Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins – The Perfect Blend of Fall Flavors in Every Bite

These Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins combine the best of both worlds—sweet, juicy apples and creamy, spiced pumpkin—to create a muffin that’s perfect for fall. Topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel, these muffins are packed with cozy, warming flavors and a texture that’s light and moist. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them for a special brunch, these muffins will quickly become a favorite treat.

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The blend of pumpkin pie spice and fresh apples gives these muffins a comforting, seasonal flavor, while the streusel topping adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. They’re a delightful mix of fluffy and crunchy, making every bite satisfying and delicious.

The Secret to Perfect Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

The key to making these muffins so flavorful is the combination of fresh apples and pumpkin purée. The diced apples provide bursts of sweetness throughout, while the pumpkin adds moisture and a rich, earthy flavor. By using both brown sugar and granulated sugar, the muffins achieve a balanced sweetness that’s complemented by the cinnamon-spiced streusel topping.

A Little History: The Streusel Tradition

Streusel, a crumbly topping made from flour, butter, and sugar, is a beloved addition to many baked goods, including muffins, coffee cakes, and pies. Originally from Germany, streusel adds both flavor and texture, creating a delightful contrast between the soft baked goods and the crunchy topping. The apple and pumpkin combination in these muffins is reminiscent of classic fall flavors, making them perfect for the season.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fiber: 2g

Cooking Tips

For the best results, use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, which offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Be sure to dice the apples finely for the streusel topping to ensure they blend well with the crunchy topping. To get perfectly puffed muffin tops, follow the baking method of starting at a higher temperature and then reducing the heat for the remainder of the baking time.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to enjoy them warm, simply reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You can also freeze the muffins for up to 2 months—just thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven before serving.

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Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe

Ingredients:

Streusel Topping:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ½ tablespoons diced apples (reserved from below)

Apple Pumpkin Muffins:

• 1 ½ tablespoons full-fat sour cream, room temperature
• 5 tablespoons pure canned pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon apple juice (or orange juice or water)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup fresh apple, cut into small cubes (reserve 1 ½ tablespoons for the streusel)
• ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

For the Streusel Topping:

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until the butter is incorporated and you have small pea-sized pieces of streusel.
2. Stir in the reserved diced apples and refrigerate the streusel topping until ready to use.

For the Apple Pumpkin Muffins:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Line a muffin pan with 4 muffin liners.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, add the sour cream, pumpkin, apple juice, both sugars, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix with a fork until smooth and combined. Stir in the remaining apple cubes.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Sprinkle the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and use a spatula to fold them together until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
4. Evenly scoop the muffin batter into the prepared muffin liners. Top each muffin with an equal portion of the streusel topping.
5. Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 11 to 13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
6. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins bring together the warmth of pumpkin and the sweetness of apples, all topped with a crunchy streusel that adds texture and flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them as a breakfast treat or a snack, these muffins are sure to be a hit throughout the fall season!