Description
Country Apple Fritter Muffins combine tender, spiced apple-filled batter with a crumbly cinnamon sugar topping and a sweet vanilla glaze. These moist, flavorful muffins capture the essence of classic apple fritters in an easy-to-bake muffin form, perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups diced Granny Smith apples, peeled
For the Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the diced peeled Granny Smith apples gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this topping mixture aside.
- Assemble the Muffins: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar topping generously over each muffin.
- Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown with the crumble set.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the muffins bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Muffins: Once the muffins are out of the oven and slightly cooled (about 10 minutes), drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm muffins to add a sweet finishing touch. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture that holds up well when baking.
- Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature so the batter mixes smoothly and rises well.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins tender and light.
- The topping can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before sprinkling on muffins.
- Allow the muffins to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off completely.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- These muffins freeze well; wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Keywords: Apple fritter muffins, apple muffins, cinnamon sugar topping, breakfast muffins, fall baking, spiced muffins, homemade muffins, glazed muffins