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 a delightful snack, these muffins are easy to whip up and will fill your kitchen with warm aromas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these muffins ready in no time.
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: This small batch recipe yields four delicious muffins, ideal for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of apple and pumpkin creates a unique taste that’s perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy mornings at home.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add nuts or swap out spices to make this recipe your own.
- Deliciously Moist: Thanks to the pumpkin and sour cream, these muffins are incredibly moist and flavorful.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Essential for shaping the muffins and ensuring even baking.
- Mixing bowls: Needed for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter for fluffier muffins.
- Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding ingredients together.
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: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your muffin tin or line it with muffin liners for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine 3 tablespoons flour, 1 ½ tablespoons cold butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until crumbly.
3. Fold in the reserved diced apples. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Muffin Batter
In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together sour cream, canned pumpkin, apple juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples into the muffin batter.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups
Spoon batter evenly into each muffin cup. Top with the prepared streusel mixture.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch!
How to Serve Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
These delightful muffins are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: Pair these muffins with a warm cup of coffee for a classic morning treat.
- Tea: Enjoy your muffins alongside a soothing herbal tea for a relaxing afternoon break.
- Cider: A glass of apple cider brings out the fall flavors in the muffins beautifully.
For Breakfast
- Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
- Fruit Salad: A side of fresh fruit salad adds brightness and freshness to your meal.
- Scrambled Eggs: For a heartier breakfast, add scrambled eggs on the side.
As Dessert
- Ice Cream: Top your muffin with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert twist.
- Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and flavor.
How to Perfect Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
To achieve the best results with your Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh apples and quality pumpkin puree to enhance flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your sour cream and egg yolk come to room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold ingredients together to maintain a soft texture in your muffins.
- Check Doneness Early: Start checking your muffins at 15 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving; this helps set their structure.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
If you’re looking to create a well-rounded meal, consider these side dishes that pair perfectly with Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.
- Sausage Links: Savory sausage links provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the muffins.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds variety and richness to your breakfast spread.
- Maple Bacon: Sweet and savory maple bacon complements the flavors in the muffins beautifully.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toast offers a fresh and healthy option alongside your muffins.
- Oatmeal Bowl: A warm bowl of oatmeal can be a comforting addition, especially on chilly mornings.
- Smoothie Bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl packed with fruits can brighten up your table and boost nutrition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially with a delightful recipe like Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:
-
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature. A too-hot or too-cold oven can lead to muffins that are either burnt or undercooked.
-
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts. This ensures the right texture and flavor in your muffins.
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Overmixing Batter: Mixing too much can make your muffins dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for light, fluffy results.
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Skipping the Streusel Topping: The streusel adds texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step! It elevates the overall experience of your muffins.
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Using Old Baking Soda: Make sure your baking soda is fresh. Expired baking soda will not help your muffins rise properly, resulting in flat muffins.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover 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.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Frozen muffins can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
- Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time on high for 15-20 seconds. Check if it’s warm enough before serving.
- Stovetop: Cover with a lid on low heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s well-cooked and blended until smooth before adding it to the batter.
How do I customize my Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch?
Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. You can also substitute different spices based on your preference!
What type of apple is best for this recipe?
Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully due to their sweetness and crispness, but feel free to use any variety you like!
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch are perfect for cozy mornings or as a delightful snack. With their warm spices and fruity goodness, they’re customizable too! Try adding nuts or swapping spices according to your taste!
Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 muffins 1x
Description
Experience the warmth of autumn with these delightful Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch. This easy recipe combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and fresh apple chunks, infused with cozy spices for a soft, moist treat. Topped with a buttery apple streusel, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter (cold)
- 1 tablespoon apple juice
- 5 tablespoons pure canned pumpkin
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ cup fresh apple (diced)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 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)
- 1 ½ tablespoons full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin.
- Prepare the streusel by combining flour, cold butter, sugars, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl until crumbly. Fold in reserved diced apples.
- In another bowl, whisk together sour cream, pumpkin, apple juice, sugars, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in diced apples. Fill muffin cups evenly and top with streusel mixture.
- 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: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
