Introduction
There’s something magical about the arrival of fall. The crisp air, the crunchy leaves, and of course—the cozy flavors that come straight from the oven. For me, nothing says autumn quite like apples and pumpkins. They’re the dynamic duo of fall baking, and when you bring them together in one recipe, the result is simply irresistible.
That’s exactly how these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins were born.
Picture this: moist pumpkin-spiced muffins studded with juicy chunks of apple, all crowned with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping that bakes up golden and crunchy. The combination is a little sweet, a little spiced, and oh-so-comforting—like a warm hug in muffin form.
I first baked these for a chilly Saturday morning brunch, and I swear, the smell alone could’ve convinced the neighbors to knock on my door. They didn’t last long—everyone reached for seconds, and I even got requests to make them again for Thanksgiving breakfast.
Whether you’re looking for an easy grab-and-go breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or something special to bring to a fall gathering, these muffins check all the boxes. And the best part? They’re super easy to make, even if you’re new to baking.
So, let’s dive into this cozy recipe!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the most irresistible Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins:
For the Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but adds warmth)
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala work great)
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (or apple cider for extra flavor)
Substitution Ideas
- Gluten-Free: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax + 5 tablespoons water) and coconut oil. Swap butter for vegan margarine in the streusel.
- Lower Sugar: Cut sugar by ¼ cup or replace half with coconut sugar.
- Healthier Twist: Use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These muffins are as easy as mixing, topping, and baking. Here’s the full breakdown:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves). Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Fold It All Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want tender muffins, not tough ones. Fold in the diced apple pieces.
Step 5: Make the Streusel
In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 6: Fill and Top
Scoop muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Sprinkle generously with streusel topping.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Allow muffins to cool slightly before drizzling with glaze, if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Extra Tips
✨ Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a smear of butter or cream cheese for a cozy breakfast.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or hot apple cider for a fall-inspired snack.
- Turn them into dessert by serving with vanilla ice cream!
✨ Storage Advice
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
✨ Freezing Instructions
- Let muffins cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
✨ Variations to Try
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel.
- Apple Swap: Try pears instead of apples for a unique twist.
- Extra Spice: Double the cinnamon for a bolder flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop a teaspoon of sweetened cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin before baking.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approx. based on 12 muffins)
- Calories: 260
- Carbs: 34g
- Sugar: 19g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
(Values may vary depending on substitutions.)
FAQ: Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
Q: How long does it take to make Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins?
A: About 35–40 minutes total—10 minutes prep and 20–25 minutes bake time.
Q: Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin?
A: Yes, but make sure it’s roasted, pureed, and well-drained so it’s not too watery.
Q: Do I have to peel the apples?
A: Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the peel on if you prefer extra fiber.
Q: Can I freeze Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins?
A: Absolutely! They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Just wrap and store properly.
Conclusion
If fall had a flavor, these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins would be it. Moist, tender, perfectly spiced, with juicy apple bites and a crunchy streusel topping—what more could you ask for? They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to make your home smell like the coziest autumn café.
So next time you’re craving something seasonal, bake up a batch of these muffins. Enjoy them warm out of the oven, share them with friends, or make them ahead for busy mornings. Trust me—they’ll disappear fast!
Now it’s your turn! Bake these muffins, snap a photo, and share your creation—I’d love to see it. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. 🍎🎃🧁
Happy fall baking!