Apple Crumble Muffins are moist and fluffy with a delicious crumble topping! They're made with fresh apples, warming spices, and gluten-free flour.
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Why you'll love this recipe
Delicious - These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are fluffy, flavorful, and have apple chunks in every bite!
Low Sugar - They are sweetened with coconut sugar which is lower glycemic and unrefined. They can easily be made sugar free by using Lakanto Golden Monkfruit. (Or any sugar-free granulated sugar.)
Healthy - This Paleo recipe is made with only a few simple ingredients. I used a combination of almond flour and coconut flour which are both naturally gluten-free.
I also used applesauce to replace the need for butter which makes them a great dairy-free option as well!
Easy - No need for fancy equipment, you just need a whisk for this recipe! (A hand mixer will also work great!)
🍴Ingredient Notes
- Almond Flour & Coconut Flour - Do not swap for any other flour combination. I have tested this recipe quite a few times and the combination of almond flour and coconut flour works best.
- Spices - You'll need cinnamon and nutmeg for this recipe.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda - You'll need both to create a fluffy consistency.
- Unsweetened Applesauce - Instead of using oil or butter I used applesauce to create a moist texture. It also adds a bit of sweetness and flavor!
- Eggs - I would not recommend swapping for an egg replacement.
- Coconut Sugar - Any granulated sugar will work. Swap for Lakanto Golden Monkfruit for a sugar-free option!
- Vanilla Extract - Just a splash gives this muffin a delicious flavor!
- Apple Cider Vinegar - I promise you can't taste it! This just helps to activate the baking soda in gluten-free recipes.
- Apples - I recommend using a firmer apple variety like Honeycrisp, Gala, or even Granny Smith! Keep in mind Granny Smith apples are very tart.
🍴Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Mixing Dry Ingredients
Start by adding all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Whisk together until fully combined.
Step 2: Mixing Wet Ingredients
Next, add all wet ingredients into a large bowl. Whisk together or use a hand mixer.
Step 3: Folding Together
Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Fold together with a spatula until flour has been absorbed. Pour in apple chunks
Step 4: Preparing to Bake
Next, add muffin batter into each muffin tin. Use muffin liners or grease with non-stick spray.
Step 5: Crumb Topping
Add all crumble ingredients into a small bowl. Use a fork or your hands to create the crumble consistency. Using your hands works best! Add to the top of each muffin.
Step 6: Baking & Cooling
Bake the apple crumble muffins at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven when they're done. Carefully remove each muffin if you used muffin liners and place them on a metal cooling rack. If you greased the pan, wait until they're room temperature to remove.
Expert Tips
- Use parchment paper liners or silicone muffin liners! They will easily peel off without sticking.
- Don't over mix the muffin batter. Fold in the dry ingredients with a spatula until the flour is absorbed.
- Let the muffins set for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.
- Use your hands to mix the crumble topping. The warmth of your hands help to melt the coconut oil.
Recipe Variations
For some extra crunch, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts! You can also top the muffins with a simple glaze for some extra sweetness! I just mixed powdered sugar with coconut milk until I reached the consistency I wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, you would add oil or butter to a muffin recipe. In this case, I used applesauce to add moisture and a bit of natural sweetness!
Any variety that is firm and crispy works best for baking! You can use Gala, Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
If you pack the flour into the measuring cup you could end up with dry muffins. Shake the bag to loosen the flour and then scoop with a measuring cup. Use a butter knife to scrape off excess flour.
How to store leftovers
The muffins can be stored at room temperature. You can also freeze half for later in an airtight container!
When you're ready to eat, just pop out of the freezer and let defrost on the counter or in the refrigerator.
You can also heat them up in the microwave or toaster oven.
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After you make these Apple Crumble Muffins, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!
Recipe Card
Apple Crumble Muffins (Gluten-Free)
Equipment
- 1 Muffin Tin
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 Cup Almond Flour
- ¼ Cup Coconut Flour
- 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ Teaspoon Nutmeg
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 2 Eggs
- ⅓ Cup Coconut Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Cup Diced Apple Make sure you peel the apple!
Crumble
- 2 Tablespoons Almond Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil (Not Melted)
- ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
Making Muffin Batter
- Start by adding all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Whisk together until fully combined.
- Next, add all wet ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Whisk together or use a hand mixer.
- Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Fold together with a spatula until flour has been absorbed. Pour in apple chunks
- Next, add muffin batter into each muffin tin. Use muffin liners or grease with non-stick spray.
Crumble Topping
- Add all crumble ingredients into a small bowl. Use a fork or your hands to create the crumble consistency. Using your hands works best! Add to the top of each muffin.
Baking and Cooling
- Bake the apple crumble muffins at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven when they're done. Carefully remove each muffin if you used muffin liners and place them on a metal cooling rack. If you greased the pan, wait until they're room temperature to remove.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Use parchment paper muffin liners or silicone muffin liners! They will easily peel off without sticking.
- Don't over mix the muffin batter. Fold in the dry ingredients with a spatula until the flour is absorbed.
- Top with a simple glaze for some extra sweetness! I just mixed powdered sugar with non-dairy milk until I reached the consistency I wanted.
- Let the muffins set for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.
- Use your hands to mix the crumble topping. The warmth of your hands help to melt the coconut oil.
Nutrition
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Skylar
The crumble topping was my favorite part!! So fluffy and delicious! Thank you for sharing!!