Merken Tender apple muffins with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and crumbly streusel topping, inspired by classic German Apfelkuchen.
I first tasted Apfelkuchen on a trip to Munich, and these muffins capture that same cozy warmth with their cinnamon aroma and buttery crumb.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g) for muffins, 1/3 cup (40 g) for streusel
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp for muffins, 1 tsp for streusel, 1 tsp for swirl
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g) softened for muffins, 1/4 cup (55 g) cold and diced for streusel
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g) for muffins, 2 tbsp for swirl
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g) for streusel
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Apples: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) peeled and chopped (about 2 medium)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners or grease lightly.
- Prepare Streusel:
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until needed.
- Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Combine Batter:
- Gradually mix in half the dry ingredients, then milk, then remaining dry ingredients until just combined.
- Add Apples:
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Layer Muffins:
- Spoon half of the batter into muffin cups. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mixture. Top with remaining batter, then the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
- Top with Streusel:
- Sprinkle streusel evenly over each muffin.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Merken These muffins always bring back memories of baking with my grandmother, especially in the fall when fresh apples fill our kitchen with sweetness.
Required Tools
Muffin pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, rubber spatula, cooling rack
Notes
Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 238, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Protein: 3 g
Merken Enjoy these cinnamon streusel Apfelkuchen muffins fresh with coffee or share them at your next brunch gathering.
Fragen rund um das Rezept
- → What type of apples work best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith add balanced flavor and keep muffins moist without excess sweetness.
- → Can I substitute whole milk?
Yes, you can use buttermilk or a non-dairy alternative; results may differ slightly in texture and flavor.
- → How do I achieve a crumbly streusel topping?
Combine cold butter with flour, sugar, and cinnamon until coarse crumbs form; chill before using for crispness.
- → Should muffins be served warm or at room temperature?
Serving warm enhances their aroma and softness, but they also taste wonderful once cooled.
- → Can nuts be added for extra crunch?
Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can be mixed into the streusel for added texture and flavor.
- → Is it possible to make these muffins ahead?
Yes, bake and store in an airtight container. They remain fresh for up to three days and freeze well.