Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are the perfect fall treat, combining the warm flavors of pumpkin and fresh apples. These muffins are not just a delightful breakfast option; they also make a cozy dessert or snack. With their buttery cinnamon streusel topping, these small batch muffins are an easy way to enjoy the tastes of autumn without making too many. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, these muffins will surely impress.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Streusel Topping
• For the Muffins
• How to Make Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping
• Step 3: Mix the Muffin Batter
• Step 4: Fill Muffin Tin
• Step 5: Bake
• Step 6: Cool & Enjoy
• How to Serve Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
• With a Hot Beverage
• Topped with Spreads
• As a Dessert
• How to Perfect Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
• Best Side Dishes for Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
• Reheating Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other fruits in Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins?
• How do I make these muffins gluten-free?
• What is the best way to serve Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins?
• Can I double this recipe easily?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious muffins in no time.
• Perfect for Fall: The combination of apple and pumpkin spices makes these muffins a seasonal favorite.
• Small Batch Convenience: This recipe yields just four muffins, ideal for small households or when you want to avoid leftovers.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the spices or add nuts for extra crunch!
• Deliciously Moist: The addition of sour cream and pumpkin keeps these muffins soft and flavorful.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These will help ensure your Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Muffin tin
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly.
• Muffin tin: Ensures even baking and helps shape your muffins perfectly.

Ingredients

Small batch apple pumpkin muffins made with pumpkin puree, fresh apple chunks, and cozy spices, topped with buttery cinnamon streusel. Easily double the recipe for extra servings!

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 (optional; 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 Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Add in the cold butter cubes.
3. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly and well-combined. Stir in the reserved diced apples if desired.

Step 3: Mix the Muffin Batter

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together sour cream, pumpkin puree, apple juice, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Gradually combine dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just mixed.
4. Gently fold in fresh apple cubes.

Step 4: Fill Muffin Tin

Spray or line your muffin tin with paper liners. Distribute the muffin batter evenly among four muffin cups. Top each muffin with a generous amount of streusel topping.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Enjoy

Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy your freshly baked Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins warm!

How to Serve Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

These delightful Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your muffin experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these muffins with a warm cup of coffee to complement their cozy flavors.
• Tea: A soothing herbal tea can balance the sweetness of the muffins, providing a calming break.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them with rich hot chocolate for an indulgent treat on chilly days.

Topped with Spreads

• Butter: Spread a thin layer of butter on a warm muffin for added richness.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese pairs wonderfully and adds a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
• Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter can add protein and healthy fats, making your snack even more satisfying.

As a Dessert

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm muffins à la mode topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds an extra layer of sweetness and sophistication.

How to Perfect Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

To ensure your Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh pumpkin puree and apples for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold the ingredients to avoid dense muffins; overmixing can lead to toughness.
• Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking.
• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your muffins a few minutes before the suggested bake time; they should be golden and spring back when touched.

Best Side Dishes for Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

These muffins can be enjoyed on their own, but pairing them with side dishes enhances their appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and protein; opt for plain or flavored varieties based on preference.
2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad complements the muffins’ spices and adds refreshing flavors.
3. Oatmeal: A bowl of oatmeal provides warmth and heartiness, perfect for a filling breakfast combination.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create an interesting contrast to the sweet muffins.
5. Smoothie: Blend up your favorite fruits and greens for a nutritious drink alongside your muffins.
6. Granola Bar: For those on-the-go mornings, pair a muffin with a healthy granola bar for added crunch and energy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture of your muffins.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and sour cream are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can create a dense texture.
• Skipping the streusel topping: The cinnamon streusel adds a delightful crunch. Don’t skip this step for maximum flavor!
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven properly. An unheated oven can result in uneven baking and undercooked muffins.
• Choosing the wrong apples: Not all apples work well in baking. Use firm varieties like Honeycrisp for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• These muffins will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat muffins for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each muffin for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as it may dry them out.
• Stovetop: Place muffins in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits in Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins?

Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or even cranberries for a different flavor profile.

How do I make these muffins gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour to make Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins gluten-free.

What is the best way to serve Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins?

These muffins are delicious served warm with a pat of butter or alongside your morning coffee.

Can I double this recipe easily?

Absolutely! Just multiply each ingredient by two for a larger batch, keeping an eye on baking time as it may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are perfect for cozy mornings or as an afternoon snack. Their delightful combination of pumpkin and apple flavors makes them versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding nuts or swapping spices based on your taste preferences!

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Breakfast Recipes