When the crisp autumn air rolls in and leaves start crunching underfoot, there’s nothing more comforting than the aroma of muffins baking in the oven. These Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are the perfect cozy treat to celebrate the season. They combine tender pumpkin muffin batter, juicy apple bites, and a buttery streusel topping that bakes into a sweet, crunchy crown.
This recipe is beginner-friendly, uses pantry staples, and brings together all the warm flavors we crave in fall. Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a dessert to share, these muffins check every box.
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast, Dessert | 15 minutes | 22 minutes | 12 muffins | ~210 per muffin |
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients – Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring gently until just combined (do not overmix).
- Add Apples – Fold in the diced apple pieces for a juicy bite in every muffin.
- Make the Streusel – In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until crumbly.
- Assemble Muffins – Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about ¾ full). Sprinkle streusel generously on top of each.
- Bake – Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Enjoy – Allow muffins to cool slightly before serving warm with coffee, tea, or a cozy blanket.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Pumpkin Purée – Make sure to use 100% pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Mixing Tip – Overmixing muffin batter can make them dense. Stir until ingredients are just combined.
- Storage – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
- Spice Adjustments – Love extra spice? Add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg. Prefer mild? Reduce cloves for a gentler flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Crunch – Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Lighter Option – Swap vegetable oil for unsweetened applesauce to cut down on calories.
- Glaze It – Drizzle cooled muffins with a simple vanilla glaze for a bakery-style finish.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins shine on their own, but you can also:
- Pair with a hot cup of spiced chai, apple cider, or coffee for the ultimate fall breakfast.
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread.
- Add to a holiday brunch table alongside eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
Conclusion
These Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are everything we love about fall wrapped into a tender, spiced muffin with a crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home. Bake a batch, share with loved ones, and savor every warm, spiced bite.