Apple Crumble Muffins

Apple Crumble Muffins (Half Whole Wheat, All Delicious)

Written by Dietitian & Mom: Elis Halenko

These Apple Crumble Muffins are cozy, wholesome, and topped with the perfect golden crumble. They’re made with a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour—a simple swap I use often because it boosts fiber while still keeping the texture soft and family-friendly.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, packing school snacks, or just craving something homemade, these muffins are a win for kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First, they’re lightly sweet, perfectly spiced: A cozy apple cinnamon combo that tastes like fall in muffin form.
Added fiber, same great texture: Using half whole wheat flour increases nutrition without making the muffins dense or dry.
Easy to freeze & meal prep: Perfect for busy weekdays, lunchboxes, or a grab-and-go breakfast.
Finally, that crumble topping. Enough said.

Kid-friendly and dietitian-approved

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup maple syrup or brown sugar

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or unsweetened applesauce)

1/3 cup neutral oil (or melted butter)

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups finely chopped apple (peeled if preferred)

For the Crumble Topping:

2 tbsp rolled oats

2 tbsp flour (any kind)

1 tbsp butter or coconut oil

1 tbsp brown sugar or maple sugar

Pinch of cinnamon

Dietitian Notes

As a dietitian—and a mom—I’m always looking for ways to add nutrition without sacrificing taste. For that reason, one of my go-to baking swaps is using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.

Why?

To begin with, whole wheat flour adds fiber, B vitamins, and minerals that support digestion and blood sugar regulation.
However, going 100% whole wheat can change the texture of muffins—especially for picky eaters.
So, a 50/50 blend keeps the muffins soft and moist, but still gives a gentle boost in nutrients.

Plus, these muffins include Greek yogurt for a bit of protein and moisture, while also using real apples for natural sweetness and flavor.

How to Make These Muffins Toddler-Friendly

These muffins are already a great choice for little ones, but here are a few tweaks to make them even more toddler-approved:

For example, use finely grated apple instead of chopped for a smoother texture.
Additionally, reduce sugar slightly if desired—the apples and a hint of cinnamon keep them flavorful.
Alternatively, bake in mini muffin tins for smaller hands and shorter baking time (about 10–12 mins).
You can also add iron-rich mix-ins like hemp seeds or ground flax for extra nutrition.
Finally, freeze individually and thaw as needed for snacks or quick breakfast options.

For More Balanced Baking Ideas

For more balanced, dietitian-created recipes for families, follow me on Instagram @thefoodstylistrd. I share real food tips, toddler-friendly ideas, and simple swaps that make healthy eating feel doable and delicious.