Name: Apple Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup canned pumpkin; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 granny smith apple, cored, peeled, and chopped; 1 1/4 cups flour; 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons butter, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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If you’re craving the cozy flavors of fall wrapped in a perfectly tender treat, this Apple Pumpkin Muffins Recipe is about to become your new favorite baking adventure. Imagine moist pumpkin-infused muffins bursting with crisp, sweet Granny Smith apples and a delightfully spiced crumb topping that melts in your mouth. These muffins balance just the right amount of sweetness and spice, making them perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even as a dessert that feels comforting and homemade. Once you dive into this Apple Pumpkin Muffins Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever waited so long to try it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing four main layers: a pile of white sugar on the left, finely chopped pale green pieces of fruit toward the top, a raw egg yolk near the bottom center, and a mix of orange shredded or mashed fruit on the right. A black whisk with a plastic handle rests inside the bowl on top of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to nailing the texture and flavor of this Apple Pumpkin Muffins Recipe. Each one plays an essential role – from the moist pumpkin puree lending natural sweetness and moisture, to the fresh apple chunks adding a satisfying crunch and tartness that brightens up every bite.

Canned pumpkin: Provides moisture and the signature autumnal flavor that makes these muffins stand out.
Large egg: Binds all the ingredients together for a tender, springy muffin consistency.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist and soft without overpowering other flavors.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crumb topping caramelize beautifully.
Granny Smith apple: Gives a fresh, crisp bite and a hint of tartness to balance the pumpkin’s earthiness.
Flour: The foundation for the batter, ensuring a sturdy yet soft muffin structure.
Pumpkin pie spice: A warming blend that delivers all the cozy flavors of fall in every bite.
Baking soda: Helps the muffins rise for that perfect fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Butter (for crumb topping): Adds a rich, buttery crunch.
Additional sugar (for crumb topping): Creates a crispy, sweet finish on top.
Cinnamon (for crumb topping): Infuses just the right amount of warm spice in each crumb delicacy.

How to Make Apple Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This step ensures that your muffins bake evenly and come out effortlessly whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, large egg, vegetable oil, sugar, and chopped Granny Smith apple. This combination forms the moist and flavorful base of your muffins, where the apples add a delightful crunch among the soft pumpkin texture.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Sift in the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients bowl. Whisk gently just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the muffins tough, so keep it light to maintain that tender crumb you’re aiming for.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin

Using a ¼ cup ice cream scoop or a spoon, portion the batter evenly into the lined muffin cups. This helps each muffin have an even rise and consistent size, which also makes baking time uniform.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Crumb Topping

To make the crumb topping, mash together the softened butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon until a crumbly mixture forms. Sprinkle this generously over each muffin before popping the tin into the oven. This topping adds a delightful sweet crunch to contrast the soft muffin inside.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the muffins for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This means they are perfectly cooked, moist on the inside with just the right golden crisp on top.

How to Serve Apple Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

A white bowl lined with a beige cloth holds seven crumb-topped muffins with a light brown color. One muffin is open, showing a soft, pale inside with a piece of apple visible. The crumb topping is rough and covers each muffin well. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a small orange pumpkin and apple slices nearby. The scene has a cozy, autumn feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Feel free to dress up your Apple Pumpkin Muffins Recipe with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for that extra hint of sweetness. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can also make them look irresistible.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a steaming cup of chai tea or a freshly brewed coffee to complement their warm spices. A dollop of cream cheese or a smear of vanilla butter also elevates the experience when serving.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or a festive gathering, arrange your Apple Pumpkin Muffins Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of apple butter and whipped cream. Individual muffin baskets lined with colorful napkins add a charming touch to holiday tables or cozy get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Apple Pumpkin Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft and delicious enough to enjoy without reheating within this window.

Freezing

To enjoy these muffins later, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap inside a freezer bag for up to three months. When you want one, just thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm treat.

Reheating

Reheat muffins in the microwave for about 15 seconds or the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. This restores their just-baked texture and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for this Apple Pumpkin Muffins Recipe?

Absolutely! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin beforehand, but keep in mind canned pumpkin has a more concentrated flavor and consistent moisture, which helps with texture.

Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for muffins, you can make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing the tender crumb.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the Apple Pumpkin Muffins Recipe?

Definitely! Walnuts, pecans, or raisins make fantastic additions to add texture and additional flavors that complement pumpkin and apple beautifully.

How long do these muffins stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these muffins stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature and up to a week when refrigerated.

What’s the best way to prevent the crumb topping from becoming soggy?

Make sure the crumb topping is added right before baking and not prepared too far in advance, so it bakes into a crisp golden layer rather than absorbing moisture.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Apple Pumpkin Muffins Recipe, you’ll understand why it can quickly become a staple for fall and beyond. The blend of tender pumpkin, tart apples, and that irresistible crumb topping is pure magic in your kitchen. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these muffins – they’re sure to bring smiles and warm, cozy vibes with every bite!