Get ready to enjoy these Easy Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins! They are soft and packed with fall flavors like warm spices, fresh apples, and pumpkin. Topped with a crunchy streusel, they are simply delightful!
These muffins make breakfast feel like a treat. Your kitchen will smell heavenly while they bake. I like to have mine warm with a little butter—heavenly! Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll end up baking them often.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is the base for the muffins. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Just note that it may change the texture slightly, making it denser.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but you can also use homemade pumpkin puree if you have fresh pumpkin on hand. Just roast and blend it until smooth!
Apples: I like using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the muffin. You can substitute with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, depending on your preference.
Vegetable Oil: If you want a bit of flavor, try substituting it with melted coconut oil or even applesauce for a lower-fat option. The muffins will still turn out delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Make a Perfect Streusel Topping?
Creating a great streusel topping is all about texture. You want those nice, crumbly bits to add a crunchy finish. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Add chilled butter pieces and use your fingers, a fork, or a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Remember, don’t overwork it! It should be crumbly to form those lovely streusel bits on top.
Just sprinkle this topping evenly over your muffins before baking for a delightful crunch!
Easy Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and diced apple (such as Granny Smith)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of baking time. Don’t forget to let the muffins cool for a few minutes before enjoying them. Total time from start to finish is about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, go ahead and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cup with a little cooking spray or butter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the batter.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. You can use a whisk or a hand mixer for this.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples into the batter. This adds a nice texture and flavor to the muffins!
6. Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Add the cold butter cubes and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will give the topping that lovely crunchy texture.
7. Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the muffin batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This will help them rise beautifully while baking.
8. Add the Streusel
Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over each muffin for that irresistible crunch!
9. Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown!
10. Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature. These muffins are perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack!
Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree by roasting a sugar pumpkin, scooping out the flesh, and blending it until smooth. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid to maintain the correct consistency in the muffins.
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a labeled freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Apples with Other Fruits?
Definitely! While apples add a delicious texture and flavor, you can also use pears, diced peaches, or even chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries for a fun twist!
What If My Batter Is Too Thick?
If your batter seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency. It should be thick but still easily scoopable. Just be sure not to overmix it!
