Indulge in the irresistible charm of freshly baked Apple Streusel Muffins! This simple, shortcut recipe brings together the comforting flavors of cinnamon, tender apples, and a delectable streusel topping, making them perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a sweet dessert, these muffins are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Irresistible Apple Streusel Muffins: Your Shortcut to Homemade Perfection

There’s truly nothing quite like the experience of biting into a warm, freshly baked muffin, especially when it’s studded with tender pieces of sweet-tart apple and crowned with a crumbly, buttery streusel. These Apple Streusel Muffins capture that idyllic homemade essence with remarkable ease. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy ingredient lists; this delicious treat takes only about 35 minutes from start to finish, utilizing just a handful of straightforward ingredients. By starting with your favorite cinnamon muffin mix, you can effortlessly create muffins that taste like they were lovingly made from scratch. It’s the perfect semi-homemade solution for busy bakers who crave incredible flavor without the fuss. Get ready to transform a simple mix into spectacular muffins that will earn you rave reviews!

An Apple Streusel Muffin with a bite taken out, showcasing the tender apple pieces and crumbly streusel topping.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Streusel Muffins:

What kind of cinnamon muffin mix should I use for the best results?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; almost any brand of cinnamon muffin mix will work wonderfully. This flexibility allows you to use whatever is readily available at your local grocery store. However, if you’re looking for a specific recommendation to kickstart your baking adventure, I’ve had fantastic results with Betty Crocker Cinnamon Streusel Muffin and Quick Bread Mix. The key is to pick a mix that you enjoy and that ideally includes a streusel topping packet, simplifying the process even further. Ensure it’s a “cinnamon” flavored mix to complement the apples perfectly.

What if my muffin mix doesn’t include a streusel topping? Can I make my own?

Absolutely, don’t let a missing streusel packet deter you! Making your own streusel topping is incredibly simple and adds a fantastic homemade touch. You’ll only need a few pantry staples. To create a delicious streusel, combine the following ingredients:

2 Tablespoons salted butter, cut into small cubes and chilled
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a small bowl, cut the chilled butter into the dry ingredients (flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon) using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips. Work quickly until small, coarse crumbles begin to form. Avoid overmixing, as you want a crumbly texture. This homemade streusel will give your muffins that extra layer of texture and flavor that makes them truly special.

What are the best types of apples to use for these muffins?

For the best apple streusel muffins, I highly recommend using a tart apple variety. Tart apples not only provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the muffin and streusel but also hold their shape beautifully during baking, preventing the muffins from becoming watery or mushy. My go-to choice is Granny Smith apples, especially since I often have them fresh from my backyard tree this time of year. Their firm texture and bright, tangy flavor are ideal. Avoid using softer, sweeter red apples like Red Delicious, as they tend to break down too much during baking and can release excess moisture, impacting the muffin’s texture. Any firm, tart apple will yield excellent results.

How should I store apple cinnamon muffins to keep them fresh?

Proper storage is key to maintaining the deliciousness and moistness of your apple cinnamon muffins. First, ensure the muffins cool completely before applying the glaze. Once glazed, allow the glaze to set completely before storing. This prevents sticking and preserves the beautiful topping. For short-term storage, place your cooled and glazed muffins in an airtight container or a large, sealable bag. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. I advise against refrigerating them, as the cold air can dry them out faster and alter their texture. When storing, try to arrange them in a single layer to prevent squishing. If you must layer them, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer. For longer storage, these muffins freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, protected against freezer burn. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a quick treat.

A plate brimming with warm, delicious Apple Streusel Muffins, ready to be enjoyed.

Key Ingredients for Your Succulent Apple Streusel Muffins

Crafting these delectable Apple Streusel Muffins requires a careful selection of ingredients that perfectly balance convenience with homemade flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather:

For the Muffins and Streusel:

Cinnamon Muffin Mix with Streusel Topping: This is your primary shortcut ingredient. Opt for a 13.9-ounce box. As mentioned in our FAQs, I highly recommend the Betty Crocker brand for its consistent quality and delightful flavor profile. Ensure the mix explicitly states it includes a streusel topping packet, which makes this recipe even quicker. If your chosen mix doesn’t have streusel, don’t worry, a simple recipe to make your own is provided in the FAQ section above.
Tart Green Apples: You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of diced apples, which translates to roughly two small apples. Granny Smith apples are the star here, offering that essential tartness and firm texture that holds up beautifully during baking. Feel free to use any other firm, tart apple variety you prefer that is known to perform well in baked goods. Remember to peel, core, and dice them into small, uniform pieces for even distribution and baking.
Milk: ¾ cup of milk is needed to achieve the perfect muffin batter consistency. For a richer muffin, you can easily substitute with half-and-half or even heavy cream, which will lend a more tender crumb. Dairy alternatives like almond milk or oat milk can also be used if preferred, keeping in mind that the flavor might vary slightly.
Large Eggs: Two large eggs provide structure and moisture to the muffins. For optimal mixing and a lighter texture, I highly recommend allowing your eggs to come to room temperature before incorporating them into the batter. This helps them emulsify more effectively with the other ingredients and contributes to a better rise in your muffins.
Salted Butter, Melted: You’ll need ⅓ cup of melted salted butter. While some recipes call for unsalted butter, the subtle saltiness of salted butter in this recipe helps to beautifully cut through the sweetness of the streusel and glaze, creating a more balanced flavor profile. If you only have unsalted butter on hand, you can certainly use it; just consider adding a tiny pinch of salt to the dry ingredients for that touch of balance.
Ground Cloves or Apple Pie Spice: A mere ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves or apple pie spice will infuse your muffins with warm, aromatic notes that perfectly complement the apple and cinnamon. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to elevate the spice profile, I have a fantastic homemade apple pie spice recipe that would be an excellent addition. This small amount of spice makes a big difference in depth of flavor.

For the Irresistible Glaze:

Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): ½ cup of powdered sugar forms the base of our simple yet elegant glaze. Its fine texture ensures a smooth, lump-free consistency, creating a delicate, sweet coating that melts beautifully over the warm muffins.
Milk: You’ll need 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of milk for the glaze. The amount is flexible, allowing you to adjust the thickness to your preference. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more in tiny increments (half teaspoons) until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.
Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and enhances the overall sweetness of the glaze. Pure vanilla extract is always recommended for the best flavor.

A collage of essential ingredients: cinnamon muffin mix, fresh tart apples, milk, melted butter, apple spice mix, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract, arranged on a rustic surface.

How to Make the Best Apple Streusel Muffins: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful Apple Streusel Muffins is a straightforward process, making them accessible even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

Preparing Your Muffin Batter:

Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). This initial high heat helps the muffins rise quickly, creating that desirable domed top. While the oven preheats, prepare a 12-cup muffin tin. Line each cup with paper cupcake liners for easy removal and cleanup, or if you prefer, generously spray each well with a nonstick cooking spray. Set the prepared tin aside.
Combine Muffin Ingredients: If your muffin mix comes with a separate streusel topping packet, carefully separate it from the main muffin mix before proceeding. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cinnamon muffin mix, your diced tart apples, milk, room-temperature eggs, melted salted butter, and ground cloves or apple pie spice. Mix these ingredients gently until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will lead to a more tender muffin texture. Overmixing can result in tough muffins.

A collage of two photos: on the left, apple muffin batter in a mixing bowl; on the right, muffin batter perfectly scooped into a muffin tin lined with paper liners.

Baking and Glazing Your Masterpiece:

Fill Muffin Cups and Add Streusel: Evenly divide the prepared muffin batter among the 12 muffin cups in your lined or sprayed tin. Each cup should be filled approximately half to three-quarters full. Don’t overfill, as this can cause the muffins to spill over during baking. Once the batter is in place, generously sprinkle the streusel topping (either from your mix packet or your homemade version) over the top of each muffin. This streusel will bake into a beautiful, crunchy topping.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the filled muffin tin into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops of the muffins are beautifully golden brown and spring back lightly when gently touched. A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
Cool and Prepare Glaze: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and immediately transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool for a few minutes while you prepare the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of milk, or a few drops more, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. It should be thick enough to cling to the muffins but thin enough to drizzle easily.

A collage of three photos: the first shows muffin batter in a lined muffin tin with streusel topping; the second features fresh baked apple crumble muffins still warm in the tin; the third displays a small mixing bowl containing the ingredients for a smooth glaze.

Drizzle and Serve: While the muffins are still warm (but not hot), generously drizzle the prepared glaze over the tops of each muffin. The warmth of the muffins will help the glaze set beautifully, creating a shiny, sweet finish. Serve your glorious Apple Streusel Muffins immediately and enjoy their fresh-baked goodness! They are best when enjoyed warm, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea.

A white plate showcasing a delightful array of freshly made Apple Streusel Muffins, glistening with a sweet glaze.

Craving More Delicious Recipes?

If you’ve fallen in love with these Apple Streusel Muffins and are eager to explore more comforting and easy-to-make treats, you’re in luck! Here’s a curated list of recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings for baked goods, especially those featuring cinnamon and fruit:

Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
Zucchini Chocolate Muffins
The Best Pumpkin Recipes
Apple Pie Bread
Cinnamon Apple Pull Apart Bread
Irish Apple Cake
Pumpkin Streusel Bars
Cranberry Bliss Muffins
Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake
Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
Costco Double Chocolate Muffins
Nutella Swirl Muffins
Banana Nut Muffins
40 Best Fall Apple Recipes

Close up looking at a few Apple Muffins, highlighting the streusel and glaze.

Apple Streusel Muffins

Semi-homemade apple streusel muffins made using a shortcut recipe with cinnamon muffin mix, featuring a sweet streusel and a homemade glaze on top!

Rated 5 Stars by 3 Reviews

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Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Servings:

12
servings

Author:

Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

Muffins

13.9
ounce
box cinnamon muffin mix with streusel topping
1 ½
cups
tart apples (like Granny Smith)
(about 2 small apples, peeled, cored and diced)
¾
cup

milk
2
large

eggs
⅓
cup
salted butter,
melted
⅛
teaspoon
ground cloves or apple pie spice

Glaze

½
cup

powdered sugar
1 to 1 ½
Tablespoons

milk

(add until you reach your desired thickness)
½
teaspoon

vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Muffins:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
If your muffin mix has a separate streusel topping, set it aside. In a large bowl, mix together the muffin mix, apples, milk, eggs, melted butter, and ground cloves (or apple pie spice). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about half to three-quarters full.
Sprinkle the streusel topping (that you set aside earlier or your homemade version) evenly over each muffin. Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Remove the muffins from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack.

For the Glaze:

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon), and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Add more milk if needed, a few drops at a time, to reach your desired drizzling consistency.
Drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm muffins and serve immediately for the best taste experience.

Notes for Success

For more detailed insights on ingredient substitutions or answers to common baking queries, please refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” and ingredient list sections above.
Any brand of cinnamon muffin mix can be used for this recipe. If your chosen mix doesn’t include a streusel topping, remember that an easy homemade streusel recipe is provided in the FAQ section.
To maintain freshness, store muffins in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature. For best quality, consume within 3-4 days. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, or use parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Course:
Breads, Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Nutrition Information (Estimated)

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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