Delicious & Easy Apple Muffins with Nut Crumble Topping: Your Perfect Fall Breakfast Treat

The delightful scent of warm apples and fragrant cinnamon wafting through your kitchen is one of the most comforting and unmistakable signs that autumn has truly arrived. As the vibrant leaves begin their transition from green to gold and crimson, and the crisp, cool air encourages cozy moments, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as indulging in a freshly baked treat that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of the season. These exquisite apple muffins, generously crowned with a sweet and crunchy nut crumble topping, are precisely that: a sublime taste of fall in every single bite. They are exceptionally moist, brimming with tender, sweet apple pieces, and exquisitely finished with a satisfyingly textured topping that elevates them into an irresistible choice for a cozy breakfast, a delightful addition to any brunch spread, or a comforting afternoon snack. Prepare to immerse yourself in the quintessential, heartwarming flavors of autumn with this simple yet sensationally flavorful recipe.

I am absolutely thrilled to share this recipe as my contribution to the exciting Mystery Dish Challenge! For those unfamiliar, let me elaborate on this unique culinary adventure. The challenge brings together an incredibly talented group of 11 food bloggers who, on a monthly rotation, create a “mystery box” filled with a selection of ingredients of their choosing. The participating bloggers then receive these secret ingredients and are tasked with crafting something utterly delicious and original using some of those components. It’s an inspiring exercise in creativity, collaboration, and culinary ingenuity, and it’s truly so much fun to be a part of! This month, I had the pleasure of receiving a mystery box that featured two classic, quintessential fall ingredients: crisp, sweet apples and aromatic cinnamon. The moment I saw these, my mind instantly gravitated towards the idea of baking something warm, comforting, and perfectly autumnal, which ultimately led me to develop these incredibly delicious Apple Muffins with Nut Crumble Topping. I’ll not only be sharing what I came up with, but also highlighting the amazing creations from the other talented bloggers in our group – prepare to be inspired!

It’s always a true joy and a fascinating experience to see the diverse and inspiring creations that emerge from a shared set of ingredients, and this particular challenge certainly delivered. Not only did I have the pleasure of crafting these wonderfully moist and flavorful apple muffins, generously infused with the warm, inviting spice of cinnamon, but I also had the privilege of discovering the truly amazing dishes whipped up by the other incredibly talented food bloggers in our group. Their collective creativity is boundless, and the sheer variety of recipes they produced from the same core ingredients was nothing short of spectacular. This challenge isn’t just about pushing culinary boundaries; it’s a vibrant celebration of community, inspiration, and the countless ways we can transform simple, wholesome ingredients into extraordinary meals and unforgettable treats.

When I was growing up, one of the most cherished memories of my mornings, especially on leisurely weekends or during special family gatherings, involved waking up to the irresistible aroma of my mom’s homemade coffee cake. It wasn’t just any coffee cake; it was truly legendary – perfectly moist, with delightful ribbons of cinnamon sugar swirled throughout, and crowned with the most exquisite crumb topping. To this very day, that coffee cake holds a special place in my heart and remains one of my absolute favorite breakfasts, a true embodiment of comfort food that floods me with wonderful nostalgic memories. However, as much as I utterly adore it, mom’s coffee cake typically makes a rather generous batch, and if I’m being completely honest with myself (and you!), there’s a genuine danger that I might just eat the entire thing by myself! The enticing thought of cake for breakfast is always incredibly tempting, but the sobering reality of having to then run an extra 12 miles just to burn off those delicious calories usually brings me back to sensible decision-making. That, my friends, is precisely why making these delicious apple muffins for breakfast is such a brilliant and much better choice for me. They offer all the beloved, heartwarming flavors and the wonderfully moist texture of a classic coffee cake, but ingeniously packaged in a perfectly portion-controlled form. With a dozen muffins, I can confidently enjoy a satisfyingly sweet treat without the overwhelming temptation of overindulging – or at least, that’s the hopeful plan! Each individual muffin tastes like a miniature, personal coffee cake, making any breakfast feel like a special, indulgent occasion every single time.

Imagine taking that first blissful bite into one of these freshly baked apple muffins. Your teeth will first sink through the delicate, yet wonderfully crunchy nut crumble topping, which gives way to a wonderfully moist and tender crumb beneath. Then, you’ll encounter delightful, sweet bits of apple, perfectly softened from baking and generously infused with warm, inviting cinnamon, delivering a vibrant burst of quintessential autumnal flavor with every chew. The harmonious contrast of textures – the crispness of the topping, the yielding softness of the muffin, and the juicy tenderness of the apple pieces – creates a truly delightful and memorable eating experience. These are far more than just ordinary muffins; they are a heartfelt celebration of the fall season, a portable piece of comfort that’s absolutely ideal for invigorating a crisp morning, perfectly accompanying a warm cup of coffee or soothing tea, or simply enjoying as a sweet, comforting pick-me-up any time of day. Their inviting, bakery-like aroma alone is enough to instantly brighten your kitchen and lift your spirits.

Apple Muffins with Nut Crumble Topping – September Mystery Dish

These perfectly moist apple muffins are studded with sweet apple pieces and crowned with a delightful, crunchy nut crumble topping, making them an ideal breakfast or treat for any fall day.

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Course: Breakfast

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 muffins

Author: Jenn

Ingredients

• ▢ 3/4 cup milk
• ▢ 1 egg beaten
• ▢ 1 apple peeled and chopped small (about 1 cup, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• ▢ 1/2 cup canola oil
• ▢ 2 cups white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour for a lighter texture
• ▢ 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (for the muffin batter)
• ▢ 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
• ▢ 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• ▢ 3/4 tsp. salt

• For the Nut Crumble Topping:

• ▢ 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• ▢ 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (for the topping)
• ▢ 1/4 cup chopped nuts I used walnuts, but pecans or almonds would also be delicious
• ▢ 2 Tbsp. melted butter (for the topping, optional but recommended for a clumpier crumble)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lightly greasing the bottoms of each muffin cup, or line them with paper liners for easy removal.
• In a large mixing bowl, gently beat the egg. Then, stir in the milk, the finely chopped apple pieces, and the canola oil until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon (for the batter), brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients all at once. Stir until just moistened; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A slightly lumpy batter is perfectly normal. Distribute the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full.
• To prepare the delectable crumble topping, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of chopped nuts in a small bowl. For an even richer, clumpier crumble, you can add the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and mix until crumbly.
• Generously sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the tops of the uncooked muffins in the tin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 16-20 minutes, or until the muffins are beautifully golden brown on top and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking! Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and immediately transfer the muffins from the tin to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy these irresistible homemade apple muffins!

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If these irresistible apple muffins have ignited your passion for homemade baked goods, or if you simply can’t get enough of comforting, easy-to-make treats, then you’re in luck! Muffins are incredibly versatile and truly perfect for any time of day, offering a delightful bite whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. We’ve gathered a few more of our absolute favorite muffin recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and keep your kitchen filled with wonderfully inviting aromas. Whether you prefer fruity bursts, nutty textures, or classic, wholesome flavors, there’s a muffin here for everyone to discover and enjoy.