Apple Crumb Pie Muffins

There’s something about a warm apple muffin that just feels like fall. But these aren’t your average apple muffins. They’re packed with tender Honeycrisp apples cooked in butter, brown sugar, and apple pie spice, then folded into a spiced muffin batter and finished with a generous layer of buttery crumb topping.

Basically, I wanted an apple muffin that tasted more like an actual slice of apple pie. Cooking the apples first gives them that soft, cinnamon-y, caramelized flavor you want, while the crumb topping adds a little crunch to every bite.

The result is a tender muffin with pockets of sweet, spiced apples throughout and a buttery streusel topping that makes these feel a little more like dessert than breakfast.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Crumb Pie Muffins

• They actually taste like apple pie. The apples are cooked down with butter, brown sugar, and apple pie spice before they ever make it into the batter.
• You get apple in every bite. Some of the cooked apples are folded into the batter, while more go right on top.
• The crumb topping is buttery and crunchy. It gives the muffins that classic bakery-style finish.
• They’re easy to make. No mixer or complicated techniques required.
• They’re perfect for fall baking. Breakfast, afternoon coffee, weekend baking, or honestly just standing in the kitchen eating one while they’re still warm.

Looking to do more fall baking? I’ve got you covered:

• Apple Crisp
• Apple Fritter Focaccia
• Apple Butter Coffee Cake
• Salted Apple Cake
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Apple Crumb Pie Muffin Ingredients

All-purpose flour: Spooned and leveled. I’m using King Arthur brand

Honey crisp apples: I love this apple here, but feel free to go tartier with a Granny Smith if that’s your preference. Or a mix!

Granulated sugar: For the batter

Brown sugar: For both the apple filling mixture and the streusel

Eggs: Large

Baking powder: To help the muffins rise

Whole milk: Just ¾ cup

Unsalted butter: For the batter, apple mixture, and the streusel

Vanilla: Brings some warmth and depth to the batter

Apple pie spice: Can sub with pumpkin pie spice OR straight cinnamon

Salt: I’m using Morton’s kosher salt in all instances

How to Make Apple Crumb Pie Muffins

Step 1: Make the apple pie mixture

Since we want this to have time to cool, start by making the apple pie mixture. Peel and dice your apples into small cubes. Add the butter to a saucepan, then add your apples, brown sugar, vanilla, apple pie spice, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the apples soften and the liquid reduces to a thick, glossy glaze. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the streusel topping

Mix the flour, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and salt. Then add the melted butter and mix until big chunks form. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the batter

Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl (flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice) and set aside.

In a larger bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Once mixed, add the sugar and stir to combine. Then, add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Step 4: Add the apple mixture

Now spoon about ⅔ of the apple mixture into the batter and fold gently until just combined.

Step 5: Add the batter to your muffin tins

I add muffin liners sprayed with a bit of non-stick cooking spray to my muffin tins. Then I use a cookie scoop that measures 4 tablespoons and add it to each tin. This will fill your tin almost to the top, but not all the way — you’ll need that extra room for the next step!

Step 6: Layer the muffins

Now spoon about a teaspoon or two of the apple mixture onto the top of each muffin. Once done, add about two tablespoons of the streusel, pressing it lightly into the apple mixture. Don’t worry if this is a little messy.

Step 7: Bake the muffins

Bake in a 375-degree F oven for 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Let rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. This also helps to ensure the tops stay crunchy once you store them.

How to Store Apple Crumb Pie Muffins

These apple crumb pie muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for several days if you happen to have any left over.

At room temperature: Store the cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place and avoid sealing them while they’re still warm, since trapped moisture can make the crumb topping soft.

In the refrigerator: You can refrigerate the muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in mind that refrigeration can make the muffins a little less tender.

In the freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. For the best texture, wrap them individually before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

How to Reheat Apple Crumb Pie Muffins

To bring these apple crumb pie muffins back to that warm, freshly baked texture, reheat them gently so they don’t dry out.

Microwave: Place a muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10–15 seconds. Add a few more seconds if needed.

Oven: For several muffins, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for about 5–10 minutes, or until heated through.

If you’re reheating them from frozen, let them thaw at room temperature first for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What apples are best for apple muffins?

Honeycrisp apples work especially well in these apple crumb pie muffins because they hold their shape while cooking and have a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. You can also use Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or another firm baking apple.

Do I have to cook the apples before adding them to the muffins?

Yes, I recommend cooking the apples first. Cooking them with butter, brown sugar, and apple pie spice softens them and gives them that warm, caramelized apple pie flavor. It also keeps the apples from releasing as much moisture into the muffin batter while baking.

Can I make these apple crumb pie muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely. These muffins can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to serve them warm, reheat them briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I freeze apple crumb pie muffins?

Yes. Once completely cooled, wrap the muffins individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

Why is my crumb topping not crunchy?

Make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly before mixing the crumb topping, and don’t press the streusel down into the muffin batter. Keep the crumb mixture loose and pile it generously on top of each muffin before baking.