If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, mouthwatering treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, this Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping and Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, spiced apple-filled muffins with a delightfully crumbly streusel topping and finished with a sweet drizzle of glaze, these muffins hit all the right notes. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, these muffins bring together a perfect balance of soft texture, subtle cinnamon warmth, and a satisfyingly sweet crunch that makes every bite memorable. Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it your go-to whenever apples are in season or when you simply crave a homey baked good with a little extra sparkle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping and Glaze Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, from the all-purpose flour that gives structure, to the cinnamon that infuses every bite with cozy spice, and the sweet apples that add natural moisture and a burst of fresh flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our muffins, providing a soft but sturdy crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to the muffin batter.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the muffins rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice essential to the apple-cinnamon flavor combo.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness and spices.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter: Makes the muffins tender and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and soft.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely background aroma and depth.
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples: The star ingredient providing fresh, juicy bites throughout.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Creates that irresistible crumbly topping.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for streusel): Adds caramel notes and sweet crunch to the topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Ties the topping’s flavor to the muffin.
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (for streusel): Creates buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crumbs.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and beautifies the finished muffins.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze consistency to perfect drizzling texture.
How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping and Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start strong by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. This will ensure your muffins bake evenly without sticking, and the hot oven will help your muffins rise perfectly fluffy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This combination of dry ingredients is what sets the stage for both rise and flavor, evenly distributing your spices and leavening agents.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, melted unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This wet mix brings moisture and richness, melding seamlessly into the dry ingredients to create a tender muffin base.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together and Add Apples
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix! Fold in the chopped peeled apples carefully to retain their shape and juiciness, which will add bursts of fresh flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the streusel ingredients: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the mixture until it forms crumbly clusters that will bake into a crunchy, sweet topping.
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins
Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling them about three-quarters full for the perfect rise. Sprinkle generous amounts of the streusel topping on each muffin — this is where the magic and irresistible crunch begin.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Add the Sweet Glaze
While the muffins cool, whisk powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled muffins using a spoon or piping bag to add a beautiful, sweet finishing touch that makes these muffins extra special.
How to Serve Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping and Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your muffins with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a pinch of cinnamon on top of the glaze for extra crunch and spice. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also create a lovely, delicate look perfect for any occasion.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a fuller breakfast or brunch, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a yogurt parfait to balance the sweet richness with freshness and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your muffins on a rustic wooden board surrounded by slices of crisp apples and cinnamon sticks for a charming fall-inspired display. You can also place the muffins in colorful cupcake wrappers and tie small cinnamon sticks to each with twine for a lovely gift presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping and Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will preserve their softness and keep the glaze from drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the muffins individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven, and they’ll taste just freshly baked!
Reheating
Reheat muffins in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through. This revives their soft texture and helps the glaze melt slightly for an irresistible treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully. Just make sure they are firm so they don’t turn mushy during baking.
Is it necessary to use melted butter in the batter?
Melted butter helps make the muffins tender and moist, but you can substitute with a mild oil like vegetable or canola oil for a similar texture.
How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin — if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the muffins are done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, bake a few minutes longer.
Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the streusel topping a day in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before sprinkling it on the muffins to refresh the crumbly texture.
What if I want a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. These simple changes make the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping and Glaze Recipe that makes any day feel a little brighter and cozier. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and the perfect blend of sweet and spice, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. I encourage you to dive in and enjoy every warm, delicious bite!
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: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy apple cinnamon muffins are a delightful treat, bursting with fresh apple chunks and warm cinnamon flavor, topped with a crumbly streusel and a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they bake up moist and tender with a golden crust.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 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 evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the 2 eggs, melted 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then fold in the peeled and chopped 1 1/2 cups apples carefully for an even distribution.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the batter among 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full, then sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin.
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make and Drizzle Glaze: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons milk until smooth to make a glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled muffins for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for the best contrast with the sweet batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and fluffy.
- The streusel topping adds a crunchy texture but can be omitted if preferred.
- Allow muffins to cool before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
- Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
