Apple Oat Muffins with Crunchy Topping

Muffins have long held a cherished spot in kitchens around the world, celebrated for their delicious versatility as both a snack and a breakfast option. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, muffins can cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs, making them a favorite among families and busy individuals alike. Among the myriad of muffin recipes available, Crunchy Apple Oat Muffins stand out as a particularly delightful choice, offering a wholesome blend of ingredients that seamlessly balances healthiness with flavor.

Apple Oat Muffins with Crunchy Topping

Discover the joy of baking with these Crunchy Apple Oat Muffins, a delightful blend of nutritious ingredients that strike the perfect balance between health and flavor. Made with rolled oats, apples, and a touch of brown sugar, these muffins boast a satisfying crunch on top and a moist, tender interior. Ideal for breakfast or a tasty snack, they can easily be customized to suit various dietary needs. Prepare yourself for a deliciously wholesome treat everyone will love!

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Ingredients

For the Muffins:

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup all-purpose flour (or substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 large eggs, beaten

1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a tropical twist)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 large apple (preferably Granny Smith), peeled and diced into small pieces

For the Crunchy Topping:

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans, optional for extra crunch)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Carefully fold in the diced apple, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Prepare the Crunchy Topping:

In a small mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold cubes of butter into the mixture. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until it achieves a crumbly texture. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts for added crunch.

Fill the Muffin Tin:

Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the muffin batter. Generously sprinkle the crunchy topping over each muffin to create a delightful crunch layer.

Bake the Muffins:

Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the tops are beautifully golden brown.

Cool and Serve:

Once baked, take the muffins out of the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or store in an airtight container for fresh treats later.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins

- Presentation Tips: Serve these muffins warm on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few apple slices for an inviting touch.