Gooey Caramel Apple Muffins
These Gooey Caramel Apple Muffins are bursting with chunks of fresh apples, warm spices, and a luscious caramel center that makes every bite irresistible! Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a sweet treat, these muffins are topped with a caramel drizzle for extra indulgence. They’re soft, moist, and full of fall flavors that will keep you coming back for more! 
Ingredients:
• For the Muffins:
o 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
o 1 tsp baking powder
o 1/2 tsp baking soda
o 1/2 tsp salt
o 1 tsp ground cinnamon
o 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
o 1/4 tsp ground ginger
o 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
o 3/4 cup granulated sugar
o 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
o 2 large eggs, room temperature
o 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
o 1 tsp vanilla extract
o 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
o 12 soft caramel candies (for the center)
• For the Caramel Drizzle:
o 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
o 1 tbsp heavy cream
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Pan:
o Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups with non-stick spray.
2. Make the Muffin Batter:
o In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
o In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until well combined.
o Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
o Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined (be careful not to overmix). Fold in the diced apples.
3. Assemble the Muffins:
o Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into the bottom of each muffin cup.
o Place a soft caramel candy in the center of each cup, then top with more batter until the muffin cups are about 3/4 full, completely covering the caramel.
4. Bake the Muffins:
o Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the side (not the center with the caramel) comes out clean.
o Remove from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Caramel Drizzle:
o In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel sauce and heavy cream. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and slightly warm.
6. Drizzle and Serve:
o Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cooled muffins before serving. Enjoy these gooey, caramel-filled treats with a cup of coffee or tea!
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cooking Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 12 muffins | Calories: 280 kcal per muffin
