Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

Are you ready for a muffin that’ll make your taste buds do the tango? Look no further than these apple cinnamon streusel muffins, the perfect recipe for fall (or anytime you’re craving some cozy vibes).

We’re talking juicy Granny Smith apples, dancing together with warm cinnamon spice, in a muffin that’s so fluffy and delicious, you’ll want to propose to it. And let’s not forget about that sweet and crunchy strudel topping, which is like a party in your mouth. It’s like a little crunchy dance party, but for your taste buds.

These muffins are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of the season, whether you’re sipping a cozy mug of tea or just looking for a tasty breakfast or snack. And with the addition of Greek yogurt, they’re not only delicious but also extra moist and rich.

Why you’ll love this apple cinnamon streusel muffins

• The combination of warm cinnamon and tart apples creates a cozy and inviting flavor that is perfect for the fall season. The addition of a crunchy strudel topping adds texture and sweetness, while the cream cheese drizzle icing brings a tangy and creamy element to the muffins, perfectly complementing the other flavors.

• These muffins are easy to make and can be customized to fit different tastes and preferences. For example, you can adjust the amount of cinnamon or sugar to make them sweeter or more spicy or swap the Granny Smith apples for another variety if you prefer.

Handy Tools/Equipment

• Pastry Cutter

Pastry Cutter with Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Blades

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cookies

• Brown sugar– provides sweetness and a slight caramel flavor to the streusel topping.

• Granulated sugar– adds additional sweetness to the topping.

• Ground cinnamon– adds a warm, spicy flavor to the topping.

• Nutmeg– adds a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the topping.

• Salt– enhances the overall flavor of the topping and helps balance the sweetness.

• Unsalted butter, cold– used to create a crumbly texture in the topping. It should be cut into small pieces and worked into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It will also add moisture and richness to the muffin itself.

• All-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)- This ingredient is the main dry component of the topping and muffin mixture and provides structure and texture to the mixture.

• Baking soda and baking powder- the muffins rise and become fluffy.

• Eggs- add moisture, richness, and structure to the muffins.

• Full-fat yogurt- adds moisture and richness to the muffins, and it also helps tenderize the crumb.

• Vanilla extract- adds flavor to the muffins.

• Whole milk- adds moisture to the muffins.

• Apples- add texture, flavor, and natural sweetness to the muffins.

• Cream cheese- the main ingredient of the icing, and it provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the icing.

• Powdered sugar- the icing also helps to thicken it. The amount of powdered sugar you use will depend on how sweet and thick you want your icing to be.

Making the Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

Are you ready to get hot and steamy with some cupcakes? Preheat your oven to a sizzling 425°F, and get that baby fired up like a rocket ship! We want our oven to be so hot, it’ll make your ex jealous.
Next up, it’s time to give your cupcake pan a makeover. Line it with 12 glamorous cupcake liners, and make those cupcakes feel like royalty.
Mix the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt together in a medium bowl.
Grab your cold butter and cut it into tablespoon-sized chunks. It’s like a game of butter Tetris! Use your food processor. Or pastry cutter to cut in the butter in a criss-cross motion until it looks like tiny little pea-sized crumbles. Don’t go overboard or you’ll end up with a dry dough that’ll make you cry. Remember, the key to success here is to stop once you’ve reached the perfect crumble. We’re not trying to win a marathon, we just want a tasty streusel. So don’t get too excited and mix it all up into a dry dough consistency, or you’ll be in for a rude awakening. Trust us, nobody wants a dry streusel – it’s like eating sandpaper. So let’s keep it crumbly, people!
Get a large bowl and add in flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good whisk and set it aside. You can even have a little dance party while you’re at it.
Grab your handheld or stand mixer and beat the butter and sugar together like you’re in a race. It should be smooth and creamy, but don’t let it get too cocky. Add eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract, and beat until they’re combined and mostly creamy. It’s okay if it looks a bit curdled; we all have bad hair days.
Slowly mix in the dry ingredients and milk. Add the apples and give it a gentle fold, as if you’re tucking them in for a nap.
Fill each cup or liner with the batter, but don’t be stingy. Add the crumb topping on each muffin and press it down like you’re trying to give it a hug.
Preheat the oven to 425°F and bake the muffins for 5 minutes. Then, turn down the heat to 350°F and let them chill out in the oven for another 15-20 minutes. When a toothpick comes out clean, it’s time to party! Let the muffins cool for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to continue cooling. You wouldn’t want them to get too hot and bothered.
Cream together the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until tmooth Then, load up a piping bag Then, fill up a piping bag (or even a fancy ziplock bag, we won’t judge) with this heavenly mixture and unleash a piping hot drizzle over the muffins while they’re still warm. It’s a recipe for muffin greatness that’ll have you feeling like a baking boss!

What to serve with them

• Coffee or tea: These muffins pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them a great breakfast or snack option.

• Fresh fruit– For a healthy and refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the muffins, you can serve them with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or blueberries.

• Yogurt- Another healthy option is to serve the muffins with a side of Greek yogurt. This adds extra protein and creaminess to the meal.

• Bacon or sausage- For a heartier breakfast, you can serve the muffins with a side of bacon or sausage. The savory flavor of the meat pairs well with the sweet and spiced flavors of the muffins.

• Whipped cream- If you want to add even more sweetness to the muffins, you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream. This makes them more of a dessert option.

• Ice cream- is an amazing addition to serve with apple cinnamon strudel muffins because it adds a creamy, cool contrast to the warm and spicy muffins. The combination of hot and cold creates a delightful texture and temperature contrast that can enhance the flavors of both the muffins and the ice cream.

Can I add other spices to the batter?

While cinnamon is a classic and delicious flavor for apple cinnamon strudel muffins, there are a variety of other flavors that you can add to customize the recipe. Here are some ideas:

• Nutmeg: Nutmeg is a warm and aromatic spice that pairs well with apples. You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the muffin batter for an extra layer of flavor.

• Ginger: Ground ginger has a spicy and slightly sweet flavor that complements apples well. You can add a small amount of ginger to the muffin batter for a slightly different flavor profile.

• Cloves: Cloves have a warm and slightly bitter flavor that can add depth to the muffins. You can add a pinch of ground cloves to the muffin batter for a richer and more complex flavor.

• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a sweet and floral flavor to baked goods. You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the muffin batter for a subtle and delicious flavor addition.

• Cardamom: Cardamom has a sweet and citrusy flavor that pairs well with apples. You can add a pinch of ground cardamom to the muffin batter for a unique and exotic flavor.

• Orange zest: Adding orange zest to the muffin batter can add a fresh and citrusy flavor to the muffins that complement the sweetness of the apples.

These are just a few examples of the many different flavor combinations you can use to customize your apple cinnamon strudel muffins. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own unique combination of flavors! You can also add oats to the streusel topping

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?

Yes! Personally I’ve also made them with Honeycrisp.

Can I make these muffins without the strudel topping or cream cheese drizzle?

Of course! But why would you want to?

How can I store these muffins?

Because the icing has cream cheese, store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes. I’ve frozen them for up to one month with no streusel topping or icing. Anything beyond that is at your own risk.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

2-3 days ahead of time would be just fine!

How many muffins does this recipe make?

2-14

Can I add other flavors to the muffin batter, such as pumpkin or chocolate chips?

I don’t see why not, but I’ve only ever tried a variation with adding a little orange zest.

Kitchen Pearls

• Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the muffins while they are still slightly warm so the icing takes the shape of where it falls

Storage

• Because the icing has cream cheese, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I’ve frozen them for up to one month with no streusel topping or icing. Anything beyond that is at your own risk.