Apple Pie Muffins – A Delicious Twist on Classic Apple Pie

These Apple Pie Muffins combine the best of both worlds – the warmth of a classic apple pie and the ease of a muffin! With a tender, moist base, spiced apple pie filling, and a buttery cinnamon crumble topping, these muffins are the perfect fall treat. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or a dessert, each bite is filled with comforting flavors of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar. They are a delightful way to savor the season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this recipe because it transforms the flavors of apple pie into a convenient muffin form. The muffins are packed with apple pie filling, giving them a moist and flavorful interior, while the crumbly streusel on top adds a satisfying crunch. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, tender apples, and a buttery crumble will make these muffins a family favorite. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for fall mornings or any time you’re craving something cozy.

Perfect Occasion:
These apple pie muffins are ideal for any autumn occasion. Serve them for a cozy breakfast or brunch, bring them to a fall gathering, or enjoy them as a mid-afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re also great for bake sales, holiday parties, or just as a way to celebrate apple season!

Decoration Tips:
For a rustic, homemade look, sprinkle extra cinnamon and sugar over the tops of the muffins before baking. After they’ve cooled, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk or water over the tops for a bakery-style finish. If you want to add a bit of fall flair, garnish the muffins with a small slice of apple or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

Ingredients:

Crumble/Streusel:

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (71g)
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (12g)
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (84g)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold and diced (56g)

Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped (240g)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28g)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (53g)
• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/16 tsp ground nutmeg

Apple Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (107g)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67g)
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk, room temperature (120ml)
• 1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and chopped (215g) + 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour (8g)

Instructions:

For the Crumble/Streusel:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the diced cold butter, and using your fingers, press the butter into the flour mixture until it forms a crumbly texture. Set aside in the refrigerator to keep it cold while you prepare the rest.

For the Apple Pie Filling:

1. In a medium-sized pan, combine the apples, butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium-low heat.
2. Stir frequently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Set the filling aside to cool while you make the muffin batter.

For the Muffins:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Toss the chopped apples with 1 tablespoon of flour, and fold them into the batter.

To Assemble:

1. Scoop the muffin batter evenly into the lined muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
2. Spoon some of the apple pie filling on top of each muffin, pressing it lightly into the batter.
3. Sprinkle the crumble/streusel generously over the apple filling, gently pressing it down so it sticks to the filling.
4. Bake the muffins at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) without opening the oven door. Continue baking for an additional 15–18 minutes for regular-sized muffins or 25–30 minutes for jumbo muffins. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Enjoy your delicious, warm Apple Pie Muffins, perfect for a cozy fall day!

Storage Tip:
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just thaw and reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving!