Dutch Apple Muffins are moist, fluffy, and bursting with the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples. These cinnamon streusel muffins are perfect for fall, but can be enjoyed any time of year.
To make this apple cinnamon muffin recipe, all you need is a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. Flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, milk, eggs, butter, and apples are the main ingredients. And the crumble topping takes these muffins to the next level of deliciousness!
The BEST Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Apple muffins are a classic breakfast or snack option that everyone loves. These muffins are easy to make, and they are perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and savory combination. The crumble topping adds a delicious crunch to the muffins, making them even more enjoyable.
Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, you will love making and eating Dutch apple muffins. They are a crowd-pleaser and can be served warm or at room temperature. They are also a great way to use up any leftover apples you may have from apple-picking or grocery shopping. Try making a batch today and enjoy the delicious taste of fall in every bite.
Why we think you should give this recipe a try today!
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice bakers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of delicious muffins in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of tender apples, warm cinnamon, and sweet brown sugar creates a flavor that is sure to please. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert.
- Great for Sharing: These muffins are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want to surprise someone with a sweet treat, these muffins are sure to impress.
Dutch Apple Muffin Ingredients
Crumb topping
Flour: You will need ½ cup of flour to keep the crumble from dissolving.
Sugars: Use ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar and 1 TBSP of granulated sugar to make the topping sweet and crunchy.
Cinnamon: Adding 1 tsp of ground cinnamon will add a warm delicious flavor to the crumble topping.
Salt: Balance the wonderful flavors in this recipe by using 1 pinch of salt.
Butter: You need ¼ cup (half a stick) of unsalted butter, melted, to help bind the crumble topping together well.
Muffin batter
Flour: You need 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour for the base of this muffin recipe.
Leavening agents: Use 1 tsp each of baking powder and baking soda to make the muffins puff up as they bake.
Spices: To make these muffins more flavorful, add in 1 tsp of ground cinnamon and ¼ tsp of each ground ginger and ground nutmeg.
Salt: Help balance the sweetness in the muffins, use 1 tsp of kosher salt.
Sugars: Using ½ cup each of brown sugar and granulated sugar, will make the muffins sweet and tender.
Butter: You will want to use ½ cup (one stick) of room temperature unsalted butter.
Eggs: Adding 2 large eggs to the muffin batter will help to bind the dough together well.
Yogurt: To make the muffins rich and fluffy add in ½ cup of plain flavored Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Milk: Use ¼ cup of whole milk to moisten the batter to the right consistency.
Vanilla extract: Add in 2 tsp of vanilla extract will really help to enhance the flavors in these muffins.
Apples: 1 cup of peeled and diced apples scattered throughout these muffins gives them even more amazing flavor and texture.
How to make Dutch Apple Muffins
Crumble topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, both types of sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
Then melt the butter in a small dish and pour into the flour and sugar mixture, stir to just combined. It should hold together when you squeeze it with your hands.
Place the bowl of crumble in the fridge to set as you prepare the muffin batter.
Prep
Next, get the oven preheating to 400 degrees F.
Then line a muffin pan with paper liners or spray well with nonstick cooking spray. Set the pans aside.
Next, peel and dice the apple and set it aside for later use.
Muffin Batter
Now, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until mixed.
Then, in a separate mixing bowl, beat together both of the sugars and the softened butter with a hand mixer, or stand mixer, until light and fluffy.
Next, add in the eggs, yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract and mix again until fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
Proceed to add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix on low speed until just combined. It is okay if a few flour streaks remain.
Using a rubber spatula, fold in the apple chunks into the muffin batter.
Begin to divide the batter into the muffin cups, filling each one about 2/3’s of the way full.
Then, sprinkle the crumble mixture on top of the muffin batter and press slightly to get it to adhere to the batter while baking.
Bake
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and come out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Potential Variations of Dutch Apple Muffins
Dutch apple muffins are a versatile treat that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are two potential variations to consider:
Gluten-Free Variation: For those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, making gluten-free Dutch apple muffins is a great option. To achieve this variation, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the recipe with a gluten-free flour blend. Some popular gluten-free flour blends include:
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
- King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour
- Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Flour
When making this variation, it’s important to note that the texture and taste of the muffins may differ slightly from the original recipe. However, with the right flour blend and careful measurements, the muffins can still be delicious and satisfying.
Vegan Variation: For those who follow a vegan lifestyle, making vegan Dutch apple muffins is a great way to enjoy this classic treat without using any animal products. To achieve this variation, simply substitute the butter and milk in the recipe with vegan alternatives. Some popular vegan substitutes include:
- Coconut oil or vegan margarine for butter
- Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for milk
Dutch Apple Muffins
Ingredients
Dutch Crumb topping
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 TBSP granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- pinch salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick) melted
Muffin batter
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick) at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apples peeled and diced
Instructions
- Crumble topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, both types of sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
- Then melt the butter in a small dish and pour into the flour and sugar mixture, stir to just combined. It should hold together when you squeeze it with your hands. Place the bowl of crumble in the fridge to set as you prepare the muffins.
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line muffin cups with cupcake liners or grease with nonstick cooking spray. Set the pans aside.
- Peel and dice the apple and set it aside for later use.
- Muffin Batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until mixed.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat together both of the sugars and the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs, yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract and mix again until fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
- Add in the flour mixture and mix together on low speed until just combined. It is okay if a few flour streaks remain.
- Using a rubber spatula, fold in the apple chunks into the muffin batter.
- Divide the batter into the muffin tins, filling each about 2/3 of the way full. Sprinkle the crumble over the top of each muffin and lightly press it into the top of the muffin to prevent it from falling off while baking.
- Bake: Bake the muffins for 15-20 minutes until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve warm with butter & enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How long are Dutch apple muffins good for?
These can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or ziplocked bag for about 3 days. The topping will get soft, so you can crisp them up in the oven at 300F for about 5 minutes.
If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container or ziplocked bag for about 3 months. Remove the muffins from the freezer about an hour before serving to allow them to defrost.
What is the secret to moist muffins?
The secret to moist muffins is to not overmix the batter. Overmixing the batter can cause the gluten in the flour to develop, resulting in tough and dry muffins. It is important to mix the ingredients until just combined.
How long do you have to leave muffins in the pan after baking?
After baking, it is recommended to leave the muffins in the pan for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly. This allows the muffins to set and makes them easier to remove from the pan. After 5-10 minutes, use a knife or spatula to loosen the edges of the muffins and gently remove them from the pan. Allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
What apples should I use?
These muffins will work with pretty much any apple. I would pick a sweet, crisp apple, like Honeycrisp for the best results. The muffins are not very sweet, so a tart apple, like Granny Smith, might not be a good fit for this recipe. However, if you prefer a more savory muffin, feel free to use tart apples! Crisp apples work best because they hold their shape more after baking and provide some contrasts in texture. If you don’t have crisp apples on hand, these muffins will still taste great with softer apples.
Can I make these muffins gluten free?
I have not tried this, but it would likely work with an all-purpose flour alternative, like Cup4Cup Gluten Free Flour or Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour. Give it a try and I bet it will be just as delicious!
Check out these other great muffin recipes!
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- BANANA BREAD MUFFINS
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Dutch Apple Muffins are a delightful, soft and delicious treat that is sure to satisfy! These cinnamon streusel muffins are packed with warm spices, fresh apples and topped with a sweet cinnamon crumble.
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