Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of fall. With a moist pumpkin base and sweet apple chunks, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The streusel topping adds a crunchy layer that makes each bite even more enjoyable. Best of all, this small batch recipe means you won’t have too many leftovers to worry about!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins. First, they are easy to prepare and come together quickly. Second, they are perfect for the fall season, bringing the flavors of apple and pumpkin together in one delicious muffin. Lastly, you get to indulge in a tasty treat without making a huge batch, which means fresh muffins any time you want!
How to Make Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
Making Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins is straightforward. You will create a flavorful batter, add in fresh apple pieces, and top it off with a crunchy streusel before baking.
Ingredients
Streusel Topping:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- Pinch salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
- 1 ½ tablespoons diced apples (reserved from below)
Apple Pumpkin Muffins:
- 1 ½ tablespoons full fat sour cream, room temperature
- 5 tablespoons pure canned pumpkin
- 1 tablespoon apple juice (or orange juice or water)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh apple, cut into small cubes (I use Honeycrisp; Dice about 1 ½ tablespoons smaller for the streusel)
- 1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Directions
Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a bowl, mix the flour, cold butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to combine until crumbly. Fold in the diced apples.
Make the Muffin Batter: In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, canned pumpkin, and apple juice. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Then, gently fold in the apple cubes.
Assemble Muffins: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners. Spoon the muffin batter into the liners, filling them about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over each muffin.
Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
These muffins are best served warm. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, or have them as a delicious snack anytime during the day. You can also add a little butter or cream cheese on top for extra flavor!
How to Store Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
Store your Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you are ready to enjoy.
Tips to Make Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
- Use fresh, firm apples for the best flavor and texture in your muffins.
- For a sweeter muffin, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the muffin batter; mix just until combined for fluffy muffins.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, you can add nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for extra crunch or sweetness. You can also try using different types of spices, like nutmeg or ginger, for a unique flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of apple you like! Just make sure they are firm and sweet.
2. Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the muffins right after mixing the batter. If you prepare the batter too far in advance, the texture may change. However, you can prepare the streusel topping ahead of time and keep it in the fridge.
Enjoy your baking and the wonderful aroma of these delightful Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins!
Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
Ingredients
Streusel Topping
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes Keep cold for best texture
- 1.5 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice) Use pumpkin pie spice for added flavor
- 1.5 tablespoons diced apples (reserved from below)
Apple Pumpkin Muffins
- 1.5 tablespoons full fat sour cream, room temperature
- 5 tablespoons pure canned pumpkin
- 1 tablespoon apple juice (or orange juice or water)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup fresh apple, cut into small cubes Honeycrisp apples recommended
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour For slightly more structure
- 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.125 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cold butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to combine until crumbly.
- Fold in the diced apples.
Make the Muffin Batter
- In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, canned pumpkin, and apple juice.
- Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the apple cubes.
Assemble Muffins
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners.
- Spoon the muffin batter into the liners, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over each muffin.
Bake
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.