Okay, picture this: Is it a crisp autumn morning, the smell of coffee is brewing, and you’re craving something warm? What is comforting, and just a little bit sweet. What are some of the best coffee cake muffins? How do you make a muffin? Honestly, they’re even better than store-bought, and trust me, that says a lot! The sweet apples, the crumbly topping, and the hint of cinnamon… All comes together in the most delightful way. If you love apple pie or coffee cake, you’re absolutely going to fall head over heels for it. What are these little gems?
What is Apple Coffee Muffins?
Think of Apple Coffee Cake Muffins as the love child of a traditional apple coffee cake. What is a portable muffin? What’s essentially a moist, tender muffin studded with chunks of sweet, spiced apples and topped with fresh strawberries? a buttery, cinnamon-spiked s Is this a coffee cake crumb? What are some great afternoon treats? What is the beauty of a simple apple coffee cake? How do I cook without spending hours in the kitchen? This is perfect for any level cook.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? What I love most about these apple coffee cake muffins is how incredibly flavorful they are. The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and the buttery crumble topping is just heavenly. But it’s not just about the taste; these muffins are surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, don’t let the “coffee cake” part intimidate you. They come together in under an hour, and the recipe is super straightforward.
What is cost-efficiency? What are some pantry staples that you already have on hand? Apples are generally inexpensive, especially during the fall, so you can whip up a batch of these. How do I make money without breaking the bank? What is the versatility of an entrepreneur? Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee for breakfast, pack them in lunchboxes, or serve them as an appetizer. What are some of the What are some of the best crowd pleasers?
What makes these muffins so good? Some muffins are boring but these are different. What makes these muffins unique? I’ve tried so many apple muffin recipes, but these are the ones I always make. I love them! What makes them so good?
How do I make Apple Coffee Muffins?
Quick Overview
What is the easiest way to make Apple Coffee Cake Muffins? How do I make a delicious apple pie batter? How do I serve this with crumbly streusel? How do I make a batter that is light and airy? What makes these muffins so good? The entire process is simple and fast.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 1 12 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level it for accurate measurement.
- Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides lift and a light texture.
- 12 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk to create a tender crumb.
- 14 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture.
- 12 cup buttermilk: Contributes to a tangy flavor and tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with lemon juice or vinegar.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the apples and spices.
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced: 1 large apple, 1 medium I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their tart-sweet flavor and firm texture.
- 14 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples and helps them caramelize during baking.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic apple pie flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour: 1 teaspoon of Helps to thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too watery.
For the Streusel Topping:
- 12 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the streusel.
- 14 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
- 14 cup granulated sugar: Contributes to the crumble’s crispness.
- 14 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the warm, spiced flavor.
- 14 cup (12 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: 1 tsp. 1 oz What is the secret of crumbly texture?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. I prefer using paper liners for easy cleanup, but greasing works just as well if you don’t have any. What are the best liners on hand Make sure to grease all the way to the top edge to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do I mix baking powder and baking soda? What are the different types of flours How do you make muffins?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Set aside. If butter is melted, it should be cooled before adding it to the buttermilk and egg. How do you cook an egg? I usually let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine
How do you mix wet and dry ingredients? How do I not overmix? Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. A few lumps are okay. I always use a spatula and gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until the batter is just right.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Set aside. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly. The apples will stay suspended in the muffins and prevent them from sinking to the bottom. Plus, the flour helps the filling to thicken and not get too runny.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do I make muffin batter? Spoon half of the batter into muffin cups. Sprinkle half of the apple mixture over the batter. Then, spoon the remaining batter over the apples, and top with remaining apple mixture. In a small bowl, combine all streusel ingredients by hand until butter combines to the flour. Sprinkle evenly over muffins. Is it okay if the streusel looks clumpy at this point, those chunks get golden brown during a fight?
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly touched. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to .5-inch muffin pans. Is it cool to This will prevent them from sticking and allow them to cool evenly. I usually let them cool for about 10 minutes in the tin and then transfer them to a wire rack. While you let them cool you can prepare a vanilla glaze with 1 cup confectioners sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and 1 egg. What is the difference between 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 Drizzle over muffins.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the muffins are completely cooled, you can slice them in half and serve them warm or at room temperature. Is it good to serve these with whipped cream? Vanilla Ice Cream. For the best presentation, dust the muffins with powdered sugar before serving. Or, slice them and arrange them on a platter with drizzle of caramel sauce.
What should I serve it with?
These apple coffee cake muffins are so versatile that they can be enjoyed in so many ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
For Breakfast: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting and satisfying breakfast. I love enjoying them with a latte or a cappuccino.
For Brunch: Serve them as part of a brunch spread alongside other sweet and savory dishes. They’re a great addition to a brunch buffet with quiches, fruit salads, and yogurt parfaits.
As Dessert: Enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner. They’re delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
For Cozy Snacks: These are the best with a glass of milk and a warm blanket. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
In my family, we have a tradition of baking these muffins every year for Thanksgiving. It’s a simple but meaningful way to celebrate the holiday, and everyone always looks forward to it. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when they take their first bite!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Apple Coffee Cake Muffins
Want to take your apple coffee cake muffins to the next level? Here are some top tips to help you achieve muffin perfection:
Apple Prep: To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice after dicing. Also, be sure to dice the apples into small, even pieces so that they cook evenly. I find that dicing them into ¼-inch pieces works best.
Mixing Advice: As I mentioned before, it’s important not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in tough muffins. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps. I use a light hand and gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirl pattern! Use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the apple mixture into the batter. You can create different patterns for a unique look. I like to create a figure-eight pattern for a marbled effect.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. You can also substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor. I’ve tried both, and they both work well.
Baking Tips: To prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan, make sure to grease the muffin tin well or use paper liners. Also, be sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking. I always use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
Glaze Variations: Get creative with your glaze! Add a little lemon zest for a citrusy twist, or mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon for a spiced flavor. You can also drizzle the muffins with caramel sauce or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of decadence. I personally like adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the glaze for a boozy kick. But make sure you let it cool before you drizzle it.
One time, I accidentally overmixed the batter, and the muffins turned out tough and chewy. It was a total disaster! But I learned from my mistake, and now I’m always careful not to overmix. I also tested using almond milk instead of buttermilk one time, and it made the muffins super soft and moist. My family loved it, so now I often use almond milk instead of buttermilk.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to keep your apple coffee cake muffins fresh and delicious? Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay fresh and moist. Just make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They may become a little drier, but they’ll still be delicious. I usually wrap them individually in plastic wrap before storing them in the refrigerator.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the muffins, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the muffins, it’s best to glaze them just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or soggy during storage.
I once made a big batch of these muffins for a party, and I had a lot of leftovers. I froze them, and they tasted just as good as fresh when I thawed them out. I was so impressed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These apple coffee cake muffins are one of those recipes that just makes you feel good from the inside out. They’re warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other muffin recipes! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Share pictures and your personal variations!
Apple Coffee Cake Muffins
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple sauce
- 1 cup chopped apples
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in applesauce and apples.
- Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
