What exactly is streusel topping and how do you make it for muffins?

Streusel is a crumbly topping made from flour, butter, and sugar—sometimes with cinnamon or nuts mixed in. You combine the dry ingredients, then cut in cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle it over your apple cinnamon streusel muffins before baking so it bakes into crunchy pockets on top.

How long do apple cinnamon muffin stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay moist and fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you put them in the refrigerator, they may last up to a week, though the crumb topping might soften slightly.

Can you freeze apple cinnamon streusel muffins?

Yes—you can. Let the muffins cool completely, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or briefly reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free, vegan or with less sugar?

Absolutely. You can use a gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) to go gluten-free. For a vegan version, swap in plant-based milk, vegan butter or coconut oil, and use flax or chia egg replacements. To reduce sugar, use half sugar plus natural sweeteners like applesauce or a sugar substitute—just be careful, since the texture and rise might shift slightly.

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins – 5 Irresistible Reasons You’ll Love Them

Description

These apple cinnamon streusel muffins are soft, moist, and perfectly spiced with a crunchy brown sugar crumb topping. A cozy, bakery-style treat that captures the warmth of homemade fall baking.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 cup milk

1½ cups peeled and diced apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith)

½ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)

⅓ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel)

4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed (for streusel)

½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

1 tablespoon milk or cream

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.

3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, and milk until smooth.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.

5. Fold in diced apples evenly through the batter.

6. In a separate bowl, make the streusel by mixing flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cutting in cold butter until crumbly.

7. Fill each muffin cup two-thirds full, then sprinkle with streusel topping.

8. Bake for 5 minutes at 400°F, then reduce to 350°F and bake 15–18 minutes more, until a toothpick comes out clean.

9. Let muffins cool slightly before drizzling optional glaze over tops.

Notes

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.

Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT23M
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 muffin
Calories: 245
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg