Apple Pecan Crumble Muffin

These Apple Pecan Crumble Muffins are tender, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, making them the ideal quick and easy fall recipe! Fresh apples in the interior and a crumbly pecan topping resemble a classic apple crumble all packed into one sweet little muffin!

It’s Fall and that means one thing – APPLE SEASON! Whether that involves heading to your favourite orchard and climbing that ladder to pick some yourself, or grabbing your favourite tote and heading to the farmers market, it is time to get your hands on some apples. We have a recipe for you that takes advantage of what is undeniably the best apple out there; the sweet and crisp Ontario Honeycrisp apple. These Apple Pecan Crumble Muffins have a fluffy interior that is spiced to perfection, and they are topped with a crispy, nutty crumble that gives these their apple crumble resemblance. This muffin can be enjoyed as a yummy breakfast or afternoon snack, or really anytime that sweet craving hits!

Since we are local girlies, we are always trying to take advantage of the awesome seasonal produce around us. Southern Ontario is the ideal ground to grow apples because Ontario’s lakes and bays produce just the right temperature for this. With over 15 varieties grown in the province, we chose Honeycrisp to deliver that sweet and juicy flavour. Honeycrisps are the ideal apple for baking as they are guaranteed to hold firm and not bake down. If you can’t get your hands on a Honeycrisp, other great options are Jonagold and Golden Delicious. 

These Apple Pecan Crumble Muffins are perfectly seasoned with hints of warm and aromatic spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. To finish off, our muffin topper is both buttery and crunchy, made with a nutty pecan twist. Each bite is moist from the muffin and the generous amount of topping provides the essential crunch in every bite. These muffins provide comfort and warmth, and will take you into full Autumn mode (if you’re not already there yet!). 

So as the leaves begin to change colour and you get the cozy urge to start baking again, make these Apple Pecan Crumble Muffins! Take advantage of the Ontario Apple Honeycrisp in season, and don’t forget to tag us in your creations – @smallkitchenbigplates.

Looking for more muffin inspo??

Check out another Fall classic: Vegan Chai Spice Muffins

Apple Pecan Crumble Muffins

• Servings: 12 muffins
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Time: 40 minutes
• Print

These Apple Pecan Crumble Muffins are tender, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, making them the ideal quick and easy fall recipe! Fresh apples in the interior and a crumbly pecan topping resemble a classic apple crumble all packed into one sweet little muffin!

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour (100g)
• ¾ cup 100g all purpose flour (100g)
• 1/2 rolled oats (50g)
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon (2g)
• ½ teaspoon cardamom (1g)
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (1g)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (5g)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder (3g)
• ¾ teaspoon salt (3g)

Wet Ingredients
• ½ cup unsweetened oat milk (118ml)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (250ml)
• ½ cup vegan butter, melted (113g)
• ¼ cup maple syrup (60ml)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (25g)
• 2 tablespoons white sugar (25g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10ml)
• 2 small honeycrisp apples, cored and diced (about 250g)

Crumbly Pecan Topping
• ½ cup whole wheat flour (68g)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (25g)
• ½ cup pecans, chopped (65g)
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup cold vegan butter (56.7g)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and coat a muffin tin with some vegan butter or cooking spray.
2. To make the vegan buttermilk, mix oat milk and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes.
3. Add vegan buttermilk and remaining wet ingredients to a medium bowl and stir.
4. In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients and mix. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and fold until there are no dry spots and everything is thoroughly combined.
5. To make the Crumbly Pecan Topping, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mash with a fork or your fingers until combined.
6. Evenly divide the batter into your muffin tin, sprinkle a generous amount of topping on top of each muffin, and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
7. Let stand for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Notes

1. For a nut free version, simply omit the pecans from the topping and replace with seeds, coconut chips, chocolate chips, etc.
2. Store the muffins in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze in an air-tight container for up to 3 months and defrost at room temperature or in the oven before enjoying again.