Luscious Caramel Apple Muffins: A Perfect Fall Treat

 

Ingredients:

Muffins:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Caramel Drizzle:

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Batter

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin lightly.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well mixed.

Combine: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Add Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the muffin batter until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Bake the Muffins

Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake: Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Add the Caramel Drizzle

Drizzle Caramel: Once the muffins are cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the tops of the muffins. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more precise drizzle.

Serve: These muffins can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, with or without an extra drizzle of caramel before serving.

How to Prepare:

Muffin Tips: Make sure not to overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined; this keeps the muffins light and fluffy.

Caramel Sauce: If you prefer homemade caramel sauce, you can make a simple version by melting sugar and adding cream and butter for a richer flavor.

Preparation Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 18-22 minutes

Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Servings:

Yields: 12 muffins