Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

These Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins are soft, fluffy, and filled with cozy fall flavor. Made with applesauce, cinnamon, and a buttery crumb topping, they’re an easy and delicious breakfast or snack everyone will love.

Equipment

• 12-cup muffin pan
• Paper liners and non-stick spray
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl (for crumble)
• Whisk or spatula

Ingredients

Apple Cinnamon Muffin Batter:

• ? cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup milk (regular or plant-based)
• ¼ cup melted butter (regular or vegan)
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup light brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free blend such as King Arthur Measure-for-Measure)

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Crumble Topping:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  (Add 1–2 extra tablespoons flour if needed to reach crumbly texture.)

Optional Icing:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons almond milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and lightly spray them with non-stick baking spray.
2. Make the Batter
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the flour and stir until a smooth batter forms.
3. Add the Filling Layer
   In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar for the filling. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, sprinkle a bit of the cinnamon-sugar filling over each, then spoon the remaining batter on top.
4. Make the Crumble Topping
   In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly. If it feels too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour. Evenly sprinkle the crumble over each muffin.
5. Bake the Muffins
   Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Glaze (Optional)
   Let the muffins cool slightly. If desired, whisk together the icing ingredients and drizzle over the tops. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions