Easy Apple Muffins with Crunchy Topping: Homemade Treat

Ingredients

For the Muffins (all products at room temperature)

  • 1.5 cups of flour (210 grams)
  • 0.75 cup of buttermilk (190 grams)
  • 0.75 cup of sugar (150 grams)
  • 1/3 cup of vegetable oil (75 grams)
  • 2 small apples
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder (6 grams)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • A pinch of salt

For the Streusel (crunchy topping)

  • 1/3 cup of brown sugar (70 grams)
  • 0.5 cup of hazelnuts (can use any nuts, 50 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon of cold butter (15 grams)

Equipment

  • Muffin Tin

    This is your primary baking vessel. Make sure it's non-stick or lined with muffin cups to ease clean-up.

  • Mixing Bowls

    You'll need separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients. Stainless steel bowls work best and are easy to clean.

  • Whisk

    Great for blending ingredients smoothly. A silicone whisk is gentle on bowls and easy to clean.

  • Chopping Board and Knife

    Essential for preparing the apples. A sharp knife ensures precision.

  • Oven

    Preheating is key! Make sure it's correctly calibrated for consistent results.

Instructions

Step 1

Preparing the Streusel

Finely chop the nuts. Mix all streusel ingredients and blend with your fingers until it becomes crumbly. Refrigerate.

Step 2

Making the Muffin Batter

Peel and chop the apples into small cubes.
In a bowl, mix all dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, mix sugar and egg, then add vegetable oil. Stir well.
Without stopping stirring, add the buttermilk.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir quickly.
Add chopped apples.
Fill the muffin cups 2/3 full with the batter. Distribute the streusel on top.

Step 3

Baking

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Allow the muffins to cool completely before serving.

Servings

🍏 **Serving Suggestions: Unleash Your Inner Gourmet!** 🍏

These muffins are perfect on their own, but adding a few tweaks can take them to the next level. Speaking of indulgence, why not serve these muffins warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert? 🤤

For a refreshing morning option, pair your muffin with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. You can also enjoy them with a side of fresh seasonal fruit 🍓, such as berries or citrus slices, to add a splash of color and a burst of flavor to your plate!

Hosting a brunch? Add these muffins to your spread alongside a selection of cheeses and charcuterie. These will bring a sweet counterpoint to the savory items and make your gathering an unforgettable experience. 🧀🍇

Another idea is to crumble the muffin over your morning oatmeal or yogurt parfait for a delightful crunch and extra flavor boost. This way, even breakfast can feel like a celebration! 🎉

Variations

🌱 **Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations: Enjoy without Limits!** 🌱

For a **gluten-free** version, simply substitute the regular flour with an equivalent amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour. Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.

To make these muffins **vegan**, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Replace the buttermilk with your favorite plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Opt for vegan butter in the streusel, and voila! You're ready to enjoy vegan-friendly delight. 🌿

Faq

  • Why didn't my muffins rise?

    Ensure you’re using fresh baking powder and baking soda. Overmixing the batter can also cause the muffins to be dense and flat.

  • Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?

    Absolutely! Pears or berries are great alternatives. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the moisture content.

  • How do I make sure the streusel stays crunchy?

    Make sure your butter for the streusel is cold and thoroughly incorporate it with the sugar and nuts. Refrigerate until ready to use.

  • Can I make this recipe with whole wheat flour?

    Yes, but the texture will be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balanced texture.

  • How do I store leftover muffins?

    Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving.

  • Can I double the recipe?

    Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just ensure you distribute the batter evenly among the muffin cups to avoid overfilling.

Nutrition facts

Easy Apple Muffins with Crunchy Topping: Homemade Treat
Recipe Yield:12 muffins
Calories:Approximately 200 calories per muffin
Calories (Min - Max):180 - 220
Total Fat:9g
Saturated Fat:2g
Protein:3g
Total Carbohydrate:28g
Total Sugars:15g