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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Apple Pie Muffins

    Published: Oct 2, 2018 · Modified: Apr 17, 2020 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 21 Comments

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    Apple Pie Muffins are super moist, full of fresh apples, cinnamon and an amazing apple crisp or crumble topping, just like an apple strudel in muffin form!

    Apple Pie Muffins

    Apple Muffins 

    Apple Pie Muffins can be used as a dessert, snack or as a breakfast or brunch.  I ate two the other night while watching a movie.  I know that's not the best idea but I just couldn't help myself. 

    The inside or the muffin part of these muffins is super moist and full of apple flavor. I hate it when that part of the muffin is dry and you only want to eat the top?

    These muffins are terrific but I always find myself eating the tasty bottom part of the muffin first. Am I the only one who does that?

    Another long debate between my husband and I is he prefers to eat the muffin top first and I have to save the best for last! 

    Every time I make these Apple Pie Muffins he always brings that up!  Hopefully I am not the only one who eats muffins this way.  Am I?

    I love being left with a masterpiece, the top of this muffin and all I can say is WOW! 

    While I am finishing eating it I am already thinking about the next one and whether I can actually get another muffin into my stomach. I can't believe it either but this happens every time I make them.

    Truth be told. The day I make these I always end up eating two. Even though even my husband knows this, I still won't let him bring me two or grab two myself and save myself the trip.

    I always think maybe this won't be the time I eat two because you never know. I tell my husband all the time that it doesn't have to make sense. It is what it is and you love me! ?

    Hopefully, you decide to make these beautiful apple muffins for yourself and you can take a moment and let me know if you had to eat two muffins too!

    Apple Crisp Muffins 

    These easy muffins, have the best apple crisp or crumble topping. To me this topping is really a combination of the best parts of them both.

    Apple crisp muffin tops include brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, pecans or walnuts, and melted butter. All blended together in a small bowl, everything must look damp like the butter has touched all of the other ingredients.

    First you melt your butter and if you notice its not liquid by the time you add it to the other ingredients that is ok. Your topping will still work and work well.

    I use my fingers but you can use whatever kitchen tool you prefer to combine everything.

    The key here is to use every last bit of the topping on your muffins. Pile it high so as the muffins expand, the topping goes everywhere. You will be so glad you did.

    There are few things better than enjoying an apple crisp muffin or two. Ok more than a few things but you get the point!

    Apple Pie Muffins

    Apple Pie Muffins 

    I love to dice up the apples into small pieces just to make sure I can taste them!  I have tried shredding the apples but I prefer to taste a small piece of apple in every bite of these Apple Pie Muffins.

    You can use your favorite variety of apple to make these incredible apple muffins. 

    I usually prefer to use a tart apple like granny smith but you can always use your favorite. Most apples will work and work well. There are some apples that don’t cook as well as others and do your best to avoid in recipes like this. 

    Some apples just vanish and can't take the heat from cooking or baking and don’t hold their shape like others do.

    The Washington Apple Commission has a fabulous list, including pictures, of every apple, including a short description of each and each of their best uses.  It will come in handy when deciding which apple to use and which apple freezes best.    

    Best Apples to Use for Baking

    My favorites are as follows. 

    Granny Smith apples are tart and sour and go beautifully with a sweet dessert like this.

    Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious and Honeycrisp apples are sweet and also taste wonderful in desserts like this. 

    I usually use whatever apples I have on hand, or is on sale, but I love to mix sweet apples, like McIntosh apples, with sour apples, like Granny Smith to make up the two cups you need for this recipe. 

    Regardless of which apple you choose to use these muffins will not disappoint!

    Apple Strudel Muffins  

    I have loved apple strudel all of my life. One of my grandmother's was born in Denmark and even though strudel originated in Austria, she made her own version.

    Boy oh boy was it delicious but all of the stretching and work she did to make her dough was mind blowing to me. As a result I have the recipe and have never tried it.

    Maybe I will someday.

    Her strudel includes apples, raisins, cinnamon,  and yes, walnuts or pecans. She didn't always include them but she said my grandfather loved them in it so she did.

    I choose to include nuts in my topping usually but have added a few extra inside the muffin itself or not used nuts in the topping and only used nuts inside the muffin. 

    The recipe, as it is written, is the most common way and I believe favorite way, I make these apple crisp muffins but you can easily switch things up.

    Also, for the record, the only reason I throw nuts inside the muffin, after including them in the topping, is when I don't want to save the smallest amount of nuts left over.

    Rather than having all of these little bags around I will usually just throw them in. That maybe terrible but it is true. I do it with many things and hopefully I am not the only one.

    You do have a choice of whether to use walnuts or pecans in the topping or inside of these apple strudel muffins. I usually will use pecans if I have them and if not, walnuts are also a great option.

    You should also know that you can totally skip the nuts and these muffins will still be a treat! 

    As always, do what you think your family will enjoy most. That's what I always do.

    Apple Pie Muffins

    Apple Cinnamon Muffins

    These apple cinnamon muffins or apple strudel muffins or whatever you want to call them, are perfect made first thing in the morning. There is something about starting a day off with the distinct smell while they bake.

    Unfortunately, that is not always possible. The reality is that smelling these muffins bake at any time of day is truly remarkable.

    I am always good to include a teaspoon of cinnamon to both the muffin and the topping. After trying this recipe once you will know whether it needs more or less for the next time you make it.

    My friend Julie uses 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in her muffins and 1 ½ in her topping and I find it to be a bit overpowering. She makes these muffins all of the time and wanted me to let you know that if you love cinnamon, add more! 

    I urge you to make these apple cinnamon muffins once, despite what Julie says (sorry Julie ?) because cinnamon can be overwhelming at times most definitely.

    Do I need to use muffin liners to make Apple Pie Muffins?

    I prefer to use muffin liners for this and all of my muffin recipes. You don't need to but they make cleanup so much easier, make the muffins look even prettier and are definitely easier to serve.

    Can you freeze Apple Muffins?

    They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months in an airtight container. In my opinion, they are just beautiful in every way imaginable.

    Apple Pie Muffins

    We just love apples in this house and I am going to give you a few links to have a look at that include some of my favorite apple recipes!  Maybe you will find some more that interest you!  Anything is possible!

    Other Delicious Apple Recipes to Try

     German Apple Pancake

    My Grandma's Apple Pandowdy

    Crunchy Apple Bake

    Ozark Pudding

    The Easiest Apple Tart

    The Best Nutty Apple Cake

    Apple Pecan Bread

    The Best Apple Upside Down Cake

    Caramel Apple Pecan Raisin Crisp

    Apple Pie Muffins

    Ingredients in Apple Strudel Muffins

    • flour
    • brown sugar
    • baking soda
    • salt
    • cinnamon
    • nutmeg
    • egg
    • buttermilk
    • butter
    • vanilla
    • apples
    • pecans or walnuts

    Apple Pie Muffins

    How to make Apple Pie Muffins

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

    Combine dry ingredients.

    Add wet ingredients and stir until blended.

    Add apples and stir until coated.

    Do not overmix.

    Add to muffin pan with cups.

    Cover muffins with all of the topping.

    Bake for 25 minutes.

    Allow to cool in pan.  Enjoy!

    Apple Pie Muffins

    Other Sweet Treats to Try

    Our Favorite Stuffed Pumpkin Muffins

    Easy Cream Cheese Stuffed Cupcakes

    Coffee Doughnut Muffins

    The Easiest Caramel Infused Chocolate Cupcakes

    Apple Pie Muffins

    We have been talking for a while now about making sure these Apple Pie Muffins go up on the site and luckily we have made a video to show you.  Hopefully you enjoy them as much as we do!  I can't wait to hear what you think of them!

    Apple Pie Muffins Video

    Apple Pie Muffins

    Apple Pie Muffins

    Apple Pie Muffins are super moist, full of fresh apples, cinnamon and an amazing apple crisp or crumble topping, just like an apple strudel in muffin form!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 371 kcal

    Equipment

    • muffin pan (12 holes)
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • large bowl
    • wooden spoon
    • Rubber spatula
    • small bowl
    • cupcake liner

    Ingredients
      

    Muffins

    • 2 ¼ cups flour
    • 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
    • 1 egg
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • ½ cup butter, melted
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 2 cup apples, diced
    • ½ cup raisins, if desired

    Topping

    • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
    • ½ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
    • ⅓ cup flour
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 3 tablespoons butter melted

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
    • Combine dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir until blended. Add apples and stir until coated. Do not overmix.
    • Add to muffin pan with cups or liners.
    • In a small bowl combine topping ingredients. Use fingers or another kitchen tool to coat everything in butter. Totally cover muffins with all of the topping.
    • Bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool in pan. Serve and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 371kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 319mgPotassium: 165mgFiber: 2gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 411IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 76mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword apple, dessert, easy apple dessert, easy recipe, muffin
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Apple Pie Muffins

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kim GREVIOUS

      November 11, 2020 at 8:12 pm

      Do you peel the apples or just dice them with the skin on? I can't wait to make these tomorrow!

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        November 11, 2020 at 8:41 pm

        I afraid there is no right answer to this. At the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. I prefer to remove the skin and dice the apples because I prefer the texture of the muffin without the skin on the apples. My close friend leaves the skin on and likes the additional vitamins and the crunch she says the skin brings. She is sitting right beside me and I told her I would let you know that but in my opinion make them without the skin. These muffins are AMAZING in our opinion! Please take a moment to let me know what you think if you have a moment! We can’t wait to hear! All the best. Karin

      • Kim Grevious

        November 16, 2020 at 9:16 pm

        5 stars
        Made these this afternoon. I made them with peeled diced granny smith apples and they look amazing and are the best tasting apple muffins I have ever had or baked! So moist and so much apple flavor in every bite. I ate bottom up to save the muffin top for last. Husband ate top down. and he thought pecans in the muffins with the apples and rasins would be great too. Thank you so much for the wonderful recipe. I can't wait to try more of your recipes. Take care, Kim

      • Karin and Ken

        December 06, 2020 at 5:56 am

        Thank you for your kind words. I love these muffins too! I can’t wait to hear what you think of some of my other recipes! I do my best. My husband and I eat them differently too. Too funny. Thank you for making my day. Hope to talk soon. Take care and be well. Karin

    2. Karen

      May 07, 2020 at 10:28 am

      Can I remove the pecans from the topping and have good results? Nut allergy.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        May 07, 2020 at 11:35 am

        You bet! I have done it myself on several occasions because I made the mistake of thinking I had them. These muffins still turned out great in my opinion! Please let me know what you think after you give them a try. I would love to hear what you think. Take care and be well. Karin

    3. Debbie

      April 16, 2020 at 5:02 pm

      Could you use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        April 16, 2020 at 6:50 pm

        All you need to make a substitute for buttermilk in baking recipes is milk and white vinegar, or lemon juice. I typically use 2% or whole milk and fresh lemon juice, but bottled will also work and work well. Measure one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into a liquid measuring cup. Add in milk until filled to the 1 cup measurement line. Stir the mixture together and let sit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, the milk will have thickened and curdled slightly which means success! You can now substitute 1:1 or in equal parts. I have had to do that myself on several occasions and the recipe turned out great! Unfortunately, if using regular milk as is the recipe will not work without adding the lemon juice or vinegar. Hope this helps and you are still able to make these muffins. They are delicious! Take care and be well. Karin

    4. Gina

      September 27, 2019 at 4:49 pm

      I can't t wait to try these!
      Do you think it's possible to make it in loaf form?
      If so, how long would you recommend baking.
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        February 01, 2020 at 11:24 am

        I'm gonna give that idea a try

      • Karin and Ken

        February 01, 2020 at 1:03 pm

        I think you will be glad you did! Enjoy! Karin

    5. Marina

      June 21, 2019 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      My husband and I love these muffins. I make them often. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        November 12, 2019 at 9:02 am

        So happy to hear that you enjoy them. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. All the best. Karin

      • Arlene

        September 18, 2021 at 10:34 pm

        there is just the two of us. Do these freeze well?

      • Karin and Ken

        September 19, 2021 at 9:49 am

        Yes they do! Enjoy every bite! These muffins are delicious! All the best. Karin

    6. Lou

      October 24, 2018 at 10:38 pm

      5 stars
      Love the topping. Best Apple muffins ever. Will make these again. Thank you for sharing this recipe

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        October 24, 2018 at 11:56 pm

        You are most welcome! I love the topping too! Thank you for taking the time to let me know! Enjoy the rest of your day! Karin

    7. Sandra

      October 18, 2018 at 10:38 pm

      5 stars
      These muffins were excellent. Will definitely make these again. I ate 2 right after they came out of the oven and I highly recommend trying at least one this way!

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        October 18, 2018 at 10:42 pm

        Glad you loved them! They are so good warm, out of the oven. I’m glad I’m not the only one who tries at least one as soon as they are baked! Can’t thank you enough for taking the time to comment. I am grateful. All the best. Karin

    8. Anette

      October 12, 2018 at 7:08 pm

      5 stars
      Best apple muffins ever and I added pecans. Will make again.Thank you for sharing

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        October 12, 2018 at 7:11 pm

        So glad to hear you enjoyed them and added more pecans! I bet they were even better! Pecans are my favorite! The more the better! All the best. Karin

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    Welcome!

    Ken and Karin

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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