These easy apple pumpkin streusel muffins are a delicious treat! With moist pumpkin and sweet apple chunks, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack. The crunchy streusel topping is the best part!
I love how simple these muffins are to make. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! They fill the house with a warm, cozy smell. Plus, they make breakfast extra special. Who doesn’t love a muffin? 🧁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the muffins. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, which works nicely in baking!
Pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin is perfect for this recipe, but if you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast it and puree it as well. Just make sure to strain it a bit to reduce excess moisture.
Apples: Granny Smith or Fuji apples are great for their balance of sweetness and tartness. If you want to try something different, Honeycrisp or Gala apples also taste wonderful in the muffins!
Spices: Traditional spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth to the muffins. You can leave out the cloves if you don’t have them, or substitute with allspice for an extra kick.
How Do I Ensure My Muffins Are Light and Fluffy?
To achieve that perfect light and fluffy texture, follow these steps carefully:
- Make sure not to overmix the batter. Stir until just combined when adding the dry ingredients to the wet ones.
- Use fresh baking soda and baking powder. Expired leavening agents can result in dense muffins.
- Be mindful of the baking time. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark.
These tips will help you master the art of muffin making, and you’ll enjoy deliciously fluffy apple pumpkin muffins every time! Happy baking!
Easy Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 1 ½ cups peeled, cored, and chopped apple (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. Be sure to let the muffins cool for a little while after baking, making it around 45-50 minutes total before you can enjoy your delicious creation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with cooking spray. This will prevent the muffins from sticking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if you’re using them), and salt. This helps combine everything evenly and ensures your muffins will rise well.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a larger bowl, mix the canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently just until combined—be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay; this will keep your muffins nice and fluffy.
5. Add the Apples:
Gently fold in the chopped apples into the batter. This adds delicious chunks of apple in every bite!
6. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until it’s crumbly. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
7. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Carefully divide the muffin batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each one about ¾ full for the best height. You want them to rise beautifully!
8. Add Streusel Topping:
Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin, ensuring a crunchy layer on top that bakes to perfection.
9. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!
Now, sit back, relax, and savor your delicious homemade apple pumpkin streusel muffins. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh pumpkin, simply roast your pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to keep the muffins from becoming soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Vegetable Oil?
If you want to use a different fat, melted coconut oil or melted butter work well as substitutes for vegetable oil. Just ensure it’s cooled slightly before mixing it into the batter to avoid cooking the eggs.
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before enjoying.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate to the Muffins?
Definitely! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch or chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness. Just fold them into the batter along with the chopped apples for a delicious twist on the recipe!
