There’s something magical about the moment the scent of warm spices and sweet apples fills your kitchen, and that’s exactly what happens when you bake Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins. These cozy, golden treats are the very essence of fall, blending pumpkin’s rich earthiness and apple’s juicy brightness under a buttery, cinnamon-swirled streusel topping. Each bite is soft, moist, and packed with autumn flavors, making these muffins the perfect companion for chilly mornings, afternoon coffee breaks, or any time you crave a comforting homemade snack.

Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins is how a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh, seasonal ingredients come together to create something so special. Every ingredient here has a role to play, contributing to the muffins’ tender crumb, vibrant color, and irresistible aroma.

All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft base of the muffins and the streusel topping.
Baking soda: Helps the muffins rise tall and fluffy.
Baking powder: Adds extra lift for a lighter texture.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice, infusing warmth into both the batter and streusel.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Ground cloves: Provides a rich, aromatic depth that makes each bite memorable.
Ground ginger: Brings a gentle zing that brightens the muffin’s spice profile.
Pumpkin purée: Delivers color, moisture, and that signature fall flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins and balances the spice.
Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth to the muffins and creates a perfect crumbly streusel.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the muffins structure.
Vegetable oil: Makes the muffins exceptionally moist and tender.
Milk: Loosens the batter for a smooth, pourable consistency.
Vanilla extract: Adds a layer of warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Offers juicy bursts of sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
Cold unsalted butter: Essential for a crumbly, buttery streusel topping.

How to Make Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each well with nonstick spray. This ensures your muffins will pop out easily and keeps cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This step is crucial for even distribution of the leaveners and spices, so every muffin is perfectly spiced and tender.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This creates the rich, moist foundation for your Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—just a few turns with a spatula is all it takes for a tender crumb. Then, fold in the finely chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tins

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This gives the muffins just enough room to rise and develop a beautiful, domed top.

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Add the cold butter pieces and use a fork or pastry cutter to work it in until the mixture forms coarse, pea-sized crumbs. This buttery, cinnamon-laced topping is what sets Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins apart from the rest!

Step 7: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the muffin batter, pressing it down very gently so it adheres. Bake the muffins for 22 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden and the kitchen will smell absolutely amazing.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This quick rest helps the crumb set and keeps the muffins perfectly moist. Once cooled, it’s time to dig in!

How to Serve Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze takes these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins to the next level. For a rustic look, add a few extra apple slices or a pinch of cinnamon on top after baking. If you want a little crunch, chopped toasted nuts sprinkled over the streusel are a lovely addition.

Side Dishes

These muffins shine alongside a simple bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for breakfast, or you can pair them with a steamy mug of chai or spiced latte for an afternoon treat. For a heartier brunch, serve them with scrambled eggs or a cheesy vegetable frittata.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins on a wooden board with sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and mini pumpkins for a festive fall brunch spread. Wrap them individually in parchment and twine for a sweet homemade gift, or tuck them into lunchboxes for an unexpected treat. They also make a charming addition to any bake sale or holiday gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them extra fresh, place a paper towel in the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain the streusel’s crunch.

Freezing

Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to three months—perfect for whipping out on busy mornings or last-minute guests.

Reheating

To reheat, just pop a muffin in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes. This revives their soft, tender crumb and makes the whole kitchen smell like you just baked a fresh batch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just roast and purée your pumpkin until smooth. Be sure to drain any excess liquid for the best muffin texture. Fresh pumpkin will lend a slightly lighter color and a subtle, naturally sweet flavor.

What type Breakfast

Firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal. They hold their shape during baking and add a bright, juicy contrast to the warm spices and pumpkin.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free, and you’ll have delicious, allergy-friendly Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.

How can I make the muffins dairy-free?

Swap the milk for your favorite non-dairy alternative (like almond or oat milk), and use a vegan butter in the streusel topping. The results are just as moist and flavorful.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Definitely! Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or a handful of raisins with the apples. The nuts add crunch and the raisins give little pops of sweetness—both are delicious twists.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a truly irresistible fall treat, these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are sure to win you over. They’re easy, cozy, and packed with the best flavors of the season. Give them a try—you might just find yourself baking a second batch before you know it!

Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the cozy flavors of Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins—a perfect fall breakfast treat bursting with warm spices, tender pumpkin puree, and fresh chopped apples, all topped with a sweet, crunchy cinnamon streusel.

Ingredients

Scale

Muffin Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup canned pumpkin purée
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

Streusel Topping

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth batter.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Add Apples: Fold in the finely chopped peeled apples carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Top Muffins: Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over each muffin filled with batter to create a crunchy topping once baked.
Bake: Bake the muffins for 22 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and ensuring the best texture.

Notes

These muffins freeze well—cool completely and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months for easy future breakfasts.
For extra texture and flavor, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping before baking.
Ensure the apples are peeled and finely chopped to prevent large wet chunks that could affect muffin texture.
Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and light.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American