When apple season arrives, nothing says cozy quite like a batch of Luscious Caramel Apple Muffins. These moist and tender muffins are packed with chunks of fresh apples, warm cinnamon spice, and topped with a drizzle of gooey caramel. The result is a bakery-style muffin that tastes like a caramel apple in handheld form.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a fall-inspired snack, these muffins are simple to prepare but feel indulgent enough for special occasions. Pair them with coffee, cider, or tea, and you have a treat that celebrates all the best flavors of autumn.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Batter
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in diced apples.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Caramel Drizzle
- Cool muffins slightly, then drizzle with caramel sauce. Sprinkle with nuts if desired.
Variation
- Caramel Pecan Muffins: Add chopped pecans into the batter.
- Glazed Muffins: Skip caramel and top with powdered sugar glaze.
- Spiced Muffins: Add pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a twist.
- Cheesecake Swirl Muffins: Add a swirl of cream cheese filling before baking.
- Mini Muffins: Bake in mini muffin tins for 10–12 minutes.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t overmix batter—this keeps muffins light and tender.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance against the caramel.
- Muffins taste even better the next day as flavors develop.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with extra caramel drizzle.
- Pair with hot apple cider for a cozy fall snack.
- Perfect for brunch platters or holiday breakfasts.
- Wrap in parchment with ribbon for edible gifts.
Tips
- For bakery-style tops, fill muffin cups higher and bake at 400°F for the first 5 minutes, then reduce to 375°F.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unglazed muffins for up to 2 months. Thaw and drizzle with caramel before serving.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
Nutritional Info (per muffin, approx. 12 muffins)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 190mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these muffins without caramel?
- Yes, they’re delicious plain or with a simple glaze.
Q2: What apples are best for muffins?
- Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix of both.
Q3: Can I freeze caramel apple muffins?
- Yes, freeze unglazed muffins for 2 months and add caramel before serving.
Q4: Can I make them dairy-free?
- Yes, use plant-based milk with vinegar and vegan butter.
Q5: How do I prevent muffins from sticking?
- Grease the tin well or use parchment muffin liners.
Conclusion
These Luscious Caramel Apple Muffins are soft, spiced, and full of gooey apple-caramel goodness. They’re easy to make, perfect for fall mornings, and impressive enough for holiday gatherings. Whether served warm with coffee or packaged as edible gifts, these muffins are a sweet way to celebrate apple season.