Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I cozy up to the kitchen counter, the aroma of warm spices begins to weave through the air, instantly transporting me to crisp fall mornings. If you’re craving an easy way to embrace the season, these Brown Butter Apple Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel are the ultimate solution. Not only are they incredibly simple to whip up, but they also transform juicy apple chunks and rich brown butter into a delightful treat that your family will adore. The bonus? They’re kid-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free, making them perfect for everyone in your home. Whether you’re enjoying them warm with a bit of butter or as a satisfying snack any time of day, I’m excited for you to experience the joy these muffins bring in a busy life. Are you ready to fill your kitchen with that sweet and spicy goodness? Why You’ll Love These Muffins Deliciously Warm Flavors: Each bite of these Brown Butter Apple Muffins captures the essence of fall with rich, nutty butter and warm spices. Customizable Options: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Whether you add walnuts or dried cranberries, every variation allows your creativity to shine. Kid-Friendly Fun: Perfectly sweetened, these muffins are a hit among kids, making snack time a breeze. Gluten-Free Adaptable: Easy to switch up, just use gluten-free flour to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor! Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the brown butter and apples, these muffins remain irresistibly moist for days, keeping them fresh and delightful. Effortless Baking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time. Enjoy them warm alongside a hot cup of coffee or pair them with a spread of cinnamon cream cheese for an indulgent treat! Brown Butter Apple Muffin Ingredients For the Muffin Batter • All-Purpose Flour – Helps provide structure; substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. • Brown Sugar – Gives sweetness and moisture; you can replace it with coconut sugar for a healthier twist. • Maple Syrup – Acts as a sweetener and enhances flavor; honey or agave syrup can be great alternatives. • Honeycrisp Apple – Contributes sweetness and texture; you can swap it with any firm, sweet apple like Fuji or Gala. • Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Nutmeg) – Adds essential flavors; feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste or use pumpkin pie spice. • Salted Butter – Delivers richness and moisture; for a dairy-free version, use vegan butter, but don’t brown it—just melt. • Applesauce – Provides moisture and natural sweetness; replace it with mashed banana for a unique twist. • Eggs – Offers structure and richness; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). For the Cinnamon Pecan Streusel • All-Purpose Flour – Creates the crumbly texture; again, gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free option. • Chopped Pecans – Add crunch and flavor; walnuts can be used for a different nutty taste. • Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness; can be substituted with coconut sugar if desired. • Ground Cinnamon – Enhances the flavor profile; adjust according to your preference. • Salt – Balances the sweetness; a pinch is all you need. • Melted Butter – Binds the streusel; for a dairy-free option, use melted coconut oil instead. Get ready to delight your senses with these Brown Butter Apple Muffins! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Brown Butter Apple Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel Step 1: Prepare Muffin Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners and lightly spray them with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later. This step is essential for the perfect Brown Butter Apple Muffins, as it prevents them from sticking and ensures they bake evenly. Step 2: Make the Streusel In a medium bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This cinnamon pecan streusel will add delightful crunch to your muffins. Refrigerate the streusel while you prepare the muffin batter to keep it firm. Step 3: Brown the Butter In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 3-5 minutes. Continue until it turns a deep golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn. Removing the brown butter from the heat and allowing it to cool slightly is key to enhancing the flavor of your Brown Butter Apple Muffins. Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and well-blended, creating a rich base for your muffins. This step ensures that your Brown Butter Apple Muffins will have a delightful sweetness and moist texture. Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. This blending of the dry components prevents clumping and ensures even distribution throughout the muffin batter. Incorporating these essentials accurately will contribute to the perfect rise and flavor in your muffins. Step 6: Combine Mixtures Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Gently fold until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the muffins dense. Finally, stir in the brown butter and chopped apples for a wonderful texture and flavor in your Brown Butter Apple Muffins. Step 7: Fill Muffin Liners Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows room for rising. Once filled, sprinkle the chilled cinnamon pecan streusel generously on top of each muffin, adding an irresistible crunch to each bite of your delicious muffins. Step 8: Bake Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 23-28 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, enhancing their flavor and texture. Make Ahead Options These Brown Butter Apple Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the muffin batter and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, meaning you can get a jumpstart on your baking. Simply mix all the wet and dry ingredients together, but wait to fold in the apples until just before baking to maintain freshness. Additionally, the streusel topping can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it crisp. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and fill your muffin liners with the batter, adding the streusel on top. This way, you’ll have delightful, freshly baked muffins with minimal effort on busy mornings! Expert Tips for Brown Butter Apple Muffins • Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps create a better batter mixture, resulting in lighter, fluffier muffins that everyone will enjoy. • Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined helps maintain a tender texture. Overmixing leads to dense muffins you definitely want to avoid! • Streusel Storage: If you’re not using the cinnamon pecan streusel immediately, keep it in the fridge to keep it crisp until you sprinkle it on your Brown Butter Apple Muffins. • Proper Cooling: Allowing muffins to cool completely on a wire rack leads to better texture. This step helps retain moisture and avoids sogginess. • Apple Substitutions: Experiment with different apple types! Using firm, sweet apples like Fuji or Gala works beautifully if Honeycrisp isn’t available. • Flour Swap: Remember, a gluten-free version is easily achievable by using gluten-free all-purpose flour, so everyone can enjoy these delicious muffins! How to Store and Freeze Brown Butter Apple Muffins Room Temperature: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for the best flavor and texture. Fridge: If you want to extend freshness, store the muffins in the fridge for up to 1 week, ensuring they’re well-wrapped to avoid drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Individually wrap each muffin for easy thawing. Reheating: To enjoy warm muffins, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Brown Butter Apple Muffins Variations Feel free to get creative with these muffins and make them your own with these delightful substitutions and twists! Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these muffins accessible to everyone without compromising on taste. Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or melted coconut oil for a delicious dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy. Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier sweetening option that adds a lovely caramel flavor. Apple Variety: Choose different firm apples like Fuji or Gala for a unique flavor profile that keeps each batch exciting! Cranberry Boost: Add dried cranberries or raisins to the batter for a burst of tartness that perfectly complements the sweetness. These muffins can elevate in flavor and texture with just a little imagination! If you’re in the mood for something savory, consider trying a savory version by adding cheese and herbs. Serve them warm alongside a spread of cinnamon cream cheese like with our Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls for an indulgent breakfast option. Enjoy the endless possibilities of flavor while basking in the warmth of your kitchen! What to Serve with Brown Butter Apple Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel Warm muffins are the perfect centerpiece for a cozy meal, and their delightful flavors invite a world of delicious accompaniments. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A side of this comfort food provides a delightful textural contrast and absorbs lovely flavors. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of berries and citrus adds brightness and refreshment after rich muffin bites, balancing flavors beautifully. Maple Pecan Butter: Spread this on warm muffins for an indulgent treat that emphasizes the maple and nutty notes of the muffins. Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Enjoying these muffins alongside a steaming cup of coffee brings out the warm spices and deep flavors. Chocolate Chunk Cookies: For a sweet ending, pairing with these cookies elevates dessert, merging the pumpkin spice and rich chocolate textures. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with honey, granola, and seasonal fruit adds creaminess and crunch, rounding out your meal in a satisfying way. Herbal Tea: A calming chai or spiced tea complements the muffin’s flavors, offering warmth and a soothing sip for a perfect afternoon break. Roasted Vegetables: A plate of lightly seasoned roasted veggies offers a savory note that beautifully contrasts with sweet muffin goodness. Pumpkin Spice Cake: For those who truly want to indulge, combining this dessert enhances the fall flavors and creates a festive atmosphere. Brown Butter Apple Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel Recipe FAQs What type of apples are best for these muffins? Absolutely, using firm and sweet apples like Honeycrisp is ideal for these muffins. However, you can also substitute with Fuji or Gala apples, which provide the right balance of sweetness and texture. How should I store the muffins to keep them fresh? To maintain their deliciousness, keep the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just be sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out! Can I freeze these muffins? Yes, you can freeze the Brown Butter Apple Muffins! For optimal freshness, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. What should I do if my muffins turn out dense? If your muffins are dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Ensure to mix gently until just combined and use room temperature eggs to create a lighter texture in your muffins. Are there gluten-free or dairy-free options for this recipe? Very! To make the muffins gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter instead of regular butter and ensure the other ingredients are also free from dairy. How do I know when my muffins are done baking? To check if your muffins are done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Baking time generally ranges from 23-28 minutes, so set your timer and check as you near the end! Warm Brown Butter Apple Muffins with Crunchy Pecan Streusel Delight in these Brown Butter Apple Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel, perfect for crisp fall mornings and easy to make gluten-free. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 28 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 53 minutes mins Servings: 12 muffinsCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Muffin Batter2 cups All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.1 cup Brown Sugar Can replace with coconut sugar.1/4 cup Maple Syrup Honey or agave syrup can be alternatives.1 medium Honeycrisp Apple Use Fuji or Gala if Honeycrisp isn't available.1 teaspoon Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Nutmeg) Adjust according to your taste.1/2 cup Salted Butter For dairy-free, use melted vegan butter.1/2 cup Applesauce Can substitute with mashed banana.2 large Eggs Can replace with flax eggs.For the Cinnamon Pecan Streusel1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour if desired.1/2 cup Chopped Pecans Walnuts can be used instead.1/4 cup Brown Sugar Coconut sugar can be substituted.1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adjust to preference.1 pinch Salt1/4 cup Melted Butter Use melted coconut oil for dairy-free. Equipment Muffin PanMixing BowlswhiskSaucepan Method Muffin PreparationPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.In a medium bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the melted butter until resembling coarse crumbs. Refrigerate while preparing the muffin batter.In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 3-5 minutes until it turns a deep golden brown.In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined.In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding until just combined, then stir in the brown butter and chopped apples.Divide the batter among muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full, and sprinkle the chilled streusel on top.Bake for 23-28 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1muffinCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesFor the best results, use room temperature eggs and avoid overmixing the batter. Store any leftover streusel in the fridge to keep it crisp. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
