Dessert

Apple Streusel Muffins Recipe

ByMaya Arden March 29, 2026March 29, 2026

Introduction

Apple Streusel Muffins combine tender apple-flavored batter with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping. These moist muffins are perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack any time of day.

The image shows five muffins in a dark baking tray, each having a light brown base with ridged paper liners and topped with a crumbly, white powdered sugar coating that creates a rough textured surface. The muffins have a slightly cracked top with a mix of soft and crunchy layers visible. The background is a white marbled texture that contrasts subtly with the warm tones of the muffins, focusing closely on the nearest muffin with others softly blurred in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
1 cup brown sugar

1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup cinnamon applesauce
2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup sugar (for streusel)
1/3 cup flour (for streusel)

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup softened butter (for streusel)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
Step 4: Stir in the cinnamon applesauce until mixed well.
Step 5: Gently beat in the flour and baking soda just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 6: Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
Step 7: To make the streusel, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Stir with a fork to blend.
Step 8: Add the softened butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to cut it into the flour mixture until you have coarse crumbs.

Step 9: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the muffin batter in the tin.
Step 10: Bake for 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool completely.
Step 11: For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled muffins.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping.
Use plain applesauce if you prefer less cinnamon flavor in the muffins themselves.
To make these muffins vegan, substitute the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

Storage

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat chilled muffins in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

A single crumb-topped muffin with a light brown color sits in a white paper liner, partially peeled open at the base, covered by a smooth white glaze that drips unevenly down the sides. Behind it, a dark metal tray holds several more muffins with the same crumbly texture, all resting on a white marbled surface. To the left, part of a white cup is visible, adding contrast to the warm-toned muffin. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?

Yes, finely chopped or grated apples can be used, but the texture and moisture might vary. You may need to adjust the amount of flour or add a little extra liquid to maintain a moist batter.