Bakery-Style Apple Muffins with Cinnamon-Oat Streusel

Name: Bakery-Style Apple Muffins with Cinnamon-Oat Streusel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

45 min 12 muffins Easy

All Recipes

Moist apple muffins topped with a cinnamon-oat streusel and featuring high domed tops, perfect for a bakery-style treat.

Prep

20 min

Cook

25 min

Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

There's something incredibly comforting about a warm apple muffin, especially when it boasts a bakery-style high dome and a deliciously crunchy cinnamon-oat streusel topping. These muffins capture the essence of autumn with each bite, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Selecting the right type of apple is crucial for achieving the best texture. Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp not only provide a delightful tartness that complements the sweet muffin batter but also hold their shape beautifully during baking. This ensures that every bite is filled with tender chunks of apple.

Instructions

Prepare the oven and muffin tin

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

Mix wet ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.

Combine dry ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

Add apples

Fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

Pro tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.

Prepare the streusel

In a small bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.

Fill muffin tins

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Top each with the cinnamon-oat streusel.

Bake muffins

Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Pro tip: The initial high temperature helps create domed tops.

Cool and serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips & Tricks

Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for muffins that hold their shape.
Begin baking at high temperature for dome tops, then reduce heat.
For an oat variation, replace 1/2 cup of flour with oats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which apples are best for baking in muffins?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are best as they hold their shape and add a nice tartness.

How do I make muffins with high domes?

Start baking at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) for the remainder of the baking time.

Can I make apple oatmeal muffins?

Yes, replace 1/2 cup of flour with rolled oats in the batter for an oat variation.

How long do these muffins stay fresh?

They stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

These bakery-style apple muffins are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a resealable freezer bag. Serve these muffins with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra indulgent treat. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a complete café experience at home.