Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’re in for a delightful surprise! These Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are not only easy to make but also packed with flavors that will warm your heart. Imagine waking up on a crisp morning with the scent of fresh muffins wafting through your kitchen—pure bliss! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, making it a beloved favorite in my home.

The combination of pumpkin puree and fresh apple chunks creates a moist and flavorful muffin, while the buttery cinnamon streusel topping adds just the right amount of crunch. Plus, the small batch means you won’t have leftovers staring at you (unless you want to!)—it’s just the right amount to enjoy and share!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, these muffins are ready in no time!
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and apple makes every bite a taste of autumn.
• Perfect for Sharing: Delight friends and family with this cozy treat, ideal for gatherings or brunches.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake ahead and enjoy them throughout the week for breakfast or snacks.
• Customizable: With simple variations, you can make these muffins your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need to create this delicious fall treat!

For the Streusel Topping

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• pinch salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
• 1 ½ tablespoons diced apples (optional; reserved from below)

For the Muffin Batter

• 1 ½ tablespoons full fat sour cream, room temperature
• 5 tablespoons pure canned pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon apple juice (or orange juice or water)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh apple, cut into small cubes (I use Honeycrisp; dice about 1 ½ tablespoons smaller for the streusel)
• 1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your muffins by trying out these tasty variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to elevate the flavor profile.
• Sweeten It Up: Swap out some granulated sugar for maple syrup or honey for a unique sweetness.
• Fruit Fiesta: Mix in other fruits such as cranberries or pears to add a twist to your muffins.

How to Make Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Start by combining the all-purpose flour, cold cubed butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, pinch of salt, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Use your fingers to mix everything together until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is essential because it gives your muffins that delightful crunch on top!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, pure canned pumpkin, apple juice (or orange juice), granulated sugar, light brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture is where all those cozy flavors come together—it’s going to make your muffins so moist and delicious!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing dry ingredients separately allows them to blend evenly before folding them into your wet mixture. Trust me; this step helps create those fluffy muffins we all love!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine! Then fold in those lovely apple chunks. This is where you’ll see those delicious bits of fruit throughout each muffin.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Topping

Scoop batter into lined muffin cups until they are about three-quarters full. Sprinkle generous amounts of streusel topping on each muffin before baking. Oh boy! The smell will be heavenly once they start baking!

Step 6: Bake & Enjoy!

Bake your muffins in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean—about 18 minutes should do it. Allow them to cool slightly before diving in! Enjoy these Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins warm with butter or on their own—they’re simply irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Baking these delightful muffins is a breeze, especially with these handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold butter for streusel: Starting with cold butter helps create that crumbly texture in your streusel, making it wonderfully crunchy on top of the muffins.
• Room temperature ingredients: Allowing your sour cream and egg yolk to reach room temperature ensures a smoother batter, which leads to fluffier muffins.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding the ingredients together will keep the muffins tender and light. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins that lack that delightful rise.
• Personalize your spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. If you love cinnamon, add a little more, or try incorporating nutmeg for an extra kick of warmth.
• Bake immediately after mixing: Once your batter is ready, don’t let it sit too long before baking. This keeps the leavening agents active and contributes to a nice rise during baking.

How to Serve Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

These muffins are not only delicious but also versatile! Here are some fun ideas for serving them.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to your muffins.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans can give a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor profile of your muffins.
• Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce on top adds sweetness and pairs beautifully with the apple and pumpkin flavors.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt balances out the sweetness of the muffins while adding protein and tang.
• Fresh fruit salad: A bowl of mixed seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness, complementing the warm spices in the muffins.
• Herbal tea: Pairing these muffins with a cozy cup of herbal tea makes for a comforting breakfast or snack option, perfect for chilly days.
• Smoothie: A refreshing fruit smoothie can be a great side, providing additional nutrients while keeping things light and delicious.

Now that you’ve got all the serving suggestions and pro tips at hand, it’s time to bake up some Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious breakfast or snack throughout the week without any fuss. They stay fresh and delightful, so you can savor their cozy flavors whenever you like!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• Muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat muffins from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating from room temperature, microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until warmed to your liking.

FAQs

Have questions about these delightful muffins? Here are some common queries!

Can I make Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg yolk with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the batter.

How long will Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these muffins will stay fresh for about 2 days. In the fridge, they can last up to 5 days!

What kind of apples work best in this recipe?

Honeycrisp apples are ideal due to their sweet flavor and crisp texture. However, you can use any apple variety you love, such as Granny Smith or Fuji.

Can I double this Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins recipe?

Absolutely! Just multiply all the ingredients by two, and you’ll have twice the deliciousness ready to enjoy or share!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins! Their warm spices and sweet apple chunks create a comforting treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether it’s breakfast on a busy morning or an afternoon snack with your favorite tea, these muffins are sure to bring a smile. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!