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Apple cinnamon crumb muffins are a cozy breakfast or snack option that brings the perfect mix of sweet apples, warm spice and soft, fluffy texture. These muffins have a hearty oat base and a crunchy crumb topping that melts slightly under a tangy cream cheese drizzle. Great for grab-and-go mornings or relaxed weekends, they taste like autumn in every bite. You don’t need a mixer and the ingredients are simple, making these muffins a must-bake when you’re in the mood for apples.
These apple cinnamon crumb muffins have tender apple chunks and a soft oat crumb, finished with a drizzle of icing. They’re ideal for breakfast or a snack.
You might also enjoy these lemon poppy seed muffins, copycat Starbucks lemon loaf and these soft, moist carrot and blueberry muffins.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect for fall: These muffins are packed with cozy cinnamon spice and fresh apples, making them a great autumn treat (although I enjoy these year round!)
Great texture: Soft centers, crunchy tops and a creamy drizzle make each bite special.
Kid friendly: These are always a hit with little ones.
Make ahead: Bake them the night before and have breakfast ready to go.
Customizable: Use your favorite apple variety or add chopped nuts if you like.
Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the muffins.
Oats: Add texture to both the muffin and the crumb topping.
Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise.
Cinnamon: Brings a warm, sweet spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tart apples.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the muffins structure.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture.
Milk: Keeps the crumb soft and tender.
Apple: Fresh diced apple gives a juicy texture and fruity flavor. Macintosh works well, but Honeycrisp or Fuji are great too.
Brown sugar: Used in the crumb topping for deeper sweetness.
Cream cheese: Adds tangy richness to the icing.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing.
Lemon juice: Cuts the sweetness and brightens the icing flavor.
How to Make Apple Muffins with Cinnamon
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the batter: Whisk together the dry ingredients then mix in the wet.
Add the apple: Fold in the diced apple and mix just until combined.
Prepare the topping: Stir together crumb topping ingredients until clumpy.
Assemble and bake: Divide batter into muffin cups and top with crumb mixture.
Make the icing: Beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy then mix in sugar and lemon.
Drizzle and serve: Once the muffins are cool, drizzle with icing and serve.
Substitutions and Variations
Use dairy free options: Swap butter and cream cheese for plant-based versions and use almond or oat milk.
Make it gluten free: Use a 1:1 gluten free flour blend and certified gluten free oats.
Try different apples: Granny Smith adds tartness, Honeycrisp is sweet and juicy.
Add crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans with the apples.
Serving Suggestions
For brunch: Enjoy contrasting dishes such as this breakfast skillet, twice baked breakfast potatoes or a breakfast bundt bake with your apple cinnamon muffins.
As a snack: Pair your apple cinnamon crumb muffins with a mango smoothie or Starbucks style medicine ball tea.
How to Store Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins
Store: The best was to store apple strudel muffins is in a paper towel lined airtight container. Put another paper towel on top and then keep the muffins at room temperature, eating within 4 days. You don’t need to put them in the refrigerator and if you do they’ll dry out faster.
Freeze: If you want to keep them for more than 3 or 4 days, freeze the apple cinnamon crumb muffins in plastic and freeze for up to 6 weeks.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Top Tips
Avoid overmixing: Gently fold the batter to keep the muffins light.
Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter come together more smoothly.
Dice apples small: Smaller pieces distribute better and cook evenly.
Chill before icing: Let the muffins cool so the drizzle doesn’t melt and run off.
Autumn Apple Muffins FAQs
Yes, but the texture will be chewier and less uniform.
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but it’s optional.
Absolutely, they’re still flavorful with just the crumb topping.
Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Muffin Batter
- 1 ½ Cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Cup oats, quick-cooking
- 2 ¼ Teaspoons baking powder
- ½ Teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ Cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, large
- 1 Stick butter, unsalted, melted and cooled
- ½ Cup milk
- 1 ¼ Cups apple, peeled and diced, I used Macintosh
For the Topping
- ½ Cup oats, quick-cooking
- ¼ Cup all purpose flour
- ¼ Cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 Tablespoons butter, unsalted, melted
For the Icing
- 2 Tablespoons butter, unsalted, at room temperature
- 2 Ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 ½ Cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ Teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin with baking cups.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, butter, and milk.
- Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients, then stir in apple.
- Divide batter evenly between muffin cups.
- Whisk together oats, flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in butter until clumpy.
- Sprinkle each muffin with crumb topping.
- Bake about 20 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.
- To make the icing, cream melted butter and cream cheese for 2 minutes until very fluffy. Add powdered sugar and lemon juice and mix well.
- Drizzle icing over top of each muffin.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter come together more smoothly.
Dice apples small: Smaller pieces distribute better and cook evenly.
Chill before icing: Let the muffins cool so the drizzle doesn’t melt and run off.
Nutrition
Soft apples, crunchy topping and a tangy drizzle make these apple oatmeal muffins with streusel topping a seasonal favorite. They come together quickly and keep well, so you can enjoy apple cinnamon streusel muffins throughout the week. This is the kind of recipe that brings cozy bakery vibes to your kitchen. You can serve them with coffee, tea or just as a midday snack or for dessert. If you like apples, you’ll love these sweet apple cinnamon crumb muffins.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Delicious. Ty
Question … do they freeze well ?
Hi Kim, yes, these should freeze well because of their sturdiness and moist texture from the apples and sour cream. I expect the crumb topping may soften a little, but you can re-crisp it with a quick warm-up in the oven or air fryer. Make sure you let the muffins cool completely before freezing, then wrap individually or place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds, and reheat briefly in the oven for best texture! Enjoy 🙂
There was no leftovers. This has got to be my new favorite recipe from your site!!
I made these muffins last week for my coteachers and me… We LOVED them. So soft and moist and full of flavour. Will definitely be making them again! Thanks! – Shanay
GLAD TO HEAR!!!
What is the yield ?
For me they fit perfectly into a pan of 12!