Do you add streusel before or after baking?

Always add the streusel before baking . This allows it to crisp up and create that golden, crumbly topping. Adding it after baking won’t achieve the same texture or flavor.

What is the secret to moist muffins?

The secret lies in the ingredients and mixing technique. Use moisture-rich ingredients like applesauce, oil, and pumpkin puree . Don’t overmix the batter, and avoid overbaking to preserve softness.

What is the secret to bakery-style muffins?

It’s all about the high-temperature trick . Start baking at 425°F to create a high dome, then lower the temp to finish baking evenly. Use a thick batter, don’t overmix, and top with a generous amount of streusel.

What does applesauce do in muffins?

Applesauce adds natural moisture , subtle sweetness, and can partially replace fat or eggs. It improves the texture without overpowering the flavor, especially in recipes like Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.

Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins – The Best Fall Muffins Ever

Description

These Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are the ultimate fall treat—soft, moist, and warmly spiced with a golden brown crumbly topping. The perfect blend of apple chunks and pumpkin puree makes every bite rich in autumn flavor. Whether for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these bakery-style muffins are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1 tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chopped apples. Do not overmix.
Make Streusel: Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cubed butter. Cut with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
Fill and Top: Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling 3/4 full. Sprinkle streusel topping generously over each muffin.
Bake: Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 15–17 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Notes

To keep muffins moist, avoid overmixing the batter and store them in an airtight container once fully cooled. These muffins freeze beautifully—wrap individually and store for up to 3 months. Warm briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American