Delicious Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins for Fall

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of fall with these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins. Packed with the comforting essence of pumpkin, tender apple pieces, and a delightful buttery crumb topping, these muffins are the epitome of autumn in every bite. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful snack, these muffins have quickly become a favorite among my family and friends.

Crafted from fresh Honeycrisp apples, renowned for their perfect balance of sweet and tart notes, these muffins offer a harmonious blend of flavors that will surely tantalize your taste buds. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, making every bite a little piece of heaven. Whether you savor them with a cup of hot apple cider or grab one on a busy morning, these muffins are a delicious ode to the season.

With a recipe that marries traditional American autumn flavors with European baking techniques, these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins bring together the best of both worlds. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or reheated for that just-baked goodness, these muffins are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite.

Quick Benefits

• Perfect fall treat for breakfast or snack with cozy autumn flavors
• Moist and tender muffins with a buttery crumbly streusel topping
• Can be made ahead and frozen for up to two months for a quick, delicious treat
• Versatile recipe with options to swap ingredients like apples for pears or maple sugar for brown sugar

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins for Fall Recipe

• Delicious Autumn Flavors: Experience the cozy tastes of fall in every bite with spiced pumpkin, tender apple chunks, and a buttery streusel topping.
• Perfect for Fall: Ideal for chilly mornings, afternoon snacks, or sharing at fall gatherings, these muffins capture the essence of autumn.
• Requested Recipe: Your friends will be asking for the recipe after just one bite, making them a hit at any gathering or as a thoughtful gift.
• Moist and Flavorful: With the perfect balance of tart Honeycrisp apples, warm spices, and a moist crumb, these muffins stay fresh and delicious for days.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Swap ingredients like apples, spices, or even try mini muffins for a twist, making this recipe customizable to your preferences.
• Freezer-Friendly: Easily freeze a batch for up to two months and enjoy a freshly baked muffin whenever you crave that taste of autumn.
• Traditional and Modern Fusion: Combining old-world European streusel toppings with American apple and pumpkin flavors, these muffins offer the best of both worlds.
• Special Touches: Serve with hot apple cider, add cinnamon honey butter, or pair with a cup of coffee for a special autumn breakfast or brunch experience.
• Memorable Treat: Share the warmth of autumn by baking a batch and bringing joy to your family, friends, or surprising guests with a delicious homemade treat.

Ingredients for Delicious Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins for Fall

Apple Streusel Topping

• 1 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons diced apple, reserved from muffin mixture
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

Apple Pumpkin Muffins

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tablespoons full fat sour cream, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon apple juice, orange juice, or water
• 5 tablespoons pure canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup fresh apple, cut into small cubes (Honeycrisp recommended); reserve 1 1/2 tablespoons for streusel

Pro Tips for Delicious Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins for Fall

For these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins, consider using Honeycrisp apples for their balance of flavors and texture. If Honeycrisp is not available, try Granny Smith for a tangy twist or Fuji for added sweetness. Remember to keep the muffins moist by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. If you want to enjoy them later, individually wrap and freeze the muffins for up to two months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

When making the muffins, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter to ensure a soft texture. Be cautious not to overmix the batter. Additionally, if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can create a similar blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cloves or allspice. Lastly, for that perfect rise and texture, start baking the muffins at a higher temperature (425F) to help the tops rise before reducing the heat to finish baking. These pro tips will help you create the perfect autumn treat to share with your loved ones.

How to Make Delicious Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins for Fall

Step 1: Prepare Streusel Topping

Combine all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl. Use fingertips or a fork to cut the butter into the flour until mixture forms small, pea-sized crumbles.

Step 2: Add Apples to Streusel

Carefully mix in the 1 1/2 tablespoons of diced apple. Chill streusel until ready to use.

Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and place rack in the center. Line a standard muffin pan with 4 paper liners.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Combine sour cream, canned pumpkin, juice or water, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth with a fork. Add apple cubes, keeping 1 1/2 tablespoons aside for the streusel.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl and whisk together.

Step 6: Finish Muffin Batter

Sprinkle the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until no dry streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Portion Batter

Divide the batter evenly into the muffin liners.

Step 8: Apply Streusel

Divide the streusel topping evenly among the muffins.

Step 9: Bake Muffins

1. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for 11–13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out nearly clean.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow muffins to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely before serving.

Storage Tips

To store Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Keeping them covered at room temperature will help retain their moisture for 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, individually wrap the muffins in plastic and freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to two months. To enjoy frozen muffins, thaw them at room temperature or briefly warm them in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

If you’re unable to find Honeycrisp apples, Granny Smith apples can provide extra tartness, while Fuji apples offer increased sweetness. Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream, ensuring it is full fat for optimal texture. In case pumpkin pie spice is unavailable, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a hint of clove can be used as a replacement. Enhance the muffins’ flavor by serving them with hot apple cider, cinnamon honey butter, or pairing them with a warm beverage for a delightful autumn breakfast or snack experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find Honeycrisp apples, Granny Smith apples offer a tangy flavor, while Fuji apples provide more sweetness. For the streusel topping, consider using maple sugar instead of brown sugar to add a New England twist.

If you’re out of pumpkin pie spice, create your blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a hint of clove for a similar flavor profile. Greek yogurt can be a suitable substitute for sour cream, but opt for full-fat Greek yogurt to maintain the muffins’ texture.

Remember not to overmix the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients for a soft muffin texture. Additionally, baking the muffins at a high initial temperature of 425°F helps them rise nicely before lowering the temperature to finish baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins warm alongside a steaming mug of hot apple cider for a cozy autumn breakfast experience. For a special touch, spread a pat of cinnamon honey butter on top of the muffins to enhance their warm and comforting flavors. These muffins are also perfect for lunchboxes, quick snacks, or even as a grab-and-go treat on busy mornings.

For a festive brunch spread, consider including a batch of mini muffins alongside other fall-inspired dishes. You can even customize the recipe by swapping pears for apples or using maple sugar instead of brown sugar to add a unique twist. Whether you’re baking a small batch for a quiet weekend at home or scaling up for a family gathering, these muffins are sure to bring the flavors of autumn to your table.

FAQs for Delicious Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins for Fall

Can I use a different type of apple instead of Honeycrisp in this recipe?

Yes, you can use Granny Smith apples for extra tanginess or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste if Honeycrisp is not available.

How long do these muffins stay fresh?

These muffins will stay moist and fresh for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cloves or allspice to substitute.

Any tips for mixing the batter to ensure a soft texture?

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter and avoid overmixing to achieve the best soft texture in the muffins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are a delightful way to savor the flavors of fall in each delicious bite. Whether you enjoy them as a cozy breakfast, a sweet lunchbox surprise, or a treat for special gatherings, these muffins are sure to bring warmth and comfort to those who taste them.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different apple varieties, spices, or even turning them into mini muffins for a festive touch. The combination of pumpkin, apples, and the buttery streusel topping truly encapsulates the essence of autumn baking. So go ahead, bake a batch of these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins, and share the joy of the season with your loved ones.