Description
Delightfully soft and moist Apple Fritter Muffins bursting with warm cinnamon-spiced diced apples, topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack, these muffins combine the flavors of classic apple fritters in an easy-to-make muffin form.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups diced Granny Smith apples, peeled
For the Topping (Streusel):
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a cupcake pan with muffin liners and lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Use your fingers to push the butter into the dry ingredients until pea-sized clumps form. Set aside the crumbly topping.
- Sift dry ingredients for batter: In a medium bowl, sift together 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl every minute for even mixing.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until fully incorporated.
- Combine batter: Fold the diced apples and the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently with a spatula until no lumps of flour remain.
- Fill muffin cups with batter: Spoon one heaping tablespoon of batter into each muffin liner. Sprinkle a teaspoon of streusel topping on the center of each, then repeat the batter topping and finish with a generous streusel coating on top.
- Bake the muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden.
- Prepare glaze: While muffins bake, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick like a glaze paste.
- Glaze muffins: When muffins are done, remove them immediately to a wire cooling rack. While still hot, use a pastry brush to coat every side of each muffin evenly with the glaze for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow glaze to set slightly before serving. These apple fritter muffins are delightful warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture that withstands baking well.
- Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for best mixing results and texture.
- The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch contrasting with the soft muffin inside.
- Adjust cinnamon amount according to your spice preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk of choice for the glaze but whole milk yields a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American