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Hi, I'm Mandi, founder of Damn Good Thyme. I'm so glad to have you here!

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Apple Cider Crumble Muffins

Mandi
Dec 1
3 min read

Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Paleo | AIP Option

Fall recipes in December because I emotionally live in cozy season year-round 🍂

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Introduction

If you think apple cider has an expiration date, I respectfully disagree. These Apple Cider Crumble Muffins are what I bake when the weather gets cold, the days get shorter, and my heart refuses to move on from fall flavors just because the calendar flipped.

They’re soft and cakey with that true “donut shop” vibe, topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble that sinks slightly into the muffin as it bakes. And the secret to that deep apple-forward flavor? A quick apple cider reduction that concentrates all the goodness into every bite.

Warm, nostalgic, and just a little indulgent, without gluten, grains, or dairy. Cozy food knows no season 💛

🧡 Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Crumble Muffins

Perfectly spiced and not overly sweet
That bakery-style crumble topping everyone fights over
Paleo-friendly and naturally sweetened
Taste like apple cider donuts had a muffin baby
Cozy enough for fall, comforting enough for December

Ingredients for the Apple Cider Crumble Muffins

Apple Cider: The star of the show. Reduced for concentrated apple flavor and cozy fall richness.
Coconut Sugar: Adds natural caramel-like sweetness without refined sugar.
Eggs (or gelatin eggs): Bind the batter and create structure. Gelatin eggs make this AIP-friendly.
Almond Flour: Creates that bakery-style crumb and rich texture.
Tapioca Starch / Arrowroot Starch: Adds lightness and structure so the muffins hold beautifully.
Coconut Flour: Absorbs excess moisture and gives the muffins a soft, fluffy interior.
Coconut Oil: Keeps everything tender and moist without dairy.
Cinnamon + Nutmeg: Bring classic apple donut warmth and cozy fall flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and bakery-style warmth.
Baking Soda: Helps the muffins rise and stay fluffy.
Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions:

Almond Flour → Tigernut Flour (AIP): Use 1:1, texture will be slightly softer.
Coconut Sugar → Date Sugar or Maple Sugar: Works well for flavor and color.
Eggs → 2 Gelatin Eggs: Keeps everything AIP-compliant.
Coconut Oil → Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: For a lighter flavor.
Nutmeg → Omit: For low histamine support.
Vanilla → Omit: For strict low histamine.

How to Make the Apple Cider Crumble Muffins

Instructions:

Preheat & prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10–12 count muffin pan with parchment liners or grease well.
Reduce the cider: Pour ½ cup apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to ¼ cup (about 8–10 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, tapioca or arrowroot starch, coconut flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk reduced apple cider, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine batter: Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Make the crumble: In a small bowl, mix almond flour, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in coconut oil using a fork until crumbly.
Fill & top: Evenly divide batter into muffin liners. Sprinkle crumble topping generously over each muffin.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

AIP + Low Histamine Notes

Use fresh apple cider, not fermented.
Swap coconut sugar for date sugar.
Omit nutmeg and vanilla for low histamine.
Consume same day or freeze, baked goods increase histamine overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these nut-free? Yes, replace almond flour with tigernut flour.
Do these freeze well? Yes! Freeze individually and reheat in the oven.
Can I glaze these instead of crumble? Absolutely! Drizzle with apple cider glaze.
Can I bake as a loaf instead? Yes, bake in a loaf pan for 40–45 minutes.