If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that’s bursting with warm flavors and a delightful texture, you’ve come to the right place. This Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping and Glaze Recipe is a spectacular way to welcome fall into your kitchen or brighten any morning with a sweet and tender baked good. The tender muffins studded with fresh apples, kissed with cinnamon, and topped with a buttery streusel make every bite an irresistible experience. To top it all off, the sweet glaze adds a perfect glossy finish that calls you back for more. This recipe has quickly become one of my favorite autumn treats to share with friends and family, and I just know you’ll adore it as much as I do!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together effortlessly to create perfect muffins. Each one plays a pivotal role in delivering the wonderful flavor, moistness, and crumbly finishing touches that make these muffins so spectacular.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and softness to the muffins.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while keeping the texture light.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that helps your muffins rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- 2 eggs: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter: Gives the muffins a tender, moist crumb.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and keeps the batter silky smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with its sweet, fragrant notes.
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples: Fresh apple pieces create juicy pockets bursting with flavor.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Forms the crumbly base of the streusel topping.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for streusel): Adds caramel-like richness and crunch to the topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Sprinkles that quintessential apple pie spice into the crumble.
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (for streusel): Creates those coveted buttery crumbs.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and perfects the finish on top of the muffins.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze to the ideal drizzle-worthy consistency.
How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping and Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Start by heating your oven up to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bake your muffins to golden perfection. Line your muffin tin with paper liners to make for easy removal and cleanup. Setting yourself up well at the beginning always makes baking smoother and more enjoyable!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This creates a well-balanced dry mixture where the spices and leavening distribute evenly throughout the batter, ensuring each muffin is perfectly flavored and rises just right.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. This blend adds moisture, richness, and a lovely fragrant base that will combine beautifully with your dry ingredients and fresh apples.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Mixtures Together with Apples
Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your muffins might turn out tough. Then fold in the chopped apples, which add moisture, a fresh bite, and natural sweetness that makes these muffins standout.
Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. This streusel topping will add a wonderfully crunchy texture that contrasts the tender muffin perfectly.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Streusel
Evenly divide the batter among the 12 muffin cups, filling them almost to the top. Then sprinkle a generous amount of streusel topping over each muffin. This topping will bake into a deliciously crisp crust, adding visual appeal and that classic diner-style muffin texture you love.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Bake the muffins for 20 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan a bit before transferring to a wire rack—this prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy and helps the muffins firm up a little.
Step 8: Drizzle with Glaze
While the muffins cool, mix powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons milk until smooth but slightly thick. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled muffins to introduce a sweet, shiny finish that melts in your mouth and completes these beauties.
How to Serve Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping and Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon or some finely chopped nuts like walnuts on top of the glaze for an inviting crunch and a little more warmth. A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving adds an extra touch of sweetness and a pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte to highlight those cinnamon notes. For a fuller breakfast or brunch, serve with creamy Greek yogurt and fresh fruit or on the side of scrambled eggs for a lovely balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few muffins on a festive platter with cinnamon sticks and apple slices for a beautiful display. You can also cut them in half and spread a thin layer of cream cheese or apple butter inside for an extra indulgence that doubles as an exciting snack option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them moist and tender. If your kitchen tends to be warm, the fridge is also a good option, but bring them back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or speed thaw in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste any time.
Reheating
To enjoy muffins warm, microwave for about 20 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that soft, fresh-baked texture and makes the glaze slightly melty again, turning every bite into a cozy treat.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast, sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp also work beautifully and might add extra juiciness and flavor to your muffins.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the melted butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a delicious dairy-free version that maintains the moist texture.
How do I prevent the streusel from sinking into the muffins?
Make sure your batter is thick enough to hold the streusel on top. Gently sprinkle the streusel evenly without pressing it down, and avoid overfilling your muffin cups so that the topping can stay perched during baking.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make excellent additions that boost flavor and texture. Add about 1/2 cup to the batter when folding in the apples for a fun twist.
How long do the muffins stay fresh at room temperature?
Your muffins are best enjoyed within 2 days at room temperature. After that, they may start to dry out. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate or freeze as suggested above.
Final Thoughts
Making the Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping and Glaze Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug with every bite. The blend of fresh apples, cinnamon spice, crumbly streusel, and that irresistible glaze creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy morning delight, these muffins never disappoint. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and savor the pure joy that comes from homemade baked goodness.
Print
Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping and Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy apple cinnamon muffins are a delightful treat featuring tender muffins packed with fresh apples and warm cinnamon spice, topped with a crumbly streusel and a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, they combine classic flavors with a soft, moist texture.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs and mix in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender. Fold in 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare Streusel: In another bowl, make the streusel topping by mixing 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle the streusel mixture generously on top of each muffin.
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make and Apply Glaze: While muffins cool, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins for an added touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- For extra moist muffins, avoid overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Streusel topping can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- The glaze can be adjusted in consistency by adding more or less milk.
- Muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
