Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Crumb Topping & Vanilla Glaze
If you’re craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall—or simply love a muffin that tastes like it came fresh from your favorite bakery—these Apple Cinnamon Muffins are the answer. They’re soft, moist, and packed with juicy apple chunks, layered with cozy cinnamon spice, and topped with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar crumble that bakes into golden perfection.
Finish them with a drizzle of vanilla icing, and you’ve got a muffin that’s just as pretty as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
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Full of Fall Flavor – Cinnamon, apples, and brown sugar in every bite
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Soft & Moist – Thanks to yogurt or sour cream in the batter
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Bakery-Style Texture – With a tall rise and crunchy streusel top
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Freezer-Friendly – Make a batch now, enjoy them all season
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Smells Amazing – Your kitchen will thank you
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Muffins:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ cup milk
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1 ½ cups peeled, diced fresh apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work great)
For the Crumb Topping:
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup all-purpose flour
Optional Vanilla Icing:
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 teaspoons cream or milk
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¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat to 425°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it. This recipe makes about 14 muffins, so be prepared to use a second pan or bake in batches.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter. Add the flour and mix gently with a fork until crumbly.Tip: Don’t overmix—chunky is good!
Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, followed by the yogurt and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the milk, and mix just until combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
Step 4: Fill & Top
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each one to the top. Sprinkle the crumb topping over each, pressing it down lightly so it sticks.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then—without opening the oven—reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 6: Add the Icing (Optional)
Whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of cream or milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Fridge: Keep for up to 5 days, especially if iced.
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Freezer: Freeze without icing for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat slightly before serving.
Cozy, Bakery-Style Muffins in Your Own Kitchen
These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence—a fluffy, spiced muffin with a crisp topping and soft apple bits in every bite. They’re ideal for cool mornings, holiday brunch spreads, or just a weekday treat with your coffee.
One batch, and you’ll be hooked!