Apple Pie Muffins: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat

Ingredients for Apple Pie Muffins

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples), peeled and cored

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

How to Make Apple Pie Muffins

Preparation:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick cooking spray.

1. Prepare the Streusel Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, oats, and cinnamon for the streusel topping.
• Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Making the Muffins:

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
• Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
• Gently fold in the diced apples.

3. Fill the Muffin Cups:

• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

3. Add the Streusel Topping:

• Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the muffins, pressing lightly to adhere.

3. Bake the Muffins:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

3. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

About the Main Ingredients

Flour:
All-purpose flour is used as the base for the muffin batter. It provides structure and texture to the muffins.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda:
Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.

Salt:
Salt enhances the flavors in the muffins and balances the sweetness.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg:
These spices add warmth and flavor to the muffins, reminiscent of classic apple pie spices.

Butter:
Butter adds richness and flavor to the muffins. Melted butter is used in the batter, and additional melted butter is used in the streusel topping.

Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar:
Granulated sugar and brown sugar sweeten the muffins and add moisture and flavor.

Eggs:
Eggs act as a binding agent in the muffins, helping to hold the ingredients together.

Vanilla Extract:
Vanilla extract adds flavor to the muffins, enhancing the overall taste.

Buttermilk:
Buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to the muffins. It also helps activate the baking soda for leavening.

Apples:
Diced apples are folded into the muffin batter, providing juicy, sweet-tart bursts of flavor in every bite.

Rolled Oats:
Rolled oats add texture and a nutty flavor to the streusel topping, creating a crunchy contrast to the soft muffin.

Serving Suggestions

These Apple Pie Muffins are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying on a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee or tea.