Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
Enjoy fall’s favorite flavors with this small batch of apple pumpkin streusel muffins! This simple pumpkin muffin recipe blends pumpkin, fresh apple chunks, and cozy spices inside a soft muffin that is finished with a buttery apple streusel. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, these muffins stand out with their rich flavors and delightful textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy these delicious muffins in no time.
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: This small batch recipe yields four muffins, making it ideal for solo snacking or sharing.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of pumpkin and apple creates a warm, comforting taste that celebrates the fall season.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes required, making these muffins is as enjoyable as eating them!
Tools and Preparation
To create your Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch, gather some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Muffin tin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Muffin tin: A good-quality muffin tin ensures even baking and perfect shape for your muffins.
Ingredients
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 (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
How to Make Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice), and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.
- Stir in the reserved diced apples. Set aside while you prepare the muffin batter.
Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter
- In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, pumpkin puree, apple juice (or orange juice), granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Fold in Apples
- Gently fold in the fresh apple cubes into the muffin batter. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Tin
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- Divide the muffin batter evenly among four muffin cups. Top each muffin with a generous amount of streusel topping.
Step 5: Bake Your Muffins
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for about 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy your delightful Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
These delicious apple pumpkin streusel muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: Pair your muffins with a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a comforting morning treat.
- Tea: A warm cup of chai or cinnamon tea complements the spices in the muffins beautifully.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these muffins with a rich hot chocolate for a sweet afternoon indulgence.
Topped with Spreads
- Cream Cheese: Spread a layer of cream cheese for a creamy contrast to the muffin’s texture.
- Butter: A pat of softened butter melts into the warm muffin, enhancing its flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle some maple syrup on top for an extra touch of sweetness and fall flavor.
As Part of a Breakfast Platter
- Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the flavors and add freshness.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a wholesome breakfast experience.
How to Perfect Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
To ensure your apple pumpkin streusel muffins turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh apples and pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure ingredients like sour cream and egg yolk are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to keep your muffins tender and fluffy.
- Check Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when done.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow your muffins to cool slightly before serving to enhance their texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
These muffins pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here’s a list of great options:
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance the sweetness of the muffins.
- Breakfast Sausages: Savory sausages add richness that contrasts nicely with the sweet muffins.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruit makes for a hearty breakfast option.
- Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese offers tanginess and pairs well with the muffin’s spices.
- Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl filled with seasonal fruits adds freshness to your meal.
- Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars can provide an additional crunchy element and energy boost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch, avoid these common mistakes for the best results.
- Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or sour cream can affect how well your muffins rise. Always let your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and improper measurements can ruin your muffins. Use precise measuring cups and spoons for best results.
- Ignoring the oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold will affect baking time and muffin texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
- Using old spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor significantly. Check expiration dates on your spices to ensure maximum flavor in your muffins.
- Neglecting streusel preparation: A crumbly streusel topping adds great texture. Be sure to properly combine your ingredients for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store muffins in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
- Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake muffins for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time on low power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm muffins in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch.
Can I substitute other fruits?
Yes! Feel free to use pears or cranberries instead of apples for different flavors.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great alternative to sour cream that keeps the muffins moist.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Nuts like walnuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of your muffins.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch are perfect for cozy mornings or as an afternoon snack. Their warm flavors are versatile; you can easily customize them with different fruits or spices. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the taste of fall!
Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these delightful Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch. Perfectly soft and moist, each muffin combines the warmth of pumpkin with fresh apple chunks and cozy spices. Topped with a buttery streusel, these muffins are ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can savor this comforting treat without the hassle. Whether enjoyed warm with coffee or as part of a breakfast spread, these muffins invite you to embrace the season’s best flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons full fat sour cream
- 5 tablespoons pure canned pumpkin
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ cup fresh apple (such as Honeycrisp), diced
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the streusel)
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes (for the streusel)
- 1 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar (for the streusel)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (for the streusel)
- pinch salt (for the streusel)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice, for the streusel)
- 1 ½ tablespoons diced apples (reserved from below, for the streusel)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin for four muffins.
- In one bowl, mix sour cream, pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and sugars until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in diced apples gently.
- Prepare streusel by mixing flour, sugars, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly; stir in reserved diced apples.
- Fill muffin cups with batter and top generously with streusel.
- Bake for about 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (65g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
