Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins (Small Batch Recipe)

Apple Pumpkin Muffins

Moist, cozy, and topped with buttery apple streusel – these small-batch pumpkin apple muffins are fall baking at its best! 🍂✨

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 18 min | Total Time: 28 min

Ingredients

Apple Streusel Topping

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  
• 1 ½ tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  
• 1 ½ tbsp light brown sugar
  
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
  
• Pinch of salt
  
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
  
• 1 ½ tbsp diced apple (from below)
  

Apple Pumpkin Muffins

• 1 ½ tbsp full-fat sour cream, room temp
  
• 5 tbsp pure canned pumpkin
  
• 1 tbsp apple juice (or orange juice/water)
  
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar
  
• 1 large egg yolk, room temp
  
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
  
• ½ cup fresh apple, diced (reserve 1 ½ tbsp for streusel)
  
• ½ cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  
• ¼ tsp baking soda
  
• ⅛ tsp salt
  
• ¾ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Streusel 🥄
   In a small bowl, combine flour, butter, sugars, salt, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a fork to work in the butter until crumbly. Stir in diced apples, then refrigerate until ready.
   
2. Prepare Muffin Batter 🍏
   Preheat oven to 425°F. Line muffin pan with 4 liners. In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, pumpkin, juice, sugars, egg yolk, and vanilla. Stir in diced apples.
   
3. Combine Dry & Wet 🌾
   In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gently fold dry into wet until just combined – don’t overmix.
   
4. Fill & Top ✨
   Divide batter into 4 liners. Sprinkle evenly with apple streusel topping.
   
5. Bake in Two Steps 🔥
   Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes (helps muffin tops rise), then reduce heat to 350°F and bake 11–13 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
   
6. Cool & Enjoy 😍
   Let muffins cool in the pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
   

Pro Tips 💡

• Best apples: Honeycrisp adds sweetness and crunch, but any baking apple works.
  
• Leftover pumpkin? Use it in pancakes, bread, or another muffin batch.
  
• Freezer-friendly: Wrap cooled muffins individually and freeze up to 3 months.
  

Nutrition Info (per muffin)

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.