Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping

Apple Cinnamon Muffins are soft, tender, and full of warm spice and apple pieces. They make a perfect breakfast, brunch treat, or afternoon snack.

After many attempts to get the texture and balance right, this version produces tall, fluffy muffins with bright apple flavor and a pronounced cinnamon aroma. A few simple techniques make all the difference.

I finally perfected the method and included a few key tips below so your muffins come out tall, moist, and full of spice every time.

Perfect Muffin Hints

• Bake at a higher temperature for a short time. A hot oven gives a rapid rise, helping the muffins stay tall and light.
• Coat the apples with a bit of flour and cinnamon before folding them in. The flour helps absorb excess moisture from the apples so the batter doesn’t become soggy, and the cinnamon boosts the spice.
• Use enough cinnamon. You want the cinnamon flavor to be noticeable, not just fragrant while baking.
• Do not overmix. Fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined; a slightly lumpy batter is fine and keeps the muffins tender.

How to make Apple Cinnamon Muffins

I hope you enjoy these Apple Cinnamon Muffins. If you try the recipe, please leave a rating and share your experience in the comments — feedback helps refine times and textures for different ovens and apples.

5 from 1 vote

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Soft, fluffy muffins packed with apples, cinnamon and a crunchy crumb topping. Great for breakfast or snacks.

Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
15 mins

Total Time
25 mins

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 Muffins

Calories: 348kcal

Author: Emma Burton

Ingredients

• ½ Cup Oil
• ⅓ Cup Milk
• 1½ tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 Medium Eggs
• ½ Cup Sugar (100g)
• ½ Cup Brown Sugar (90g)
• 2½ Cups All Purpose Flour (310g)
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 2 tsp Cinnamon
• 2 Granny Smith Apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
• 1 Tbsp extra flour (for coating apples)
• ½ tsp extra cinnamon (for coating apples)

Crumb Topping

• ¼ Cup Melted Butter (57g)
• ¼ Cup All Purpose Flour (34g)
• ⅓ Cup Brown Sugar (60g)
• 1 tsp Cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease or line a 12-muffin tray with liners.
2. Peel and chop the apples into small cubes. Toss them with 1 tablespoon flour and ½ teaspoon cinnamon to coat; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, milk, vanilla and eggs.
4. In a large bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking powder and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
5. Gently fold the coated apples into the batter. Spoon the batter into muffin cases, filling each about two-thirds full.

Crumb Topping

1. Mix the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then stir in the melted butter until crumbly.
2. Sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 15–20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Muffin
|
Calories: 348 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 51 g
|
Protein: 4 g
|
Fat: 14 g

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