Apple Muffins with Streusel Topping

These scrumptious muffins are great whether made with pears or apples. This muffin recipe is easy to make and the muffins will stay moist for a few days...not that they will last that long.

Serves 1 dozen

First preheat your oven to 400° F (205° C).

Step 1: Measuring the Wet Ingredients
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup vegetable oil
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until blended. Whisk in the sour cream and oil until smooth. Set aside

Step 2: Measuring the Dry Ingredients (Sift all of the ingredients into a large bowl.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda

Step 3: Gathering the Streusel Ingredients
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cold butter
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry knife or fork. Once the mixture forms coarse crumbs, set aside.

Step 4: Preparing the Fruit
1 cup chopped apples (or pears)
For this recipe, it is best to use pears that are still a bit firm and are not fully ripened.
Wash and peel the pears. Cut into roughly 1/2-"inch cubes and set aside.

Step 5: Mixing the Batter
To make the batter, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until nearly combined. It is ok if you see a bit of dry ingredients as the batter will be mixed a bit more when you incorporate the fruit. Do not over mix the batter or the muffins will be tough.
Fold in the apple until just incorporated.

Step 6: Filling the Muffin Tin
Divide the batter evenly in the muffin tin and then sprinkle with the streusel topping. Place directly into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes.

Step 7: Checking the Muffins for Doneness
To check if the muffins are done, insert a wooden skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, remove from the oven.

Step 8: Serving the Muffins
Allow the muffins to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes. Remove and serve.