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Brown Butter Apple Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel

Brown Butter Apple Muffins with Crunchy Cinnamon Pecan Topping

Enjoy the warm flavors of Brown Butter Apple Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel, a delightful treat perfect for fall mornings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 58 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Streusel Topping
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Swap with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 cup raw pecans Can be substituted with walnuts if desired.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Coconut sugar can be a great substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Essential flavor, no substitutes required.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Optional to reduce based on dietary needs.
  • 1/2 cup salted butter Use unsalted for a less salty version.
For the Wet Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup salted butter Use vegan butter for dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce Can be replaced with mashed bananas if preferred.
  • 2 large eggs Flax eggs are a great vegan substitute.
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar Can be swapped for coconut sugar if needed.
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup Honey is a suitable alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract No substitutes are required.
For the Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Use gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder No substitutes needed.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the muffins rise; no alternatives available.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Replace with pumpkin pie spice mix if you like.
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice As above.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger As above.
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg As above.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Can be reduced if desired.
For the Mix-ins
  • 1 cup Honeycrisp apple Approximately one cup of chopped firm apple.

Equipment

  • muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix in melted salted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate the streusel topping for at least 15 minutes.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter while stirring constantly until it turns a deep golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, folding gently.
  5. Gently fold the cooled brown butter and diced Honeycrisp apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. Evenly divide the muffin batter among the cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 23-28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown.
  8. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffinCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These muffins enhance your baking experience with warmth and comfort. Perfect for sharing or a cozy morning treat.

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