Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch are the perfect blend of sweet and spice, making them ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely family gatherings. Each bite is filled with tender pumpkin, juicy apple chunks, and a delightful crumbly streusel topping that just begs to be shared (or enjoyed all by yourself!).

What makes this recipe so special? It’s not just about the flavors; it’s also about how quick and easy it is to whip up a small batch. You can enjoy warm muffins fresh from the oven without having a dozen leftover. Plus, they make your kitchen smell like a dream!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, these muffins are a breeze to make!
• Perfectly Portion-Controlled: This small batch recipe yields four delicious muffins—ideal for enjoying with family or saving for breakfast.
• Fall Flavors Galore: The combination of pumpkin and fresh apples paired with warm spices is simply unbeatable.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can mix the batter in advance and bake when you’re ready for a warm treat.
• Kid-Approved: These muffins are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike—who wouldn’t love these cozy bites?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will have you on your way to baking delicious muffins in no time! Here’s what you need:

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 Muffin Batter

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about these muffins is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative and try out some fun variations:

• Switch Up the Fruit: Use pears or cranberries instead of apples for a different flavor profile.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Go Whole Grain: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with adding nutmeg or ginger to give your muffins an extra layer of warmth.

How to Make Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch

Step 1: Make the Streusel Topping

Start by mixing together your streusel ingredients. Combine the flour, butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Use your fingers to crumble everything together until it resembles coarse crumbs. Setting this aside allows the flavors to meld while you prepare the muffin batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Batter

In another bowl, mix together your sour cream, pumpkin, apple juice (or chosen liquid), granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture creates a moist base that helps keep your muffins soft and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In yet another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those muffins light and airy!

Step 4: Fold in Apples

Gently fold in your diced apples into the batter. This step adds bursts of freshness throughout each muffin. It’s like little surprises waiting inside every bite!

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups & Add Streusel

Preheat your oven while you scoop muffin batter into lined muffin cups—fill them about three-quarters full. Then sprinkle your prepared streusel topping generously over each muffin.

Step 6: Bake & Enjoy!

Bake in a preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before diving in! The aroma wafting through your home will surely bring everyone running to enjoy these delightful treats.

Happy baking! I can’t wait for you to try these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch—they’re sure to become a fall favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch

Baking these delightful muffins is a breeze, and with a few insider tips, you’ll elevate your baking game!

• Use cold butter for the streusel – Keeping the butter cold ensures that your streusel becomes crumbly and crispy when baked, giving you that perfect texture contrast.
• Room temperature ingredients – Make sure your sour cream and egg yolk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter that rises beautifully and results in a tender muffin.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, which is the last thing you want!
• Chop apples evenly – For consistent baking, chop your apples into similar-sized pieces. This ensures even distribution throughout the muffins and helps them cook uniformly.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile and make these muffins uniquely yours.

How to Serve Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch

These Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy afternoon snack. Presentation can elevate their appeal, making them even more enjoyable!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
• Chopped nuts – Consider adding some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for an extra crunch and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Yogurt parfaits – Pair these muffins with a yogurt parfait featuring layers of creamy yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit. It adds freshness and balances the sweet flavors of the muffins.
• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like pears or berries complements the warm spices in the muffins beautifully.
• Herbal tea or coffee – Serving these muffins alongside a cup of warm herbal tea or coffee enhances the cozy atmosphere. The flavors meld perfectly with pumpkin spice notes!
• Oatmeal bowl – A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with sliced bananas or apples makes for a hearty breakfast when paired with these muffins.

Enjoy every bite of your Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them all week long. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them where they can last up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, unwrap the muffin and microwave it for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
• If reheating from the fridge, microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• You can also place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

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

Absolutely! You can substitute with pears or even cranberries for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the fruit is cut into small pieces.

How do I make these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch gluten-free?

You can easily swap out regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup with all-purpose flour.

Can I add nuts or seeds to these muffins?

Yes! Feel free to mix in some chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain yogurt works just as well and gives similar moisture and tanginess.

How long do these muffins last?

When stored properly, these muffins can last up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins! With their warm flavors and comforting aroma, they truly capture the essence of fall. Whether enjoyed as a sweet breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and laughter!