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If you adore the sweet, comforting flavors of fall in every bite, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Gooey Caramel Apple Muffins Recipe. Imagine biting into a tender, cinnamon-spiced muffin that envelops soft, juicy apple pieces and a warm, luscious caramel center that oozes with each mouthful. These muffins strike the perfect balance between sweet and spice, with a delightful crumble topping adding just the right touch of texture. Whether for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a special weekend bake, these Gooey Caramel Apple Muffins bring warmth and joy to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is both simple and satisfying. Each element plays a crucial role in building the muffin’s rich flavor profile, moist crumb, and irresistible caramel center, ensuring every bite is truly unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the perfect fluffy base and structure for the muffins.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Works as a leavening agent to help the muffins rise beautifully.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances tenderness and helps with effective rise alongside the baking powder.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, cozy spice that complements the apples perfectly.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a subtle earthy warmth that rounds out the spice mix.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Infuses a rich, buttery flavor and moist texture into the muffins.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Imparts deep caramel notes that harmonize with the actual caramel candies.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the muffins’ tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor by adding a sweet, floral note.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness.
- Medium apples, peeled and diced (2): Provide natural sweetness and juiciness with a lovely texture.
- Soft caramel candies (10-12, cut into small pieces): The star ingredient delivering that glorious gooey center.
- For the crumble topping:
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Forms the base of the crumble for crunch and texture.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Gives the topping a sweet, caramelized finish.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses an added hint of spice in the crumble.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1/4 cup): Creates a crumbly, buttery topping that crisps up beautifully.
How to Make Gooey Caramel Apple Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or generously spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later. Getting this ready upfront sets the stage for smooth muffin assembly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combining these spices and leavening agents first creates an even flavor base and ensures the muffins rise perfectly and carry that wonderful warm spice throughout.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until fully smooth and slightly glossy. Then add eggs one at a time, mixing to blend. Stir in the vanilla extract followed by buttermilk, which will add a subtle tang and keep the muffins incredibly moist.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make muffins tough. Gently fold in the diced apples, allowing their freshness and subtle crunch to distribute evenly without breaking down.
Step 5: Add Caramel and Fill Muffin Cups
Spoon batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup halfway. Now for the magic: press a few small pieces of your soft caramel candies right into the center of each muffin cup. Then cover with more batter, filling almost to the top. This method traps the caramel inside so that gooey surprise awaits in every muffin.
Step 6: Make and Add Crumble Topping
Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in cold, cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble evenly over the filled muffin cups, adding a crispy, cinnamon-sugar crust that perfectly complements the soft insides.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted near the edge (avoiding the caramel) comes out clean. Let them cool for about 5 minutes in the tin before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully. This cooling step helps set the muffins so they hold their shape and texture.
How to Serve Gooey Caramel Apple Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel sauce on top can take these muffins from delightful to downright decadent. If you want to add a little color, a few thin apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon right before serving looks charming and inviting.
Side Dishes
These muffins shine on their own but pair exceptionally well with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea, balancing their sweetness with bold warm flavors. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also transforms them into an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these Gooey Caramel Apple Muffins Recipe alongside individual ramekins of warm caramel sauce for dipping. Or stack them with layers of soft cream cheese frosting for a unique brunch centerpiece that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers fresh by storing your Gooey Caramel Apple Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain that melt-in-your-mouth texture, avoid refrigerating unless your home is very warm, as the muffins can dry out quickly.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. These muffins freeze beautifully for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them fully on the counter before reheating.
Reheating
For the best warm, gooey results, reheat muffins in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crumble topping soggy and the texture less desirable. The oven method keeps that crispy top and luscious caramel center just right.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples work wonderfully for their tartness and firmness, but you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a sweeter, softer bite. Just ensure the apples are diced evenly so they cook through nicely.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly—this gives the same tangy effect that tenderizes the muffins and balances sweetness.
Is there a way to make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with your favorite plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and swap out buttermilk for a dairy-free milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar as described. The texture will still be moist, and the flavor delightful.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning during baking?
Press the caramel candies into the muffin batter, then cover them fully with more batter. This insulating layer protects the caramel so it melts gooey inside without burning on top or leaking out during baking.
Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time?
You certainly can! Prepare the crumble mixture and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, sprinkle it on top of the muffins before popping them in the oven for fresh, crisp topping every time.
Final Thoughts
Making this Gooey Caramel Apple Muffins Recipe is like capturing the cozy essence of autumn in a handheld treat. It’s reliably impressive, irresistibly delicious, and perfectly rewarding to bake. I encourage you to gather these simple ingredients, dive into the joyful process, and share these warm, caramel-filled delights with your loved ones. Once you try them, I promise these muffins will become a treasured favorite in your kitchen, ready to comfort you on any day.
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Print
Gooey Caramel Apple Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gooey Caramel Apple Muffins are a delightful treat featuring moist apple-studded batter with melted caramel centers, topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they combine warm spices with soft caramel for a comforting autumn-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 10–12 soft caramel candies, cut into small pieces
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or apply nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Stir in the buttermilk to create a cohesive wet mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet bowl, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender. Then, gently fold in the peeled and diced apples for bursts of fruity texture.
- Fill Muffin Cups and Add Caramel: Spoon the batter to fill each muffin cup halfway. Press a few small pieces of the soft caramel candies into the center of each muffin cup. Cover the caramel layer with more batter, filling the cups almost to the top.
- Prepare and Add Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over each muffin.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center (avoiding the caramel) comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Soft caramel candies work best for melting inside the muffins; avoid hard caramels.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough muffins.
- Ensure caramel pieces are well covered by batter to avoid burning.
- The crumble topping adds a delightful texture contrast; feel free to adjust cinnamon levels to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
