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The Ultimate Moist Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Crunchy Streusel Topping

A stack of four golden brown apple cinnamon muffins topped with a generous streusel crumb topping, sitting on a plate.
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Follow this simple recipe to bake incredibly moist, bakery-style apple cinnamon muffins featuring tender apple chunks and a satisfying, crunchy streusel topping. This recipe is perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk (for moisture)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for streusel)
  • For the Streusel Topping:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, yogurt (or buttermilk), and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  5. Fold in the diced apples gently.
  6. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the streusel flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  8. Sprinkle a generous amount of the streusel topping over the top of each muffin.
  9. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for another 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Using plain yogurt or buttermilk is the secret to achieving that incredibly moist, tender texture you want in a bakery-style muffin.
  • For the best flavor, use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • If you prefer a sweeter finish, you can drizzle a simple glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon milk) over the cooled muffins.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/apple-cinnamon-muffins/