Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch

There’s something truly magical about muffins that blend the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with little bursts of fresh apple—especially when topped with a buttery streusel that offers just enough crunch. These Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are your ticket to a hug from the inside: soft, warmly spiced, and so easy you’ll feel like you baked them with company, even if you’re flying solo. Perfect for cozy mornings, a friendly snack, or a little treat when the house could use a sniff of fall in the air.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

Streusel Topping:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1½ tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
• 1½ tablespoons finely diced apple (set aside from the muffin apple portion)

Muffin Batter:

• 1½ tablespoons full-fat sour cream (room temp) (can swap for full-fat yogurt)
• 5 tablespoons pure canned pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon apple juice (or orange juice or water)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 large egg yolk (room temp)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup fresh apple, diced small (I like Honeycrisp)
• ½ cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon-nutmeg blend)

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease or line a muffin pan or use a mini-cupcake tray if you want bite-sized treats.
2. Make the Streusel:
   In a small bowl, combine flour, sugars, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a fork to cut it in until you have pea-sized crumbs. Stir in the reserved diced apple. Set aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, stir together the sour cream, pumpkin puree, apple juice, sugars, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add Apple:
   Gently fold in the diced apple so each muffin will have juicy little bits of texture.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
6. Blend Batter:
   Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined—you want a slightly lumpy, tender batter.
7. Fill Muffin Cups:
   Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, filling each one almost to the top.
8. Top with Streusel:
   Sprinkle the streusel evenly over each muffin, pressing lightly so it adheres.
9. Bake:
   Bake for about 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool & Enjoy:
    Let muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then move to a rack. These are best served warm with a cozy mug of tea or coffee.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Cold butter for streusel keeps the topping crispier—don’t melt it!
• Apples and pumpkin complement each other, but if you want a stronger pumpkin flavor, choose a sweeter apple like Fuji or Granny Smith for balance.
• Storage: Store at room temp in an airtight container for 3–5 days. Warm them slightly before serving for that fresh-baked feeling.
• Room temp ingredients—especially the egg yolk and sour cream—help the batter hold together better.

Recipe Variations

1. Mini Muffin Version:
   Make around 10–12 mini muffins. Skip any high-heat “boost” and bake at 350 °F for about 12 minutes.
2. Yogurt Swap:
   Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for tang and protein. Great if you prefer a lighter tangy vibe.
3. Spice Twist:
   Swap pumpkin pie spice for a homemade mix—1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger—to spotlight what’s already in your pantry.
4. Healthier Option:
   Substitute half the flour with whole wheat or oat flour, reduce sugar by 1 tablespoon, or try applesauce (1–2 tbsp) in place of some butter in the streusel.

Serving Suggestions

• A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple glaze makes these muffins feel extra festive.
• Serve alongside a warm bowl of oatmeal or as dessert with vanilla ice cream—pumpkin and apple are a match made in cozy heaven.

Conclusion

There you have it—a simple, heartwarming muffin recipe that’s as inviting as it is delicious. These Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are perfect for gathering little moments of joy, whether you’re baking with family, hosting friends, or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a warm cup of something good. Enjoy these fresh from the oven… or pop one in the toaster-oven for a mid-week treat. Happy baking and happy savoring!