Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins – Small Batch & Moist

Last updated on August 7, 2025

There’s something truly magical about fall—the crisp air, the vibrant foliage, and of course, the delightful aromas wafting through the kitchen as you bake a fresh batch of comforting treats. I still remember the first time I baked a muffin that contained both apple and pumpkin. The blend of flavors was unexpected but irresistibly delicious! I had the sweet scent of cinnamon in the air, and with every bite, I felt like I was cradled in a fluffy blanket, enjoying all the joys of the season.

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect, cozy muffin that embodies the spirit of autumn, then you’re in for a treat. My Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch recipe is just what you need. This simple, stress-free recipe is perfect for both seasoned bakers and those who may find themselves intimidated in the kitchen. I promise this recipe will help you create scrumptious, fluffy muffins without the fuss, even if it’s your first time baking!

Why I Love This Recipe of Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch

What makes this recipe special to me is its sheer comfort and ease. It’s not just about satisfying cravings; it’s also about sharing warmth and love in the form of freshly baked goods. I remember the first batch I made, sharing them with my family with steaming mugs of cider. Each muffin was perfectly soft, with bits of sweet apple and a dollop of pumpkin goodness tucked inside.

For beginner cooks, this recipe is particularly appealing. It’s a manageable small batch—enough to enjoy and share but not so much that it feels overwhelming. Plus, the instructions are straightforward, designed to help you build confidence in the kitchen. The joy of baking doesn’t have to be complicated; with this cozy recipe, you’ll create something that feels special, whether you’re serving it to family or just enjoying a quiet moment with yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch

The beauty of baking lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful muffins:

Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 muffins 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are a perfect combination of fall flavors in a small batch. With a moist pumpkin base, chunks of fresh apple, and a sweet streusel topping, these muffins are ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Streusel Topping:
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons diced apples (from fresh apples)
• 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, such as Honeycrisp)
• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)
• Optional Add-Ons:
  • Nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • Dried cranberries or raisins
  • Chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Make Streusel Topping: Combine flour, cold butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice) in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
2. Prepare Muffin Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin pan with paper liners. In a mixing bowl, combine diced apples, sour cream, pumpkin, and apple juice. Stir until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, light brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Add to the wet mixture and combine well.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
4. Incorporate Fresh Apples: Fold in the fresh apple cubes, being careful not to over-mix.
5. Fill Muffin Tin: Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin.
6. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Substitutes: If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be used. You can also substitute apple juice with orange juice or water.
• Optional Additions: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
• Storage: These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
• Category: Breakfast/Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: apple pumpkin muffins, small batch muffins, fall muffins, streusel muffins, pumpkin muffins with apples

Essentials

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This acts as the foundation for the streusel topping and helps to hold everything together in the muffin.
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, and cut into cubes: Using cold butter for the streusel helps achieve that coveted crumbly texture that makes each bite heavenly.
• 1 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Just a touch to bring out the sweetness in the muffins themselves.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice): You can use either, but I love the warmth of cinnamon in these muffins!
• 1 ½ tablespoons diced apples: Reserve a little from the fresh apples you’ll be adding later for an extra burst of apple flavor.
• 1 ½ tablespoons full-fat sour cream, room temperature: Adds moisture and richness, keeping your muffins tender.
• 5 tablespoons pure canned pumpkin: The star of the show! This ingredient gives these muffins their lovely flavor and beautiful color.
• 1 tablespoon apple juice (or orange juice or water): A little liquid to ensure the batter comes together nicely.
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: This will help sweeten the muffin batter.
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar: Again, for added depth of flavor.
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature: Helps bind the ingredients together and enriches the batter.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a lovely aroma and flavor.
• 1/2 cup fresh apple, cut into small cubes (I use Honeycrisp): Adding fresh apple pieces brings a delightful texture and a burst of fruity goodness.
  • Remember to dice about 1 ½ tablespoons smaller for the streusel.
• 1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: This will create the muffin’s body, giving it structure.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the muffins rise beautifully.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt: Another dash to balance the flavors.
• 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Optional, but if you love the flavors of fall, this is a must!

Optional Add-Ons + Substitutions and Shortcuts

In addition to the main ingredients, you can dress your muffins up a bit. Consider adding:

• Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy topping.
• Dried cranberries or raisins: For a chewy texture.
• Chocolate chips: A great way to satisfy sweet tooth cravings.
• Different spices: You can chop and change the spices to suit your preferences.

If you’re out of sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for similar moistness. And for a little shortcut, feel free to use pre-mixed apple pie spice instead of individual spices—it’ll save you time while still delivering great taste!

How to Make Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tablespoons cold unsalted butter, 1 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice).
2. Using your fingers or a fork, gently work the mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin pan by greasing it or lining it with paper liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ tablespoons diced apples, 1 ½ tablespoons full-fat sour cream, 5 tablespoons pure canned pumpkin, and 1 tablespoon apple juice. Mix until well blended.
3. In another bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 large egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
4. Add the wet mixture to the sugar mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate large bowl, mix together 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
2. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Fresh Apples

1. Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of fresh apple cubes. Be careful not to over-mix.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

1. Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
2. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch

Overmixing the Batter

Muffins are best when they are mixed just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins rather than a light and fluffy texture.

Skipping the Streusel

The streusel topping adds a crunchy texture and enhances the flavor of your muffins significantly. Don’t skip this step; it truly makes the recipe special.

Using Cold Ingredients

Make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before you start mixing. Cold ingredients can affect how well your muffins rise.

Not Prepping Your Muffin Pan

It’s essential to properly prepare your muffin tin. Whether you are using paper liners or greasing the pan, don’t skip this step. It’ll ensure that your muffins come out flawlessly!

Serving Suggestions for Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch

Cozy Morning Brunch

Serve these muffins with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for a truly cozy morning. Their delightful flavors pair beautifully with your favorite morning brew.

Afternoon Snack

Keep them on hand for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. A muffin with a spread of butter or cream cheese on top is a perfect accompaniment while you bite into a satisfying snack.

Holiday Treats

Consider making a batch to share at holiday gatherings. Their festive flavors and striking appearance will surely be a hit among your friends and family.

Breakfast on the Go

These muffins are not just for leisurely breakfasts. They’re easy to wrap up and take with you, making them an excellent choice for nutritious breakfasts on busy mornings.

Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready

Experiment with Flavor Combinations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to play around with flavors. You could incorporate nuts, swap out the pumpkin for sweet potato, or even add chocolate chips for a luxurious twist!

Make a Double Batch

If you find yourself loving these muffins, consider doubling the recipe. They freeze beautifully—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to three months.

Store Wisely

To keep your muffins fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them and keep them in the freezer.

Customize the Toppings

Don’t stick to one streusel! Try adding oats, spices, or even a maple glaze on top before serving. Creativity is encouraged!

Conclusion & Next Steps

By now, you’ve seen just how easy and delightful it is to whip up a batch of Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch. With this cozy recipe, you can create muffins that are not only mouthwateringly delicious but also customizable to fit your unique tastes.

Remember, it’s easier than it looks, and even if you’re baking them for the first time, you’ll find it entirely doable. Whether you share these muffins with loved ones or enjoy a quiet moment with one at home, you’re in for a real treat.

So, gather your ingredients, tie on that apron, and let’s get baking! I’d love to hear how your muffins turn out—so don’t forget to share your experience and any twists you made along the way!

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FAQs About Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Small Batch