a richer flavor, you can lightly toast the streusel topping in a dry skillet before sprinkling it on the muffins.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweet finish; adjust milk quantity to achieve your desired drizzle consistency.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Muffins
To achieve bakery-quality muffins at home, focus on temperature and texture.
Preheating the oven ensures your muffins rise evenly, while gently folding the batter prevents toughness.
Using fresh, diced apples not only adds natural sweetness but also moisture and fiber, making each bite satisfying.
Don’t skip the streusel topping—it creates a textural contrast with the soft interior.
For extra flavor, a dash of apple pie spice or ground cloves elevates the aroma and taste.
Finally, apply the glaze while muffins are still slightly warm so it melts just enough to create a beautiful, shiny finish without soaking the tops.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
These muffins are versatile and can be served warm with a pat of butter or alongside a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast.
They also make an excellent afternoon snack or a light dessert for gatherings.
For brunch, consider serving them with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit to balance sweetness and add protein.
They can be plated on a festive tray with a drizzle of extra glaze or a sprinkling of cinnamon for presentation.
For meal prep, wrap individually in parchment and pack as on-the-go snacks.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
To maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor, store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.
If you need longer storage, freeze the baked muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat frozen muffins in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to regain a fresh-baked texture.
The glaze may soften slightly when stored; drizzle a fresh layer on reheating if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firm texture, you can substitute Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples.
Just keep in mind sweeter varieties may reduce the overall tart balance, so adjust the streusel sugar accordingly if desired.
2. Can I make the muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Choose a gluten-free cinnamon muffin mix and ensure your streusel and glaze ingredients are gluten-free. The texture will remain moist, though the crumb may be slightly denser depending on the mix.
3. Can I prepare muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Be sure to give the batter a gentle stir before portioning into muffin cups. Baked muffins can also be frozen for meal prep.
4. How can I make the streusel topping at home?
If your muffin mix doesn’t include streusel, combine ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons cold butter.
Use your fingers or a fork to crumble the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over muffins before baking.
5. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the glaze is optional. The muffins are delicious on their own, with the streusel providing plenty of sweetness and texture.
You can also substitute a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple cinnamon sugar sprinkle for a less sweet alternative.
