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You are here: Home / Course / Breads / Moist Gluten-Free Apple Crumb Muffins

Moist Gluten-Free Apple Crumb Muffins

By: Melissa Erdelac · On: August 30, 2021 · Updated: August 16, 2022

This post may contain affiliate links.
Jump to Recipe
gluten-free apple muffin pinterest pin

Bite into bakery-style gluten-free apple crumb muffins that are also easy to make! These moist muffins are loaded with chunky bites of apples, topped with a thick layer of cinnamon brown sugar crumb topping, and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze.

an apple muffin on a blue and white plate with a bite taken out

moist & easy gluten free apple muffins

With fall approaching, I wanted to take advantage of the peak apple season. What is a better way than decadent gluten-free apple cinnamon muffins, perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert!

Instead of using applesauce to flavor the muffins, the cinnamon batter is laced with lots of chunky apple bites. The soft, tender interior is topped with a thick crumb topping, held together with clumps of sweet glaze oozing in all the crevices.

Recipes like these apple muffins and gluten-free apple scones are highly requested recipes from both gluten free bakers and traditional bakers. The resounding stamp of approval happens when tasters have no idea they are enjoying gluten free goodies!

If you are looking for more tasty and easy apple recipes, be sure to save and print these gluten-free apple cobbler or gluten-free apple crisp without oats recipes as well!

How To Make gluten-free apple muffins

Make these gluten-free muffins as a quick & easy apple muffin or go the extra mile and add the crumb topping and glaze! If you would rather enjoy a loaf, follow the gluten-free apple bread recipe.

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

image showing how to make crumb topping and creamed butter for batter
First mix together the crumb topping then mix together butter, sugars with wet ingredients.
images showing how to make gluten-free apple muffins
Add the dry ingredients and stir in peeled, chopped apples.
unbaked gluten-free apple muffins with streusel on top
Divide into prepared muffin tin and sprinkle with crumb topping.
  1. First make the streusel crumb topping. Combine the dry ingredients – brown sugar, gluten-free flour, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter and egg yolk until well combined. The egg yolk acts as an extra binder, so the streusel clumps together, instead of being dry and sandy.
  2. Now begin to make the apple muffin batter in a large mixing bowl. Beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar until very light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Mix in the yogurt or sour cream, eggs, and vanilla to combine well.
  4. Next, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients – gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Finally, mix in the chopped apples on low speed.
  5. Divide the batter in the muffin pan, filling all the way to the top. Break off chunks of crumb topping and press gently on top.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating halfway through. Transfer muffins to a cooling rack and drizzle with glaze, if desired.

ingredient notes and substitutions

Recieve a

GLUTEN FREE

BAKING GUIDE 

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This recipe uses affordable, kitchen-staple basics like all the recipes in my gluten-free cookbook and those shared on the website.

Be sure to read all ingredient labels, especially on the corn meal, to make sure they are safe for a gluten-free diet.

  • Apples – See gluten-free apple crisp for a list of preferred baking apples. For added tartness, use granny smith, while honeycrisp apples add a bit more sweetness
  • Gluten-free flour blend – For best results, I use Cup4Cup all purpose gluten-free flour. For other recommended, and not recommended brands, see my gluten-free flour guide.
  • Yogurt or Sour Cream – Adds not only moistness, but a tender structure. For dairy-free muffins, substitute your preferred non-dairy yogurt or sour cream.
  • Butter – Also may be substituted with vegan, dairy-free butter sticks. I prefer the flavor butter adds over a neutral tasting oil.

best tips and tricks

  1. The egg yolk acts as an extra binder, so the streusel clumps together, instead of being dry and sandy.
  2. For best results, make sure all the ingredients are room temperature, especially the butter, eggs, yogurt or sour cream. Otherwise the batter will curdle slightly, and not blend as homogeneously.
  3. Fill the batter all the way to the top of the muffin tins, so you have 12 very full muffins. Divide the streusel crumb topping and then press down gently so it adheres to the muffin batter.
overhead shot of apple crumb muffin with glaze on top

omitting crumb topping and glaze

For healthier apple muffins, or to save time, leave off the crumb topping and glaze. Start checking the muffins a couple minutes sooner, though.

gluten free muffin storage tips

Muffins may also be stored at room temperature in an airtight container up to 3 days. Refrigeration is not recommended because it will dry them out. 

To freeze, make sure they have cooled completely and wrap each muffin in plastic wrap for best results. Transfer the muffins to a ziplock freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months. For more storage tips, see my gluten-free baking recipes guide.

Click here to see the
step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!

a gluten-free apple muffin partially unwrapped from a paper liner

SAVE THIS recipe for gluten-free apple cinnamon muffins TO YOUR PINTEREST BOARD!

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an apple muffin on a blue and white plate with a bite taken out

Moist Gluten-Free Apple Crumb Muffins (Extra Fluffy)

Bite into bakery-style gluten-free apple crumb muffins that are also easy to make! These moist muffins are loaded with chunky bites of apples, topped with a thick layer of cinnamon brown sugar crumb topping, and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze.
4.84 from 12 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes minutes
Servings: 12
Author: Melissa Erdelac

Ingredients

Crumb Topping

  • ½ cup gluten-free all purpose flour, I recommend Cup4Cup gluten-free flour
  • ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg yolk

Gluten-Free Apple Muffins

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup yogurt or sour cream, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cup gluten-free all purpose flour, I recommend Cup4Cup gluten-free flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups peeled and chopped apples

Vanilla Glaze (optional)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoon milk or cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Liberally grease 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray or line with paper cups.
  • Begin by making the crumb topping. In a medium bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter and egg yolk until well combined. Set aside.
    ½ cup gluten-free all purpose flour,,⅓ cup packed light brown sugar,½ teaspoon ground cinnamon,3 tablespoons unsalted butter,,1 egg yolk
  • For the apple muffin batter, in a large bowl beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar until pale, light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
    ½ cup unsalted butter,,½ cup packed light brown sugar,¼ cup granulated sugar
  • Add in the yogurt or sour cream, eggs, and vanilla to mix until very well combined.
    2 large eggs,,½ cup yogurt or sour cream,,2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Add the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Combine on medium-low speed until no flour pockets remain. Finally, mix in the chopped apples on low speed.
    1 ¾ cup gluten-free all purpose flour,,1 teaspoon baking soda,1 teaspoon baking powder,1 teaspoon cinnamon,½ teaspoon salt
  • Divide the batter between the muffin tins, filling all the way to the top. Break off chunks of crumb topping until evenly divided on top. Press down gently to adhere the crumb topping to the batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating halfway through. Insert a toothpick, beyond the crumb topping into the muffin, to make sure it comes out without any wet batter.
    2 cups peeled and chopped apples
  • Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes then gently pop out onto a wire rack to cool. For the glaze, whisk together all the ingredients and drizzle on top. Let the glaze harden before storing.
    1 cup powdered sugar,1 ½ tablespoon milk or cream,½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Equipment Needed

  • Cup 4 Cup Gluten Free Flour
  • Muffin Tins
  • Large Cookie Scoop

Recipe Notes

 
Best Tips and Tricks
  • The egg yolk acts as an extra binder, so the streusel clumps together, instead of being dry and sandy.
  • For best results, make sure all the ingredients are room temperature, especially the butter, eggs, yogurt or sour cream. Otherwise the batter will curdle slightly, and not blend as homogeneously.
  • Store muffins at room temperature in an airtight container up to 3 days. Refrigeration is not recommended because it will dry them out. To freeze, make sure they have cooled completely and wrap each muffin in plastic wrap for best results. Transfer the muffins to a ziplock freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months.
 
Recipe adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction

Nutrition

Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 410IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: gluten free muffins, Muffins
Categories: Baking Breads Christmas Fall Freezer-Friendly Gluten Free Muffins Recipes Winter

This post contains affiliate links. My opinions are always my own. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I make a small commission – at no cost to you. Read full disclosure policy here.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. STACIE says

    October 23, 2022 at 3:22 PM

    Loved the muffins! I didn’t use the glaze; they were sweet enough without it!

    Reply
    • Melissa Erdelac says

      October 23, 2022 at 6:31 PM

      So glad to hear! Thanks for taking the time to let me know, Stacie!
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply
  2. Danielle says

    October 10, 2022 at 9:38 AM

    Made them yesterday and had one this morning! Delish!!! Do you know if they freeze well?

    Reply
    • Melissa Erdelac says

      October 10, 2022 at 3:52 PM

      Hi Danielle, Yes, absolutely! I would wrap them individually and then place them in a ziplock freezer bag.
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply
  3. Shelby says

    October 4, 2022 at 4:11 PM

    These are the best Gluten Free Muffins out there! Thank you so much for this recipe.

    Reply
    • Melissa Erdelac says

      October 4, 2022 at 5:10 PM

      I appreciate it, Shelby!

      Reply
  4. LC says

    September 21, 2021 at 6:52 PM

    You omitted the measurement needed for the cinnamon in the muffin portion of the recipe. They turned out wonderfully, but I had to guess on the cinnamon.

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      September 24, 2021 at 9:15 AM

      Thank you so much for pointing that out!!! All fixed now! Glad you were still able to make it work!
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply
    • Deb Covino says

      January 18, 2022 at 4:42 PM

      Made these apple muffins for a friend who is gluten free and my family lived them too. They are delicious.

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        January 19, 2022 at 12:42 PM

        So glad to hear, Deb. Thank you so much!
        Best,
        Melissa

        Reply
  5. Corrie Duffy says

    September 1, 2021 at 2:04 AM

    I can’t wait to try out this amazing recipe. I tried your other recipes and they were simply spectacular! I will make these apple muffins on the weekend. I want to ask what kind of apples would be best for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      September 1, 2021 at 8:52 AM

      Hi Corrie!
      I’m so glad you enjoy the recipes. Basically any apple will work for this except Red Delicious. I’ve used Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Gala. I’ll add the info to the post in case anyone else is wondering!
      Best,
      Melissa

      Reply

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Hey! I’m Melissa,  mother of 4, who loves to make soul-warming comfort food that keeps the taste, but takes out the fuss. My family-friendly recipes are deceptively gluten free, using simple grocery store ingredients that appeal to all food lovers.

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