Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch

Apple pumpkin streusel muffins combine the best of autumn flavors in one delightful bite. This small batch recipe creates just four perfectly spiced muffins topped with buttery apple streusel, making it ideal when you want a cozy fall treat without leftovers.

I discovered this recipe last October when I was craving something warm and seasonal but didn’t want to make a huge batch. These apple pumpkin streusel muffins quickly became my go-to weekend breakfast treat. The combination of tender pumpkin muffin base with chunks of fresh apple and that irresistible crunchy streusel topping creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers cozy pumpkin pie spice warmth with bursts of sweet apple freshness.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Apple Pumpkin Muffins

I always recommend using pure pumpkin puree and full-fat sour cream for the moistest texture in these apple pumpkin streusel muffins. Let your egg yolk and sour cream come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.

Apple Streusel Topping:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1½ tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• Pinch salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
• 1½ tablespoons diced apples (cut smaller from the ½ cup below)

Apple Pumpkin Muffin Base:

• 1½ 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
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup fresh apple, cut into small cubes (reserve 1½ tablespoons for streusel)
• ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Simple Step-by-Step Instructions

I recommend making the streusel first and chilling it while you prepare the muffin batter for the best texture.

Step 1: Prepare your streusel topping by combining flour, cold butter cubes, both sugars, salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a fork or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until you have small pea-sized crumbly pieces. Stir in the reserved 1½ tablespoons of finely diced apples and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a muffin pan with 4 muffin liners. Position the oven rack in the middle for even baking.

Step 3: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, pumpkin puree, apple juice, both sugars, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Fold in the remaining apple cubes gently.

Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Sprinkle the dry ingredients over the wet mixture and use a spatula to fold together until just combined. Don’t overmix or your apple pumpkin streusel muffins will become tough.

Step 5: Divide the batter evenly among the four muffin liners using a cookie scoop for best results. Top each muffin generously with the chilled streusel mixture.

Step 6: Bake at 425°F for exactly 5 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and continue baking for 11-13 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Perfect Pairings for Your Fall Muffins

These apple pumpkin streusel muffins pair beautifully with warm beverages and complementary flavors.

Hot Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of coffee enhance the warm spices in these muffins while balancing their sweetness perfectly.

Spiced Chai Tea: The cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger in chai tea echo the pumpkin pie spice, creating a harmonious autumn flavor experience.

Vanilla Greek Yogurt: Creamy yogurt adds protein and tangy contrast to the sweet apple pumpkin muffins while keeping breakfast balanced.

Maple Butter: Spread a little maple butter on a warmed muffin half for an extra indulgent fall treat that amplifies the seasonal flavors.

More Seasonal Apple Treats and Perfect Meal Pairings

These apple pumpkin streusel muffins bring together the best of fall flavors, much like our classic Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins that focus purely on apple-cinnamon goodness. Both recipes offer portable comfort perfect for breakfast or snacking. Take these seasonal flavors to the next level with elegant desserts like Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle, Fall Apple Crumble Pie, or Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe.

Explore more timeless apple desserts with our comforting Classic Apple Crumble and Perfect Apple Crumble Recipe that showcase pure apple perfection. These muffins also make excellent accompaniments to hearty savory meals – serve them for brunch alongside Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread or Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza.

Smart Storage and Serving Tips

Store your apple pumpkin streusel muffins covered at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain their soft texture and crisp streusel topping. For longer storage, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

When reheating, warm frozen muffins at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked taste. I recommend serving these muffins slightly warm to bring out all the cozy spice flavors.

Pro tip: Double this recipe easily if you need more servings, just use a standard 12-cup muffin pan and adjust baking time as needed.

Common Questions About Apple Pumpkin Muffins

Your New Favorite Fall Baking Recipe

These apple pumpkin streusel muffins prove that small batch baking can be just as rewarding as making large quantities. The combination of seasonal flavors and perfect texture makes every bite worth savoring, and the four-muffin yield means you can enjoy them fresh without waste.

Try this recipe this weekend and experience the cozy comfort of homemade apple pumpkin muffins with that irresistible streusel topping!

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