If you’re looking for a breakfast or snack that’s both cozy and bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try my Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe. These muffins strike the perfect balance between tender, spiced apple goodness and a sweet, crunchy topping that makes every bite feel like fall in your mouth. I absolutely love how the glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the warm cinnamon and apple notes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back for more!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The mix of cinnamon, apple pie spice, and fresh apple chunks creates a cozy, spiced muffin you’ll crave.
Moist and Tender Texture: Using applesauce and a blend of flours keeps these muffins soft and deliciously moist every time.
Easy Crumble and Glaze: The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch while the glaze takes them to another level of yum.
Family Approved: My family goes crazy for these muffins – they’re perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or even dessert.

A single muffin sits centered on a white plate with a silver fork resting next to it. The muffin has a light brown, soft textured base with a crumbly streusel topping in a darker brown shade. White icing drizzle runs in thin lines over the streusel, adding contrast. The plate and muffin are placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, blurred muffins and a basket of apples add warm tones but stay out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze, fall breakfast muffins, spiced apple muffins, easy apple muffins recipe, cozy morning muffins

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe work wonderfully together to give you that classic baked apple flavor with a twist. I love that it uses a mix of flours for a hearty texture, along with almond and avocado oils to keep it moist without a heavy grease taste.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small mound of whole wheat flour, a small mound of almond flour, a small pile of light brown sugar, a small bowl of cinnamon powder, a small bowl of apple pie spice, two whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a few peeled and diced fresh apple cubes, a small bowl of creamy coconut oil, a small bowl of rich avocado oil, a small bowl of unsweetened almond milk, a small bowl of unsweetened applesauce, a small bowl of fine powdered sugar, a small bowl of golden cane sugar, a small bowl of vanilla extract, a small bowl of sea salt, and a small bowl of baking powder — all ingredients fresh and natural, each in simple white ceramic bowls or directly arranged, perfectly symmetrical and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze, fall breakfast muffins, spiced apple muffins, easy apple muffins recipe, cozy morning muffins

All-purpose flour: I like to spoon and level this for proper measurement to get the right muffin structure.
Brown sugar: Adds a lovely depth of sweetness and moisture to the crumble topping.
Cinnamon: The warm spice that ties the whole apple concept together.
Soft coconut oil: This gives your crumble topping that buttery richness without using dairy.
Whole wheat flour: Adds a touch of nuttiness and whole grain goodness that complements the apples.
Almond flour: Helps make the muffin tender and adds subtle almond notes.
Baking powder: Essential for that lovely rise in your muffins.
Apple pie spice: A perfect spice combo that enhances the apple flavor beautifully.
Sea salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness and spice.
Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the batter moist and dairy-free.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture while keeping muffins tender.
Cane sugar: For sweetness that caramelizes nicely in the muffins.
Avocado oil: A neutral oil that doesn’t overpower and keeps the muffins moist.
Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm, sweet aroma and flavor.
Fresh peeled and diced apple: The star ingredient – I recommend using firm, tart apples for best texture.
Powdered sugar: For the glaze that adds that perfect sweetness and shine.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe to fit different occasions or taste preferences. You can easily swap ingredients or toppings to make it your own.

Gluten-Free version: I’ve tried replacing the flours with a gluten-free blend, and the muffins still come out tender and delicious, though the texture is slightly different.
Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled into the crumble topping or batter adds a lovely crunch we can’t get enough of.
Dairy Free: Using coconut oil for the topping and almond milk, you’ve got a completely dairy-free muffin everyone can enjoy.
Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to mix things up with the apple pie spice—extra warm and cozy flavors!

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 400°F and greasing a 12-cup muffin tin. I prefer to lightly oil my muffin tin so the crumble topping sticks better and everything releases easily after baking. This small step makes cleanup much simpler and your muffins come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the soft coconut oil and use a spatula to mix until the mixture is crumbly with no dry flour left. Don’t overmix here! The crumble should be loose and sandy – that’s what creates the lovely crunchy topping after baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose, whole wheat, and almond flours, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt. In another bowl, vigorously whisk the almond milk, applesauce, cane sugar, avocado oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir to combine – you don’t want to overmix because that can make the muffins tough. Finally, carefully fold in the diced apples. They’ll add moisture and bursts of fresh apple flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Use a ⅓-cup measuring cup to scoop the batter evenly into the muffin cups. Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over each one. Bake for 17 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the muffins sit in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely – this helps set the texture without the risk of them falling apart.

Step 5: Drizzle on the Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon almond milk in a small bowl until smooth. If it’s too thick to drizzle, add a bit more almond milk, one teaspoon at a time. I love how this glaze shines on top and gives a light sweetness that pulls the whole muffin together. Drizzle over the cooled muffins and let it set before digging in.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until the ingredients come together to keep your muffins tender instead of dense.
Fresh Apples Matter: Use crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best contrast in flavor and texture.
Check Baking Time Early: Mine baked in about 18 minutes; ovens vary, so start checking around 16 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Cool Completely Before Glazing: Otherwise, the glaze can melt into the muffin and lose its pretty drizzle effect.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe

A single round muffin sits in the middle of a white plate, topped with a crumbly golden-brown streusel layer and drizzled with thick white icing in uneven stripes. The plate is on a white marbled surface surrounded by three shiny red and yellow apples, two cinnamon sticks, and a blue and white striped cloth. To the right, a wire cooling rack holds several more muffins with the same crumb topping and white icing drizzle. Two ornate silver forks rest beside the plate. The scene is bright and cozy, with warm autumn colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze, fall breakfast muffins, spiced apple muffins, easy apple muffins recipe, cozy morning muffins

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little cinnamon or extra powdered sugar on top of the glaze for a rustic look, especially when serving guests. A tiny pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese also pairs beautifully if you want a richer treat. If you’re feeling fancy, a few toasted almond slices on top add a lovely texture contrast.

Side Dishes

These muffins are perfect with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea. I often serve them alongside creamy yogurt or a simple green smoothie for a balanced breakfast or snack spread. If it’s brunch time, they make a fantastic partner to scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings or special occasions, I like to arrange the muffins on a pretty tiered stand with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks as decor. Drizzling the glaze in a crisscross pattern gives a lovely artistic touch. You could also serve them warm in little parchment paper liners tied with twine for a charming homemade look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I always let the Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 3 days this way. If I live that long!

Freezing

I love freezing these muffins because it means I can have fresh-tasting treats any time. I freeze them unfrosted in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When thawed, I add the glaze fresh for the best experience.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a muffin in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm it in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. It refreshes the crumbly topping and warms the apple bits inside, making each bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen apples if fresh ones aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain them well first. Excess moisture from frozen apples can make the batter too wet, affecting the texture of the muffins.
Is there a substitute for coconut oil in the crumble topping?

Absolutely! You can replace coconut oil with softened butter or even a neutral oil like vegetable oil. Butter will give a richer flavor, while oils keep it moist but less firm.
Can I make these muffins vegan?

To go vegan, swap the eggs for flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon flax/chia seeds + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and keep the dairy-free milks and oils. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!
How do I know when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick in the center of a muffin; when it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. Overbaking can make them dry, so keep an eye near the 17-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

When I first made this Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Crumble Topping and Glaze Recipe, I was blown away by how all the simple ingredients came together for such a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you’re sharing with family, bringing them to a potluck, or sneaking one with your morning coffee, these muffins never disappoint. I really hope you give them a try—I think you’ll find they’re as cozy and delicious as your favorite sweater on a crisp fall day!