When the mornings start to turn crisp and the leaves hint at changing, nothing feels more comforting than a warm muffin fresh out of the oven. These apple muffins with apple pie spice and a buttery crumb topping are the perfect treat for fall. They’re tender, packed with chunks of sweet apple, and filled with cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice (without needing half of your spice cabinet). Just a scoop of apple pie spice does it all.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Muffins
- Warmly spiced – Apple pie spice blends cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cardamom for true fall flavor. You can pick up jar at the store or make your own here.
- Perfectly moist – Fresh apples keep the muffins perfectly moist and tender.
- Irresistible topping – The crumb topping bakes up golden and crunchy.
- Make ahead friendly – Store or freeze for a quick breakfast all season.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Muffins
- Fresh apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are my favorite for banking)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar (white and brown for depth of flavor)
- Melted butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Apple pie spice
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
Crumb Topping Ingredients
- Brown sugar
- All purpose flour
- Cold butter
- Pinch of apple pie spice
Mix with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly and sprinkle generously over each muffin before baking.
Step-by-Step Directions
Prep the apples – Peel and dice your apples into small chunks.
Mix the dry ingredients – Whisk flour, sugars, apple pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, butter, milk, and vanilla extract .
Fold together – Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet, then fold in the apples.
Add topping– Divide batter into muffin cups and top with crumb mixture.
Bake – 375 degrees F until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean (about 18 to 20 minutes).
Cozy Serving Ideas
Enjoy warm with butter, alongside coffee or tea, or as a sweet fall snack. They’re also perfect tucked into lunchboxes, brought to a fall gathering, or served at a cozy weekend brunch.
Apple Muffins FAQ
Can I use cinnamon for apple pie spice? Yes, but apple pie spice gives these muffins a more layered flavor with nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. Store in and airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Apple Muffins with Crumb Topping (Cozy Fall Recipe)
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375 °F
- Line a 12 muffin tin with liners or grease the muffin cups
- Blend together crumb topping ingredients with a pastry cutter or a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
- Mix the dry ingredients – Whisk flour, sugars, apple pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla.
- Fold together – Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet, then fold in the apples.
- Add topping– Divide batter into muffin cup and top with crumb mixture.
- Bake – until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean (about 18 to 20 minutes).
Hi, I’m Renee. I’m a farmer’s wife, a mom of two, and an introvert with the occasional burst of extrovert energy. Most days you’ll find me in the kitchen surrounded by flour, jars, or something bubbling away on the stove. I love the rhythm of the seasons, the coziness of home, and finding joy in the little things (like the first cup of coffee or fresh bread still warm from the oven).
