Name: Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; Pinch salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice); 1 ½ tablespoons diced apples; 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; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup fresh apple, cut into small cubes; 1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Why Make This Recipe

Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are a delightful way to blend the flavors of fall. Combining apples and pumpkin creates a moist and flavorful muffin perfect for breakfast, snacks, or any time of day. This small batch recipe means you can enjoy fresh muffins without making a large quantity. They are easy to prepare and will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.

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How to Make Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Ingredients

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
Pinch salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
1 ½ tablespoons diced apples (reserved from below)
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
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh apple, cut into small cubes (Honeycrisp is a great choice; Dice about 1 ½ tablespoons smaller for the streusel)
1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions

Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of flour, cold butter, 1 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. Use a fork or your fingers to mix together until crumbly. Stir in 1 ½ tablespoons diced apples. Set aside.
Prepare the Muffin Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, canned pumpkin, and apple juice. Add in 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, the egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour, baking soda, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
Mix Everything Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of fresh apple cubes.
Fill the Muffin Cups: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners. Pour the batter into each liner, filling about 2/3 full. Sprinkle the streusel topping on each muffin.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

How to Serve Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

These muffins are delicious warm or at room temperature. Serve them with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for added flavor. They pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a great addition to your breakfast or afternoon snack.

How to Store Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. For even longer storage, freeze the muffins. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Make sure your butter is cold when making the streusel; this helps create a crumbly topping.
Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp for the best texture.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients; this keeps the muffins light and fluffy.
You can add walnuts or pecans for extra crunch if desired.

Variation

To switch things up, try using different types of apples, or add some chopped nuts to the batter or streusel topping. You could also use pumpkin spice blend instead of just cinnamon for more flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure it is well pureed and not too watery.

Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, plain yogurt or buttermilk can be used as alternatives to sour cream.

How do I check if the muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the muffins are done.