If you adore cozy flavors and tender, moist baked treats, you’re going to fall head over heels for my Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping Recipe. These muffins are seriously one of my favorite ways to welcome fall (or any chilly morning!) into the kitchen, and I promise you, once you try them, you’ll understand why. With spiced apple bits, a buttery crumble topping, and a delicate glaze to finish, it’s a combo that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Ready to bake some magic?

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The blend of apple pie spice and fresh diced apples makes these muffins incredibly flavorful and aromatic.
Perfect Texture: Moist and tender crumb thanks to the mix of flours and a hint of applesauce, so they never feel dry.
Crumble Topping Magic: That buttery crumble adds irresistible crunch and sweetness that my family can’t get enough of.
Simple Yet Special: Easy to whip up with everyday ingredients, yet impressive enough to serve guests or enjoy as a treat.

The image shows a round black wire cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface, holding ten golden-brown muffins with crumbly tops in uneven clusters. One muffin is cut in half, showing a soft, light interior with small pieces of apple inside. Surrounding the rack are fresh green apples with leaves attached, and a clear glass bowl filled with white icing sits in the top left corner with a silver spoon inside. A striped light cloth is also partially visible near the apples. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping Recipe come together beautifully to create a balanced and wholesome muffin. I’ve mixed different flours for nutritional depth and texture, plus a few secret ingredients that you might not expect but will absolutely appreciate!

Brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and apples.
Coconut oil: Makes the crumble buttery and flaky; don’t substitute if you want the classic texture.
All-purpose, whole wheat, and almond flours: The combination gives the muffins a tender crumb with a slightly nutty note.
Baking powder and apple pie spice: These are what help your muffins rise nicely and deliver that signature fall-spice vibe.
Unsweetened almond milk and applesauce: Keep the muffins moist without overpowering sweetness.
Cane sugar and avocado oil: Add sweetness and healthy fats for a great bite.
Eggs and vanilla extract: Bind everything together and enhance the overall flavor.
Diced apples: Fresh apples bring pockets of juiciness that make these muffins so delightful.
Powdered sugar and almond milk for glaze: Optional but highly recommended for that lovely drizzle finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping Recipe is. Whether you want to tweak it for a dietary preference or add something special, it’s forgiving and delicious either way. Feel free to make it your own!

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose and whole wheat flours for more almond flour or a gluten-free blend; I’ve tried this and it still yields moist muffins, though the texture changes a bit.
Nut-Free Version: Use all-purpose and whole wheat flour only, and swap almond milk for oat or soy milk; my niece has a nut allergy and loves them this way.
Extra Spice Kick: Experiment with adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger along with the apple pie spice for a warmer flavor profile; I did this once during a chilly autumn day and it was a hit!
Fruit Swap: Try replacing apples with pears or even chopped peaches; just watch the moisture content to keep batter consistent.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crumble Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing your 12-cup muffin tin—this helps the muffins release easily when baked. For the crumble, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Then, add softened coconut oil and gently mix with a spatula until the mixture just comes together and looks crumbly. A tip here: don’t overwork the crumble or it will get too doughy instead of crisp and crumbly, which is exactly what you want as a topping.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients for Muffins

In a large bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, apple pie spice, and sea salt. I learned that sifting or whisking these well helps distribute the baking powder evenly, guaranteeing a nice rise and consistent flavor throughout your muffins.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the almond milk, applesauce, cane sugar, avocado oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Quick tip: I like using fresh eggs and room temperature liquids because it encourages better mixing and helps avoid lumps in the batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together and Add Apples

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined—don’t overmix here or your muffins can get tough. Then fold in the peeled and diced apples. I usually use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet batter, but any crisp apple will work well.

Step 5: Bake with the Topping and Glaze

Using a ⅓-cup measure, scoop the batter into your muffin cups. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly on each muffin. Bake for about 17 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—keeping a close eye near the end ensures you don’t overbake, which can dry them out. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, whisk together powdered sugar and almond milk to make the glaze and drizzle on top. I love how the glaze adds just a touch of sweetness and pretty finish.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping Recipe

Use Fresh Apples: I always peel and dice my apples fresh just before baking for optimal moisture and flavor; prepackaged applesauce doesn’t quite replace that texture.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir until ingredients are just combined to keep muffins light and fluffy—overmixing makes them dense and chewy.
Check Oven Temperature: My oven runs hot, so I use an oven thermometer to make sure I don’t overbake; muffins baked at too high heat get too brown on top without cooking through.
Let Muffins Cool Fully for Glaze: Applying glaze to warm muffins melts it away—waiting helps it set beautifully and look perfect.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping Recipe

A close-up of a golden-brown muffin with a crumbly, textured top layer that has small nut pieces scattered on it. White icing is being poured over the muffin from above, flowing in smooth, thick lines that drip down the sides. In the blurred background, there are two more similar muffins and a green apple, all placed on a white marbled surface. The overall lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the warm tones of the muffin and the smooth whiteness of the icing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often garnish these muffins simply with the glaze, but if I want to dress them up, I’ll sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or even a pinch of finely chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze. It adds a little extra crunch and looks so inviting. You could also dust with cinnamon sugar if you skip the glaze.

Side Dishes

These muffins are fantastic on their own, but I also enjoy pairing them with a warm cup of chai tea or coffee for breakfast. For brunch, a fresh fruit salad or a smear of cream cheese makes an excellent complement. If you’re serving guests, a bowl of Greek yogurt with honey and nuts alongside these muffins is always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve arranged these Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping Recipe on a wooden slab with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and small jars of butter and preserves. It makes for a rustic but elegant display that gets compliments every time. Wrapping individual muffins in parchment paper tied with twine also makes them perfect for gifting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, but if you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them—just make sure to bring them back to room temp before eating to enjoy that tender texture. I’ve noticed they can dry out a bit in the fridge, so quick reheating is best.

Freezing

These muffins freeze really well! After cooling completely, I wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a ziplock bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months. I tried this last winter, and it was a lifesaver when I needed a quick breakfast treat that tasted fresh.

Reheating

When reheating frozen or refrigerated muffins, I unwrap them and pop them in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the muffin moist and revives the crumble topping’s crispness just enough without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in the Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping Recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweetness in the recipe, you can use sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the muffins less tangy and a bit moister.
What can I substitute for coconut oil in the crumble topping?

If you don’t have coconut oil or prefer a different fat, unsalted butter is an excellent substitute. It will give a rich flavor and similar crumbly texture. Just use it softened but not melted for best results.
Can I make these muffins dairy free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy free since it uses coconut oil and almond milk. Just double-check your ingredients like baking powder to ensure there’s no dairy hidden. You’re good to go as is.
How long do these muffins stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these muffins stay fresh for about two days. Refrigerating can extend that to about five days, but I recommend warming them slightly before serving for best texture.
Can I skip the glaze on the Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping Recipe?

Definitely! The muffins are delicious on their own, and the crumble topping is sweet enough for many people. The glaze just adds a pretty finishing touch and a little extra sweetness if that’s your thing.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping Recipe turns out every single time. The combination of tender muffin, crisp crumble, and sweet glaze feels like a cozy treat straight from a bakery, but made right in your own kitchen. When I first baked these for my family, they went crazy over them and now I make them throughout the apple season. I really encourage you to give this recipe a try – it’s straightforward, rewarding, and the smell that fills your kitchen? Pure magic. So grab some apples, preheat that oven, and let’s bake some happiness!