Name: Apple Cider Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups apple cider; 1 large egg; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ⅛ teaspoon allspice; ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 apple, peeled, cored, and shredded; Extra melted butter for greasing the muffin pan; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; ⅓ cup chopped nuts (optional)

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There’s something magical about the smell of apple cider and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen on a crisp fall morning, and these Apple Cider Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel are just that—magical! They’re moist, fluffy, and packed with autumn flavors like apple pie spices and a sweet, crumbly topping. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these muffins will bring warmth and comfort to your table. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Muffins:

1 ½ cups apple cider
1 large egg
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon allspice
⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon salt
1 apple, peeled, cored, and shredded
Extra melted butter for greasing the muffin pan

Cinnamon Sugar Streusel:

⅓ cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
⅓ cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts, pecans, etc.)

How to Make Apple Cider Muffins

Apple Cider Reduction:

Start by making the apple cider reduction. Pour 1 ½ cups of apple cider into a small pot and simmer on low heat until it reduces to ½ cup. This will take about 30 minutes. Set it aside to cool.

Cinnamon Sugar Streusel:

In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Use a fork or spoon to mix until small crumbs form. Optionally, stir in the chopped nuts. Set this streusel aside for later.

Muffins:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your muffin pan with melted butter.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and salt.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gradually pour in the apple cider reduction, followed by the shredded apple. Stir gently until everything is evenly incorporated.
Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. Top each muffin with the cinnamon streusel.
Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan. Enjoy with a warm cup of cider or tea!

Helpful Tips

Shredding the apple: To shred the apple, simply peel it, and use the larger side of a grater. Shred until you reach the core.
Avoid overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This keeps the muffins light and fluffy.
Toothpick test: To check if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!

Substitutions and Variations

Spice alternatives: If you don’t have allspice or cardamom on hand, don’t worry. I’ve made these without those spices before, and they’re still fantastic.
Nut-free option: Skip the nuts in the streusel if you prefer a nut-free version.
Dairy-free option: Substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, but apple cider has a more concentrated flavor. If using apple juice, reduce it a bit longer to intensify the flavor.

Do I have to make the apple cider reduction?

The reduction adds an intense apple flavor to the muffins, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it—though the flavor won’t be as rich.

How do I prevent my muffins from sticking to the pan?

Using melted butter to grease the muffin tin works great. Alternatively, you can use paper liners or a non-stick spray.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze these muffins for up to 2 months. Place them in a sealed container or freezer bag. To thaw, leave them at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes. Note: The streusel may fall off during freezing, so you can freeze the muffins without the topping and add it later (simply brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle on fresh streusel).

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There’s so much to love about these Apple Cider Muffins. The flavors of fresh apples, warm spices, and a crunchy streusel topping make them the perfect treat for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do!