Easy Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins (Egg-Free & Dairy-Free)

Nothing says cozy fall baking like a batch of Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins fresh from the oven! These muffins are soft, moist, and packed with apple bits, with a buttery, spiced crumb topping that adds the perfect crunch. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing.

Best of all? They’re completely egg-free and dairy-free, making them a fantastic option for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions. But don’t worry—these muffins are just as fluffy and delicious as any classic muffin recipe. Thanks to a few simple baking tricks, you won’t even miss the eggs or dairy!

If you love warm cinnamon flavors, tender apples, and bakery-style muffins, this is the recipe for you. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make – No fancy techniques, just mix and bake!
• Allergy-Friendly – Egg-free and dairy-free, but still delicious.
• Moist & Fluffy – Despite being eggless, these muffins have a light, soft texture.
• Warm Cinnamon Spice – The perfect fall flavor combination with apples.
• Irresistible Crumb Topping – Adds a sweet crunch that makes these muffins feel bakery-style.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
• 1 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• 1 cup plant-based milk (soy, oat, or almond)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup melted dairy-free butter (or coconut oil)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (or light olive oil)

For the Brown Sugar Crumb Topping:

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons melted dairy-free butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crumb Topping

• In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Add the melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly.
• Set aside while you prepare the muffin batter.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
• Stir in the chopped apples, coating them in the flour mixture. This prevents them from sinking while baking.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, whisk together plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, melted butter, oil, and sugar.
• Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the vinegar to react with the baking soda—this helps create a fluffy texture.

4. Mix the Batter

• Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix!
• The batter will be slightly thick, which is normal.

5. Fill the Muffin Cups

• Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with oil.
• Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
• Sprinkle crumb topping over each muffin, gently pressing it in so it sticks.

6. Bake the Muffins

• Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and bake for another 20-25 minutes.
• This initial high heat helps create tall, bakery-style muffin tops!
• Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re done.

7. Cool & Serve

• Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
• Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Tips for Perfect Muffins

• Use fresh apples – Granny Smith and Honeycrisp hold up well in baking and add the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix – Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the muffins fluffy.
• For a crunchy topping – Press the crumb mixture lightly into the batter before baking.
• Start with a high oven temperature – Baking at 425°F for the first 5 minutes creates those tall, rounded muffin tops.

Serving Suggestions

These Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many delicious ways! Whether you’re having them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, here are some fun and tasty serving ideas:

Breakfast:

• With Coffee or Tea: Pair your muffin with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or spiced tea for a cozy morning treat.
• Alongside Yogurt: Serve with dairy-free yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a balanced breakfast.
• With a Smoothie: A banana or berry smoothie makes a refreshing and nutritious combo.
• Toasted with Nut Butter: Slice in half and toast lightly, then spread with almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower butter for extra protein.

Snack:

• Warm with Apple Butter: Heat up a muffin and spread apple butter or cinnamon honey for a fall-inspired snack.
• Dipped in Milk: Enjoy with a cold glass of oat, almond, or dairy milk for a comforting afternoon bite.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair with sliced bananas, apples, or berries for a naturally sweet snack.

Dessert:

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon dairy-free ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• Drizzled with Maple Syrup: Add a touch of maple syrup or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• With Whipped Cream: Top with coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a bakery-style treat.

These muffins are perfect on their own, but adding a little extra flair can make them even more special. However you choose to enjoy them, they’re sure to be a warm, comforting, and satisfying treat!

Tips & Variations

1. Make Them Gluten-Free

• Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

2. Try Different Fruits

• Instead of apples, try pears, peaches, or even mashed bananas.

3. Add Some Crunch

• Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.

4. Make Them Even More Spiced

• Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom for deeper fall flavors.

5. Reduce Sugar

• Use ½ cup of sugar instead of ¾ cup for a less sweet muffin.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Room Temperature:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration:

• Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week for extra freshness.

Freezing:

• Wrap each muffin individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 30 seconds to warm up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular dairy milk and butter?

Yes! If you’re not dairy-free, feel free to use regular milk and butter.

2. What’s the best apple variety for baking?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work best because they stay firm and flavorful when baked.

3. Can I make mini muffins?

Yes! Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes for mini muffins.

4. How do I keep my muffins moist?

• Don’t overmix the batter.
• Store them in an airtight container.
• Use a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

5. Can I make these muffins nut-free?

Yes! This recipe is already nut-free, but if adding toppings like walnuts, simply omit them.

Conclusion

These Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins prove that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create a soft, fluffy, and flavorful treat. With warm cinnamon spice, tender apple pieces, and a crunchy, sweet crumb topping, these muffins are the perfect balance of cozy and delicious. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even dessert, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Not only are they super easy to make, but they’re also allergy-friendly, making them a great option for those who need egg-free and dairy-free baked goods. Plus, with so many customization options, you can switch up the flavors to match your taste—add nuts for crunch, swap in pears for apples, or even mix in a little nutmeg for extra warmth.

These muffins store beautifully, so you can bake a batch ahead of time and have a quick, homemade treat whenever you need it. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or tag me on Instagram with your baking creations. Happy baking!

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