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Caramel Apple Muffins Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

Delight in these moist and flavorful Caramel Apple Muffins, packed with tart apples and sweet caramel pieces, topped with a crunchy cinnamon-oat streusel. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack, these muffins balance the sweetness of caramel with the freshness of apples.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2–1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped peeled tart apple
  • 12 caramels, chopped

Topping

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg, 2% milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until moistened, being careful not to overmix to prevent dense muffins.
  2. Add Apples and Caramels: Switch to a rubber spatula and gently fold in the chopped peeled tart apples and chopped caramels to evenly distribute the mix-ins without overworking the batter.
  3. Portion the Batter: Line a muffin tin with paper cups and fill each cup about three-fourths full using a cookie scoop or spoon for even distribution of batter across 12 muffin cups.
  4. Prepare Streusel Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, stir together the brown sugar, quick-cooking oats, melted butter, and ground cinnamon until crumbly.
  5. Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the muffin batter. Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense muffins; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the caramel sweetness.
  • A cookie scoop helps ensure evenly sized muffins and consistent baking.
  • Serve muffins warm to enjoy the melty caramel texture.
  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.