Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are the perfect treat for cozy mornings or sweet afternoon snacks. These delightful muffins combine rich pumpkin puree with fresh apple chunks and warm spices, all crowned with a buttery cinnamon streusel. Ideal for any occasion, they are quick to prepare and can easily be doubled to share with friends or family.

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 Muffin Tin
• Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping
• Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 6: Combine Mixtures
• Step 7: Fold in Apples
• Step 8: Fill Muffin Tin
• Step 9: Bake
• Step 10: Cool & Enjoy
• How to Serve Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
• With Fresh Fruit
• With Spreads
• As Part of a Brunch Spread
• Heated Up
• 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 customize the Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins?
• What kind of apples work best in these muffins?
• How long do Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins last?
• Can I double this recipe?
• Are these muffins suitable for breakfast?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall: Enjoy the flavors of autumn with every bite, making these muffins a seasonal favorite.
• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time!
• Versatile Ingredients: Use ingredients you likely already have at home, perfect for last-minute baking.
• Small Batch Convenience: This recipe yields four muffins, ideal for small households or when you want just a few treats.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of apple and pumpkin provides a deliciously unique taste that will impress everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To create these small batch apple pumpkin streusel muffins, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right tools can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Muffin tin
• Parchment paper (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even flavor throughout your muffins.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending wet ingredients seamlessly with dry ones, creating a smooth batter.
• Muffin tin: Ensures your muffins maintain their shape while baking, delivering perfectly risen treats.

Ingredients

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 step is crucial for even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease the muffin tin or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

In a mixing bowl:
Combine the flour, cold butter cubes, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly. Stir in diced apples if using.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
Whisk together sour cream, pumpkin puree, apple juice (or orange juice), granulated sugar, light brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
Sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 7: Fold in Apples

Gently fold in chopped fresh apples.

Step 8: Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin cup. Top each muffin with streusel mixture.

Step 9: Bake

Place in preheated oven and bake for about 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy

Allow muffins to cool slightly before removing from tin. Serve warm or store in an airtight container!

How to Serve Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Small batch apple pumpkin streusel muffins are perfect for cozy mornings or as a delightful snack. They can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Bananas: Add fresh banana slices on the side for a creamy texture.
• Mixed Berries: A handful of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries can brighten the plate and add freshness.

With Spreads

• Cream Cheese: Spread a layer of cream cheese for added richness.
• Honey Butter: Whip together honey and butter for a sweet topping that complements the muffins.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Coffee or Tea: Serve these muffins alongside your favorite hot beverage for a comforting brunch experience.
• Yogurt Parfait: Pair with yogurt and granola for a balanced meal.

Heated Up

• Warm Muffins: Reheat the muffins slightly in the microwave for an extra cozy treat right before serving.

How to Perfect Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Creating the perfect small batch apple pumpkin streusel muffins is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure they come out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples and pure pumpkin puree make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine ingredients; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking your muffins a few minutes before the recommended bake time to avoid overbaking.

Best Side Dishes for Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

These small batch apple pumpkin streusel muffins pair wonderfully with various side dishes, making them a versatile option for any meal. Consider these tasty additions:

1. Greek Yogurt: A scoop of Greek yogurt adds protein and pairs well with the spices in the muffins.
2. Granola: Crunchy granola can add texture and is great sprinkled on top of yogurt served with the muffins.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad complements the flavors of the muffins while adding nutrition.
4. Smoothies: A fruit or green smoothie provides a healthy drink option alongside your muffin.
5. Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese offers a savory contrast that balances sweetness.
6. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal can be served alongside for a hearty breakfast option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and sour cream are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder proper mixing and affect texture.
• Skipping the streusel: The buttery cinnamon streusel is what makes these muffins special. Don’t skip it; it adds a delightful crunch!
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Not measuring accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar. Too much or too little can drastically change the muffin’s outcome.
• Neglecting to preheat the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect rise.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Keep them at room temperature for a softer texture if you plan to eat them quickly.

Freezing Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

• Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to label with the date!

Reheating Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap muffins in foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a muffin in a pan on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.

Can I customize the Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different spices, or even chocolate chips for variety.

What kind of apples work best in these muffins?

Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweetness and crunch, but you can use any apple variety you like.

How long do Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins last?

When stored properly, they last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients if you want more delicious muffins to share or freeze.

Are these muffins suitable for breakfast?

Definitely! These muffins make a great breakfast choice with their comforting flavors and filling ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat anytime. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or add-ins like nuts or dried fruit. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!