Craving a warm, comforting treat that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these delightful Apple Crumble Muffins! They combine the juicy sweetness of apples with a crunchy, buttery crumble topping – all baked into individual, perfectly portioned muffins. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert, these muffins are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are also healthy meals, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking adventures.
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This is a crucial step for easy removal and perfectly shaped muffins.
Make the Muffin Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. This ensures even baking and consistent flavor throughout the muffins.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Add the applesauce to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
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Gently fold in the diced apples and the dry ingredients until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing.
Prepare the Crumble Topping:
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In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping.
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Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and Bake:
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Fill each muffin liner about ¾ full with the muffin batter.
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Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the muffins.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
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Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Apple Crumble Muffins:
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of apple pie spice to the muffin batter.
- If you prefer a sweeter muffin, increase the amount of granulated sugar in the batter.
- For a crispier crumble topping, bake the muffins for a few extra minutes.
- These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the muffin batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the crumble topping for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Seasonal Swap: Use other fruits like blueberries, cranberries, or raspberries instead of apples for seasonal variations.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
These Apple Crumble Muffins are a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy this homemade cooking experience and treat yourself to these delicious and healthy muffins! They are wonderful quick dinner ideas when paired with a simple salad or soup.