Caramel Apple Muffins Recipe

Megan Myers | Stetted

Caramel apple muffins are the sweetest way you could start your day. Adding a popsicle stick to each one adds a fun bit of whimsy.

Caramel Apple Muffins Photo

The other day I was thinking about caramel apples. I’m not quite sure why. I had braces as a child, which means I’ve never really connected with extremely sticky treats like that. However, caramel apples just scream fall, and as an ardent supporter of all things autumn, I wanted to find a way to enjoy them in my own fashion.

Caramel apple muffins were obviously the next step, considering my muffin maniaMuffins completely bursting with apple chunks, and bits of caramel tucked in here and there? My brain sold me on the idea in about two seconds.

Caramel Apple Muffins Picture

I don’t use caramel often in my recipes (see previous statement on stickiness) but I’m so glad I can easily pick up caramel bits in the baking section of my store rather than having to cut up whole caramels myself. The bits are great for baking because they melt much easier into the recipe, and the small size ensures that you get a bit of caramel flavor in each bite.

I know that I could have left the recipe right there, but I had to add some crumble topping. Crumble topping just seems to be a fixture of apple recipes, in my mind. I’ve used it on my apple pie bars as well as apple coffee cake. Sugar and butter is just made to go with apples.

When you make these caramel apple muffins, you can easily skip the extra caramel drizzle on top, especially if you aren’t going to eat the muffins right away. This also makes them slightly more appropriate for breakfast — save the drizzling for a dessert session!

Caramel Apple Muffins Image

I used a Gala apple from my local produce box. This sweet-tart crisp apple is great for baking because it holds its form more, giving you a satisfying bite each time. I left the apple pieces a bit larger than I would for other muffin recipes because I really wanted that apple flavor to be cozied up to the caramel, rather than melting away into the batter. This means that your muffin cups will be quite full, but the muffins will rise nicely without spilling out of the pan.

Pop a stick into your muffins and you’ve got yourself a perfect autumn treat with no sticky-face aftermath.

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Caramel Apple Muffins Recipe

    16 Servings

Ingredients

For the Muffins:
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1 large Apple, (about 8 ounces) peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 3/4 cup Caramel Bits
For the Topping:
  • 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1/4 cup Caramel Bits

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a muffin pan with papers or grease with nonstick spray.

In a medium bowl, mix together flours, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in egg and vanilla.

Stir in the flour mixture until just incorporated, then carefully mix in the milk. Do not overmix.

Fold in the apples and 3/4 cup caramel bits.

Divided batter among muffin cups.

To make the topping, in a small bowl or in a food processor, mix together flour, sugars, and butter until crumbly. Divide crumble among muffins (you might have extra crumble).

Bake muffins for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.

Melt remaining caramel bits in the microwave using 30-second intervals, then drizzle over the tops of the baked muffins.

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Cooking Method:
Baking
Category:
Muffins
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Related Recipes:
Muffin Recipes, Breakfast Recipes, Brunch Recipes, Apple Recipes, Caramel Recipes, Baking Recipes, Baked Recipes
Recipe Yields:
16 muffins
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time:
Related Post:
Published:
Author: Megan Myers
Recipe Yields: 16 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 muffin
Servings Per Recipe 16

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 51
Calories 209

% Daily Value*
10%
Total Fat 6g
19%
  Saturated Fat 4g
3%
Sodium 84mg
11%
Total Carbohydrate 33g
2%
  Dietary Fiber 1g
  Sugars 17g
6%
Protein 3g

* Percent Daily Value are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrition Facts are estimated based on ingredients and data provided by Fat Secret. Please consult a doctor if you have special dietary needs.
Megan Myers

About Megan

Megan is known for her commitment to eating local, fresh food and leading a well-fed life, as documented on her blog, Stetted. Around these parts, though, she's known for her commitment to phenomenal breakfast recipes.

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