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Close-up of a moist apple cinnamon muffin with a bite taken out, showing the texture and crumble topping.

Amazing apple cinnamon muffins: 1 bowl & moist

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Written by Alex Hayes

July 31, 2025

Oh, the absolute bliss of pulling a batch of warm apple cinnamon muffins out of the oven! Seriously, the smell alone is pure comfort – that perfect blend of sweet apples and spicy cinnamon just screams cozy. I used to think baking was this big, complicated thing, honestly, I was convinced I wasn’t a ‘kitchen person’ at all. But then I discovered how truly peaceful it can be to just create something delicious with your own two hands. These apple cinnamon muffins are my go-to for that feeling. They’re SO moist, packed with chunks of apple, and that little bit of crumbly streusel on top? Pure magic. It’s amazing how something so simple can bring such a wave of joy. They’re the perfect way to start a fall morning, or really, any morning when you need a little happy.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Seriously, you’re going to adore these muffins! They’re just so… easy, and so darn tasty. Trust me on this:

  • One Bowl Wonder: We can mix up the muffin part all in one bowl. Less mess, less fuss, more muffin!
  • Bursting with Flavor: You get tender apples, cozy cinnamon, and that lovely streusel crunch in every bite. It’s like fall decided to become a muffin!
  • Perfectly Moist: No dry or crumbly stuff here. These are genuinely moist apple muffins that stay that way.
  • Simple Streusel: That crumb topping is super easy to whip up, but it adds such a special touch.
  • So Versatile: They’re fantastic for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a simple dessert.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake a batch, and you’ve got deliciousness ready for days.

Gather Your Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Okay, let’s get our ducks in a row for these amazing apple cinnamon muffins! You really don’t need anything too fancy here, just good old pantry staples and some lovely apples. For the actual muffins, you’ll want:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour – the backbone of our muffin!
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar – for that perfect sweetness.
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon – this is key!
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda – to give them a nice lift.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt – it just balances everything out.
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg – a little extra warmth.
  • 1 cup of buttermilk – this is our secret for super moist muffins! If you don’t have it, a cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar left to sit for 5 minutes works too.
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil – keeps them wonderfully tender.
  • 2 large eggs – gotta have ’em!
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – because vanilla makes everything better.
  • 1 cup of chopped apples – I love using Honeycrisp or Fuji because they’re crisp and sweet, but honestly, whatever good baking apples you have will be delicious!

And for that irresistible streusel topping, you’ll need:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar – for that lovely caramel note.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces – keeping it cold is important for that crumbly texture!

Effortless Preparation for One Bowl Apple Muffins

Alright, let’s get these beauties into the oven! It’s honestly so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bought muffins. First things first, go ahead and get your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Then, either line a 12-cup muffin tin with those cute paper liners or give it a good grease-up. Now, for the magic of our one-bowl muffin batter: grab your biggest bowl! We’re going to whisk together all the dry stuff first – the flour, granulated sugar, that yummy cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. In a separate, smaller bowl (yes, a second bowl for the wet ingredients, but we’re keeping it minimal!), whisk together your buttermilk, that oil, your eggs, and the vanilla. Pour all those lovely wet ingredients right into the big bowl with the dry stuff. Now, stir it *just* until it’s combined. Seriously, don’t go crazy mixing here, just a few gentle stirs until you don’t see big streaks of flour. Overmixing is the enemy of tender muffins! Finally, gently fold in those chopped apples. So easy, right?

Creating the Perfect Streusel Topping

Now for my favorite part – that glorious crumbly topping! In a little bowl, just toss together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and that extra dash of cinnamon. Then, grab your cold butter pieces and either a pastry blender or just your fingertips. Work that butter into the dry stuff until it looks like coarse, yummy crumbs. Don’t overwork it; we want little buttery bits!

Tips for Baking Perfect Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Okay, so we’ve got our batter ready and that yummy streusel topping made, but let’s chat about getting them *just right* in the oven. A couple of little things make a huge difference. First, remember when we stirred the batter? That was important! Don’t overmix it; a few lumps are totally fine, even good! Overmixing makes muffins tough, and we want tender, fluffy guys. When you’re filling those muffin cups, aim for about two-thirds to three-quarters full. This gives them room to puff up without overflowing like crazy. And for checking if they’re done? Just a simple toothpick test works wonders. Stick one right into the center of a muffin – if it comes out clean, they’re ready to go! If it has a little moist crumb clinging to it, that’s perfect; it means they’ll be super moist inside. Just avoid pulling out a skewer covered in wet batter!

Make Ahead and Storage for Your Streusel Apple Muffins

You know what’s fantastic about these streusel apple muffins? They’re total lifesavers for busy weeks! You can totally bake a batch ahead of time. Once they’ve cooled down completely, just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious on the counter for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them even longer, the freezer is your best friend! Wrap them up tight or put them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just let them thaw on the counter for a bit. Honestly, they’re still pretty yummy just at room temp!

Frequently Asked Questions about Moist Apple Muffins

Got questions about whipping up these amazing apple cinnamon muffins? I totally get it! Baking at home should be fun, not stressful. Here are a few things folks often ask:

Can I use different apples for these muffins?

Absolutely! While I love Honeycrisp or Fuji for their sweet, crisp texture, Granny Smith gives a nice tartness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon. Gala or McIntosh are also great choices. Just aim for apples that hold their shape well when baked.

My muffins sank in the middle! What went wrong?

Oh no! Usually, that happens if the oven temperature is too low, or if you overmixed the batter. Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and try to stir the batter *just* until the dry ingredients are incorporated. A little lumpiness is totally fine!

How do I make sure my muffins are super moist?

The buttermilk and oil in this recipe are your best friends for gorgeous, moist apple muffins. Make sure you’re not overbaking them either! That toothpick test is key. A few moist crumbs clinging to it means they’re perfect and will stay moist as they cool.

Can I add nuts or other things to the crumb topping?

You bet! If you love a little extra crunch, feel free to mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel. Just add about 1/4 cup of chopped nuts to the streusel topping ingredients before you cut in the butter. It makes these crumb topping muffins even more irresistible!

Serving Suggestions for Fall Breakfast Muffins

These apple cinnamon muffins are happy little stars on their own, but they’re even better with a few friends! A warm cup of coffee or a pot of fragrant tea is practically mandatory, don’t you think? For a heartier breakfast, I love serving them with a side of scrambled eggs or some thick-cut bacon. They also make a lovely treat alongside a bowl of yogurt or a simple fruit salad. It’s all about creating that perfect cozy fall breakfast!

Understanding the Nutritional Value of Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Just a little note about the nutrition info you might see for these delicious apple cinnamon muffins! Those numbers are estimates, you know? They can change based on exactly what brands you use, how big your apples are, or even how generous you are with that streusel topping. It’s all part of the fun of homemade!

Share Your Baking Creations!

I’d absolutely love to hear what you think of these apple cinnamon muffins! Did you try them? Let me know in the comments below how they turned out, and if you added any fun twists! Don’t forget to rate them if you enjoyed them – it really helps fellow bakers decide to give them a try. And if you snagged a gorgeous pic of your muffin masterpiece, tag me on social media! Seeing your baking journey is the best part for me!

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Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Streusel Topping

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Enjoy these moist, flavorful apple cinnamon muffins topped with a sweet streusel. Perfect for a fall breakfast or snack, these muffins are easy to make in one bowl and can be prepared ahead of time.

  • Author: purejoyalex
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 40 min
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • For the Streusel Topping:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
  6. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Divide the muffin batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  8. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter in each muffin cup.
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  10. Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For extra moist muffins, use a combination of apples.
  • You can make the streusel topping ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
  • These muffins freeze well. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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Hi, I'm Alex! I believe incredible food doesn't have to be complicated. Here at Pure Cooking Joy, I share delicious, approachable recipes designed to bring happiness back into your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

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