Introduction

These Apple Butter Muffins are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall all year round. Soft and moist with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced streusel topping, they make a perfect breakfast or snack. The apple butter adds a lovely depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crunchy walnuts.

Apple Butter Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (260 grams)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
1 teaspoon baking powder (4 grams)
1 teaspoon baking soda (5 grams)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (2 grams)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk (6 ounces)
1/2 cup vegetable oil (4 ounces)
1/3 cup apple butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (65 grams) for streusel
1 teaspoon cinnamon (2 grams) for streusel
1/2 cup brown sugar (105 grams)
1/2 cup walnuts (finely chopped)
4 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2-4 tablespoons apple cider (or heavy cream)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 cups flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vegetable oil. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
Step 2: Prepare the streusel by mixing 1/2 cup flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and walnuts. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly and butter is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Spray jumbo muffin tins with cooking spray. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of batter into the bottom of each cup, then add a tablespoon of apple butter on top. Sprinkle some streusel over the apple butter. Divide the remaining batter equally among the cups, then top with the remaining streusel.
Step 4: Bake at 425ºF for 5 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375ºF and bake for an additional 13-15 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Mix powdered sugar with apple cider until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled muffins for a sweet finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or soy milk, and use a plant-based butter for the streusel.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter for extra warm spice notes.
Swap walnuts for pecans or omit nuts if preferred.
If fresh apple butter is unavailable, store-bought works well too—choose one with good cinnamon flavor.

Storage

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer keeping, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat muffins gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola or melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor and texture.

How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs but no wet batter for perfectly baked muffins.

Apple Butter Muffins Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

These Apple Butter Muffins are a delightful treat combining a moist, tender crumb with a sweet and spiced apple butter filling, all topped with a crunchy walnut streusel and a light apple cider glaze. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they offer a perfect balance of warm cinnamon flavor and rich apple sweetness.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 jumbo muffins 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Muffin Batter

2 cups all-purpose flour (260 grams)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
1 teaspoon baking powder (4 grams)
1 teaspoon baking soda (5 grams)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (2 grams)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup milk (6 ounces)
1/2 cup vegetable oil (4 ounces)

Streusel Topping

1/2 cup all-purpose flour (65 grams)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (2 grams)
1/2 cup brown sugar (105 grams)
1/2 cup walnuts (finely chopped)
4 tablespoons salted butter (softened)

Additional Ingredients

1/3 cup apple butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2–4 tablespoons apple cider (or heavy cream)

Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vegetable oil. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender muffins.
Make the Streusel: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and the butter is fully incorporated.
Assemble the Muffins: Preheat oven to 425ºF and spray jumbo muffin tins with cooking spray. Spoon about a heaping tablespoon of muffin batter into the bottom of each muffin cup. Add a tablespoon of apple butter over the batter, then sprinkle some streusel topping on top of the apple butter layer. Next, evenly distribute the remaining batter over the streusel and finish by sprinkling the remaining streusel on top of each muffin.
Bake the Muffins: Bake the muffins at 425ºF for 5 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375ºF and continue baking for an additional 13 to 15 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Glaze and Finish: While the muffins are baking, mix the powdered sugar with apple cider (or heavy cream) until smooth. Once the muffins have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the tops using a spoon.
Store: Once completely cooled, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

Do not overmix the muffin batter to keep muffins tender and fluffy.
You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free option.
Use apple cider or heavy cream for the glaze depending on your flavor preference.
For smaller muffins, adjust baking time accordingly (about 2-4 minutes less).
Muffins are best consumed within 2-3 days but can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Keywords: apple butter muffins, streusel muffins, breakfast muffins, apple cinnamon muffins, walnut streusel, glazed muffins