Apple Cider Streusel Muffins Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cider Streusel Muffins are a delightful treat perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks. They combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with tart apples and a crunchy streusel topping. Easy to make and full of fall-inspired goodness, these muffins are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) packed brown sugar (for streusel)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel)
• 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the apple cider, eggs, and melted butter, mixing well.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Prepare the streusel topping by mixing the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until crumbly.
6. Step 6: Fold the diced apples into the muffin batter. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the streusel generously over each muffin.
8. Step 8: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor and aroma.
• Swap the diced apples for pears or add chopped nuts in the streusel for extra texture.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for additional warm spice notes.

Storage

Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep them longer, freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple cider has a richer and more robust flavor than apple juice, which is sweeter and milder. While you can substitute apple juice, the muffins may have a less complex taste.

Can I prepare the streusel topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the streusel topping a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. This can save time when assembling the muffins.

Apple Cider Streusel Muffins Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 84 reviews

Delight in the cozy flavors of these Apple Cider Streusel Muffins, a perfect fall treat bursting with tender apples and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. Made with fresh apple cider and warm spices, these muffins are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, making them an ideal snack or breakfast option that brings the essence of autumn into your kitchen.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Muffin Batter

• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 g), packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50 g), packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined to ensure the spices and leavening are distributed throughout the batter.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the apple cider, eggs, and melted butter until smooth and well blended, creating a flavorful liquid base for the muffins.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until incorporated to avoid overmixing which can cause tough muffins.
5. Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly with pea-sized pieces.
6. Fold Apples into Batter and Fill Muffin Cups: Gently fold the diced apples into the muffin batter. Then, spoon the batter into each muffin liner, filling them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
7. Add Streusel and Bake: Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping generously over each muffin. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider to achieve the best and most authentic flavor in your muffins.
• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
• For longer storage, freeze muffins individually wrapped for up to three months and thaw before serving.

Keywords: Apple Cider, Muffins, Streusel, Fall Baking, Easy Recipe