Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins. They’re the perfect blend of cozy flavors and textures, making them a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of pumpkin puree and fresh apple chunks creates a moist muffin that’s bursting with warmth and spice. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a weekend brunch with friends, these muffins are sure to bring smiles all around.

What really makes this recipe special is its simplicity; it’s easy to whip up without much fuss. Plus, with just four muffins per batch, it’s perfect for when you want a little indulgence without overwhelming yourself with leftovers. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to these Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have warm muffins ready in under half an hour!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavor and tender texture, making these muffins a hit at any table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the batter in advance and bake fresh muffins whenever you’re ready for a treat!
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack. They fit any occasion perfectly!
• Cozy Fall Flavors: The combination of pumpkin and apple wrapped in spices is like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You probably have many of these items in your pantry already. These muffins come together quickly with minimal fuss, so let’s get started!

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 Muffins

• 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 mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use different fruits: Swap out apples for pears or even cranberries for a tart twist.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with different spice blends like ginger or nutmeg to make it your own.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute sour cream with non-dairy yogurt for a lighter option.

How to Make Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel

In a small bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to mix everything until crumbly. This step adds that irresistible crunchy topping we all love!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together sour cream, pumpkin puree, apple juice (or substitute), granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Mixing these ingredients properly ensures your muffins will be moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In yet another bowl (I know it sounds like a lot of bowls!), sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Adding dry ingredients separately prevents clumping and ensures even distribution throughout your batter.

Step 4: Fold It All Together

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix! Once everything is incorporated beautifully but still slightly lumpy is exactly what we’re going for. Then fold in those delicious diced apples to add lovely pockets of flavor.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among greased muffin cups (or use liners if you prefer). Top each muffin with that scrumptious streusel mixture we prepared earlier. This will give them an amazing texture once baked!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 18 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them! The smell wafting through your kitchen will be hard to resist!

Once baked to perfection, let them cool slightly before digging in. Enjoy your Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins warm with a cup of tea or coffee. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Baking these delightful muffins is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure perfection every time!

• Use cold butter for the streusel – This helps create that crumbly texture we all love by preventing the butter from melting too quickly, resulting in a perfect topping.
• Choose fresh, crisp apples – Opting for varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith enhances the flavor and adds a nice crunch. Fresh apples also retain their moisture better during baking.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until combined keeps your muffins tender and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
• Allow the muffins to cool slightly – Giving them a few minutes on a wire rack makes them easier to remove from the pan and enhances their flavor as they settle.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding more pumpkin pie spice can give these muffins an extra layer of warmth and depth.

How to Serve Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

These muffins are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Presenting them well can make your breakfast or snack even more special!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Cinnamon stick – Placing a small cinnamon stick beside each muffin adds a rustic touch and hints at the warm flavors within.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt with honey – A side of creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey complements the muffins perfectly, adding protein and a delightful contrast in texture.
• Fresh fruit salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the muffins while providing colorful presentation on your plate.
• Herbal tea or spiced chai – Pair these muffins with a warm cup of herbal tea or spiced chai for a cozy experience that enhances the fall flavors.
• Oatmeal porridge – A bowl of warm oatmeal topped with nuts and fruits makes for a hearty breakfast alongside these indulgent muffins.

These small batch apple pumpkin streusel muffins are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making your mornings sweeter and easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the muffins to cool completely.
• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Remove muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, microwave each muffin for about 15-20 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about these delightful muffins!

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

Yes! You can substitute the egg yolk with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce.

What should I do if I don’t have pumpkin puree for the Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins?

You can easily replace pumpkin puree with mashed banana or sweet potato puree, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

Can I use other fruits in my Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or cranberries, but keep in mind that this may change the overall taste and texture.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the muffin base and streusel topping according to your preference. Just remember that it might affect moisture!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also a wonderful way to embrace fall flavors. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as part of your breakfast routine, they are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking, and feel free to share your creations!