Apple Pie Muffins with Crumble Topping – A Perfect Fusion of Muffin and Pie

These Apple Pie Muffins are the perfect combination of a classic muffin and the cozy flavors of apple pie. The tender muffin base is packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, complemented by chunks of sweet apples. But what makes these muffins irresistible is the gooey apple pie filling in the center and the buttery crumble topping, which adds a delightful crunch to every bite. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want a comforting treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll fall in love with this recipe because it combines the best of two beloved desserts: muffins and apple pie. The muffin batter is simple yet flavorful, enhanced by the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, which are perfect for the fall season. The addition of the homemade apple pie filling inside the muffins makes each bite extra special, offering the gooey texture of apple pie right in the center. The crumble topping adds the final touch with its buttery, sweet crunch. Plus, this recipe is easy to follow, and the muffins are versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Perfect Occasion:

These Apple Pie Muffins are ideal for cozy fall mornings, brunch with friends, or as a snack for afternoon tea. They also make a great addition to holiday gatherings or potlucks, where their comforting flavors are sure to be a hit. If you’re looking for a warm and satisfying treat during cooler weather, these muffins will quickly become a go-to recipe. They’re also perfect for taking on the go or packing in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.

Decoration Tips:

For a beautiful presentation, dust the muffins with powdered sugar before serving to give them an elegant finish. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice over the crumble topping for an extra touch of sweetness. If you want to highlight the apple pie theme even more, you can top each muffin with a small slice of apple before baking or garnish with cinnamon sticks for a rustic, fall-inspired look.

Ingredients:

For the Muffin Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 medium-sized apple, chopped

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 50g unsalted butter (cold, diced)

For the Apple Pie Filling/Topping:

• 3 medium-sized apples
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 20g flour (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional for richness)

Instructions:

Make the Apple Pie Filling:

1. Prepare the Apples:
   Peel, core, and slice the apples into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Filling:
   In a saucepan, combine the apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the filling thickens to your desired consistency (about 10-15 minutes). For added richness, stir in the butter toward the end. Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool before using.

Make the Crumble Topping:

1. Prepare the Crumble:
   In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold diced butter and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Make the Muffins:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Add the Apples:
   Mix the chopped apples into the dry ingredients to coat them evenly.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
5. Chill the Batter:
   Cover the batter and let it chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. This helps to prevent the batter from spreading too much during baking.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Fill the Muffin Tins:
   Spoon the muffin batter into the lined muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Add a spoonful of the prepared apple pie filling on top of each muffin, then sprinkle generously with the crumble topping.
3. Bake:
   Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown with a crunchy crumble topping.
4. Cool and Serve:
   Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious combination of muffin and apple pie!

Enjoy these warm, comforting Apple Pie Muffins as the perfect fall treat!