As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baked apples and warm spices. These Luscious Caramel Apple Muffins are the epitome of fall comfort, delivering a perfect blend of tender, spiced apples, crunchy walnuts, and a rich, sweet caramel drizzle. They’re incredibly moist, bursting with flavor, and make for an irresistible breakfast, a delightful snack, or a sweet treat any time of day. Get ready to bake a batch that will fill your home with a truly enchanting autumn scent!

Why I Love This Recipe

These caramel apple muffins are a personal favorite because they perfectly capture the cozy essence of fall in a convenient, handheld form. What I love most is the combination of textures and flavors: the tender, moist crumb, the sweet-tart pockets of diced apple, the satisfying crunch of walnuts, and that glorious, gooey caramel drizzle. The blend of granulated and brown sugar gives them a deep, balanced sweetness, and the touch of cinnamon adds that classic warm spice.

They’re surprisingly easy to make, coming together quickly for a spontaneous baking session. The buttermilk ensures an incredibly tender crumb, making each bite truly melt in your mouth. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven, perhaps with a cup of coffee, or packed for a delightful on-the-go snack, these muffins are a pure treat that embodies comfort and joy.

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Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups diced apples (peeled and cored, about 2 medium-sized apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• Caramel sauce for drizzling (recipe below)

Note: Caramel Sauce (for drizzling):

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature

Swaps and Notes

• Apples: Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn are excellent choices. Granny Smith can be used if you prefer a tarter muffin. Dice them into small, even pieces.
• Walnuts: Chopped pecans or even a mix of nuts would work beautifully. For more nut inspiration, check out my Candied Pecans Recipe.
• Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute: add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then fill to the 1/2 cup mark with regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice could be added with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
• Caramel Sauce: Making homemade caramel sauce takes a few minutes but is well worth it! Alternatively, use a good quality store-bought caramel sauce for convenience.
• Butter (Muffins): Ensure butter is truly softened for proper creaming. Unsalted is preferred to control overall saltiness.
• Eggs & Buttermilk: Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, leading to a more tender crumb.

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Directions:

Baking these luscious muffins is a straightforward process that will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma.

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or generously grease each cup with cooking spray or butter.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Alternate Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition. Do not overmix the batter; overmixing develops gluten and can lead to tough muffins.
6. Fold in Apples & Walnuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Fill Muffin Cups & Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
9. Cool Muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before handling. Then, carefully transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

Note: Caramel Sauce Instructions (if making homemade):

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil. Swirl the pan occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Cook until the sugar turns a deep amber color. This can take 5-10 minutes. Watch closely!
3. Carefully remove from heat. Immediately and slowly whisk in the 6 tablespoons room temperature salted butteruntil melted and smooth. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
4. Slowly whisk in the ½ cup room temperature heavy cream until smooth. Continue whisking until the sauce is fully combined and smooth. Be careful as it may bubble and steam.
5. Cook over low heat, stirring, for 2-3 more minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool. It will thicken more as it cools.
6. Drizzle & Serve: Once the muffins have cooled completely, generously drizzle caramel sauce over the top of each muffin before serving.

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Pro Tip:

When making the caramel sauce, ensure your heavy cream and butter are at room temperature. Adding cold ingredients to hot sugar can cause the caramel to seize up. If it does seize, gently warm it over low heat, stirring constantly, until it smooths out again. For the muffins, measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it, rather than scooping, to avoid adding too much flour.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Luscious Caramel Apple Muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.

• Breakfast Treat: Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
• Dessert: Serve as a light dessert after a meal, perhaps with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Fall Gathering: A perfect addition to any fall-themed brunch or potluck.
• Other Fall Bakes: They pair wonderfully with other comforting baked goods that evoke autumn, similar to These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat.
• Nuts and Fruit: The walnuts and apples make them a delightful snack.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

These muffins stay moist and delicious for several days.

• Storage (Un-drizzled): Store cooled muffins in an an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
• Storage (Drizzled): If drizzled with caramel, store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. The caramel may absorb into the muffin over time.
• Caramel Sauce Storage: Store leftover homemade caramel sauce in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or a small saucepan, stirring, to make it pourable again.
• Freezing Muffins: Cooled muffins (without caramel drizzle) can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then drizzle with caramel.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the sweet, comforting, and fruity flavors of these muffins, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic baking and sweet treat recipes:

• For another delightful apple-infused treat, check out These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form.
• If you’re a fan of rich, comforting baked goods, my This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas is a must-try.
• For a traditional, comforting pie, don’t miss Brown Paper Bag Apple Pie!.
• And for another crunchy, sweet-and-savory nut recipe, consider Candied Pecans Recipe.

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Final Thoughts

These Luscious Caramel Apple Muffins are more than just a baked good; they’re a celebration of fall’s most comforting flavors. With their tender crumb, spiced apples, crunchy walnuts, and that irresistible caramel drizzle, they’re truly a delight for the senses. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. Go ahead, bake a batch, and savor the taste of autumn!

What’s your favorite fall-inspired baked good? Share your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.