Use red apples for sweetness and green apples to bring a natural sharpness into the mix. This combination is what makes the bite more layer-rich and richer.
Grate in some lemon or orange zest into your crumble topping. It wakes up the topping and cuts through the richness with a subtle twist.
Soaking walnuts in warm water or apple juice for 10 minutes softens them slightly and brings out their mild sweetness without turning bitter in the oven.
Replace plain milk with buttermilk in your muffin mixture. It will react with baking soda and provide a subtle tang that enhances the apples.
Prior to baking, place a small spoon of citrus marmalade or berry jam in the center of the batter. It forms a delightful tangy surprise pocket within every muffin.