The Tulipped Girl

It’s almost anti-New England to not participate in the tradition of going apple picking with your loved ones during the fall season. It’s an activity that ever since I was a kid I have loved but now I find that I am pooped after an apple picking day (am I getting old?). So much so that if I am going to put this much effort in I want something comparable in return. And these apple crumble muffins do just that. When we baked these last year it took only a day and every single muffin had been eaten! They are just that good. Not too sweet, and just enough bite from the apples, then with an addictive crumble on top these muffins are truly a delight!

But first…you need your apples!

So, here’s a list of my favorite places in Massachusetts to go! 

Honey Pot Hill Orchards– Upon arrival to their “U-Pick” desks they offer you a map to help you get more directly to your desired apples.They also offer a corn maze and mini farm for the kids to play with their animals. Then right across they have a pumpkin patch where you can pick pumpkins to carve or decorate with. Lastly, and my favorite stop, on the side of their farm store and what also happens to be my main motivation they sell fresh & hot apple cider donuts that truly go unmatched.

Tougas Family Farms– A Massachusetts classic, Tougas is very children and family friendly so if you want to bring kids somewhere where they will never run out of things to do Tougas is your best bet! They also have pre-picked bags so if you end up having less time than you thought you can shop the in-store apples clearly labeled with type and specifying which ones are in season ensuring you get the best taste!

Douglas Orchard & Farm– Is a little bit more exclusive in terms of when you can pick as they are only open on weekends, Friday through Sunday. They also offer apple cider donuts that are amazing and made to order and they come out hot and delicious every time. They are a smaller orchard so if you want a quieter experience make sure you get there early! Don’t forget to say “hi” to the owners in the farm store in front of the parking lot they are some of the nicest people! 

Now it’s time to get baking!

Ingredients:

Crumble Topping:

⅔ cup all-purpose flour 

3 tablespoons of brown sugar 

2 tablespoons of granulated sugar 

½ teaspoon of fine salt 

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 

¼ cup cold butter, cut into small cubes

Apple Muffins:

1-¾ cup and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour sifted 

2 ½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon fine sea salt 

1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 

⅔ cup light brown sugar, loosely packed 

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 cup whole milk 

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (I like to use a paste to have an enhanced vanilla flavor) 

6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted 

2 cups of finely diced apple (I used either honey crisp, granny smith or golden delicious) 

Instructions:

For Crumble Topping:

1. In a large to medium-sized bowl stir together the flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Using a pastry blender (or your blender set on pulse) cut the butter into the mixture in small increments until the texture is similar to sand. Set aside in the fridge to prevent melting, until you are ready to use.

For Apple Muffin:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°, grease a 12-cup muffin pan and line each tin with muffin liners or parchment. 
2. In another medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. 
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, vanilla eggs, and whole milk. Then whisk in melted butter gradually. With a wooden spoon or spatula, stir in the dry ingredients just until the batter is mixed together. Do not to over mix!
4. Add in diced apples in the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour, toss them up, and add the apples into the batter, gently combine.
5. Fill your muffin liners ¾ of the way full and top each evenly with the crumble. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Allow muffins to cool slightly before you dig in and enjoy!   

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