If you’re looking for a cozy, spiced muffin that feels like a warm hug in the morning, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe. I absolutely love how the tender apple pieces, fragrant cinnamon, and that crunchy crumble topping come together, not to mention the sweet glaze that adds just the right finishing touch. Trust me, once you try these, they’re going to become a staple in your kitchen for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect blend of textures: The soft, tender muffins contrast beautifully with the crunchy crumble topping for that irresistible bite.
Naturally spiced and sweetened: With apple pie spice and real apples, plus a hint of sweetness, these muffins are flavorful but not overpowering.
Simple ingredients, big flavor: You don’t need anything fancy—just pantry staples and fresh apples.
Versatile and forgiving: The recipe is easy to follow and adaptable to fit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

A single muffin sits centered on a white plate with a silver fork resting next to it. The muffin has a light brown, soft textured base with a crumbly streusel topping in a darker brown shade. White icing drizzle runs in thin lines over the streusel, adding contrast. The plate and muffin are placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, blurred muffins and a basket of apples add warm tones but stay out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze, cinnamon apple muffins, apple spice muffins, homemade apple muffins, easy apple muffin recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work incredibly well together to create muffins that are moist, flavorful, and wholesome with just enough sweetness and spice. When shopping, look for fresh, crisp apples and good-quality spices for the best result.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small mound of whole wheat flour, a small mound of almond flour, a small pile of light brown sugar, a small bowl of cinnamon powder, a small bowl of apple pie spice, two whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a few peeled and diced fresh apple cubes, a small bowl of creamy coconut oil, a small bowl of rich avocado oil, a small bowl of unsweetened almond milk, a small bowl of unsweetened applesauce, a small bowl of fine powdered sugar, a small bowl of golden cane sugar, a small bowl of vanilla extract, a small bowl of sea salt, and a small bowl of baking powder — all ingredients fresh and natural, each in simple white ceramic bowls or directly arranged, perfectly symmetrical and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze, cinnamon apple muffins, apple spice muffins, homemade apple muffins, easy apple muffin recipes

All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level it for accurate measuring—it keeps the muffins light yet structured.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and that deep caramel note important for the crumble topping.
Cinnamon: Freshly ground is best, but any good-quality ground cinnamon works great for warmth.
Coconut oil: I love it here because it adds richness and helps the crumble get perfectly crisp.
Whole wheat flour: For a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber without sacrificing tenderness.
Almond flour: Adds a wonderful moist texture and subtle nuttiness.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes these muffins rise beautifully.
Apple pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to elevate the apple flavor.
Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the muffin dairy-free and adds moisture.
Unsweetened applesauce: A fantastic way to add apple flavor and keep the muffins moist.
Cane sugar: Sweetens the batter gently without overpowering the natural flavors.
Avocado oil: A neutral oil that keeps the muffins tender without adding unwanted taste.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the texture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a hint of warmth.
Fresh peeled and diced apple: The star player that adds juicy chunks and bursts of apple goodness.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): For that sweet, glossy drizzle glaze on top.

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 like to make this Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe my own by tweaking it based on the season or what my family’s craving. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins or adjust the sweetness to your liking—it’s all about making these muffins your favorites.

Swap the apples: Using tart Granny Smith or sweet Fuji apples changes the flavor profile; I’ve found Granny Smith gives a lovely tang that cuts through the sweet glaze.
Gluten-free option: Try replacing the all-purpose and whole wheat flours with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend; the texture stays tender and delicious.
Nut allergy friendly: Substitute almond flour with additional all-purpose flour or oat flour for a similar texture without nuts.
Extra cinnamon kick: For cinnamon lovers like me, sprinkle in a bit more cinnamon to both batter and crumble for a warming aroma.
Add nuts or raisins: Toss chopped walnuts or raisins into the batter for some extra texture and flavor variation.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (that’s about 200°C) and grease your 12-cup muffin tin well. I like to use a little avocado oil spray or softened coconut oil to keep the muffins from sticking, but a baking liner works fine too. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked muffins with no stuck bits!

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together to evenly distribute the spices. Then add the softened coconut oil and quickly combine using a spatula. The key here is to mix until the topping looks crumbly and holds together if squeezed but don’t overmix — you want little clumps that’ll crisp up beautifully during baking. This topping is what gives these muffins their signature texture, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together your all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, apple pie spice, and sea salt. I’ve learned that whisking these dry ingredients thoroughly before combining them with liquids helps ensure even distribution of the rising agents and spices.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk your unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, cane sugar, avocado oil, eggs, and vanilla extract vigorously. I find that whisking well at this step prevents clumps and makes the batter smoother when you combine it with the dry ingredients. If you skip this, the muffin texture can get a bit uneven.

Step 5: Bring Batter and Apples Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix or your muffins might get dense. Next, fold in the peeled and diced apples carefully. I use a rubber spatula here to gently incorporate the apples without breaking them up too much. The pieces of apple are what make these muffins truly irresistible!

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups and Add the Topping

Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup (my favorite kitchen tool for muffin batter), scoop the batter into each prepared muffin cup evenly. Then sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each muffin cup. I like to press the topping gently just slightly into the batter so it stays put during baking.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the muffins for 17 to 22 minutes, depending on your oven’s quirks. I recommend checking around 17 minutes by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re done! Once out of the oven, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The cooling lets them firm up and makes it easier to glaze without melting it away.

Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of almond milk until smooth. If it feels too thick, add almond milk 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches a lovely drizzle consistency. I love drizzling the glaze over the completely cooled muffins—it gives a shiny, sweet finish that’s so satisfying. Don’t drown them, just enough for a lovely touch!

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe

Measure flour accurately: I learned the hard way to spoon and level flour instead of scooping with the measuring cup, which prevents dry muffins.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir gently until just combined to keep your muffins light and tender, avoiding a gummy texture.
Press the crumble gently: Slightly pressing the crumble topping into the batter helps it stick and stay crunchy after baking.
Cool completely before glazing: Glazing warm muffins can cause the icing to melt and slide off; patience pays off for a perfect finish.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe

A single round muffin sits in the middle of a white plate, topped with a crumbly golden-brown streusel layer and drizzled with thick white icing in uneven stripes. The plate is on a white marbled surface surrounded by three shiny red and yellow apples, two cinnamon sticks, and a blue and white striped cloth. To the right, a wire cooling rack holds several more muffins with the same crumb topping and white icing drizzle. Two ornate silver forks rest beside the plate. The scene is bright and cozy, with warm autumn colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze, cinnamon apple muffins, apple spice muffins, homemade apple muffins, easy apple muffin recipes

Garnishes

I like to add a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds on top of the glaze for an extra burst of texture and aroma. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of softened butter on the side really elevates the muffin if you’re serving it for brunch.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a more substantial breakfast, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings or special brunches, I’ve arranged these muffins on a rustic wooden platter garnished with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. You can also pipe a little cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for a festive look that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I usually line the container with a paper towel to absorb moisture and keep the crumble topping from getting soggy.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! I wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready for a treat, I just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm the muffins in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes to bring back that just-baked crispness on the crumble topping. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry—you’ll just lose a bit of crunch on top.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith add a refreshing tang, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp give a milder sweetness. Just be sure to peel and dice them similarly for even baking.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe already uses unsweetened almond milk and coconut oil, so it’s naturally dairy-free. Just make sure your powdered sugar glaze doesn’t have any dairy additives if you want to keep it strict.
How can I make the crumble topping extra crunchy?

Make sure your coconut oil is cold and not melted when mixing into the crumble. Also, don’t overmix—small clumps bake into crispy bits. You can add chopped nuts or oats for extra crunch, too.
What’s the best way to store leftover muffins to maintain freshness?

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days, or freeze them wrapped individually for longer storage. Avoid refrigeration as it dries muffins quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and impressive without being complicated. Every bite is a little moment of joy—whether you’re surprising guests, packing lunches, or just indulging on a quiet morning. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do, and that they bring plenty of warmth and smiles to your table.