These Easy Soft Caramel Apple Muffins are a warm hug in a cup! With juicy apple pieces and gooey caramel, they’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat anytime.
My favorite part? They smell amazing while baking! I can never resist having one straight from the oven—just remember, they may be hot, but the taste is worth the wait!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your muffins, giving them the right structure. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat flour works too, but you might need to tweak the liquid slightly as it absorbs more moisture.
Granulated and brown sugar: The combination gives sweetness and moisture. If you’re cutting sugar, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but remember that the texture could change a bit.
Apples: Use any firm, crisp variety for a good bite. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are all great. You can also swap apples for pears or even berries if you’re feeling adventurous.
Caramel bits: These make the muffins extra special. If you can’t find them, consider using chopped soft caramel candies or making a quick homemade caramel sauce to drizzle on top.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Muffin Texture?
Getting the right texture in muffins can be tricky, but it’s all about mixing technique. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately first. This helps maintain the fluffiness.
- When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until you no longer see dry flour. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
- Fold in the apples and caramel gently. This keeps the air you created in the batter.
These tips will help you make muffins that are soft and delightful every time!
Easy Soft Caramel Apple Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, chopped (plus extra for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 18-22 minutes to bake, so you can have these lovely muffins ready in about 35-40 minutes! Perfect for a sweet snack or breakfast treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these together until well mixed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. It’s okay if the butter is slightly warm—this helps combine the mixture better.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! It’s fine if a few lumps remain.
5. Add Apples and Caramel:
Gently fold in the diced apples and caramel bits. This will give your muffins that delicious, sweet surprise!
6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This gives them room to rise!
7. Bake the Muffins:
Put the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, although a few sticky caramel spots are perfectly normal!
8. Cool the Muffins:
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep the bottoms from getting soggy.
9. Optional Topping:
If you want to make them extra special, drizzle some warmed caramel sauce over the top before serving!
Enjoy your soft, caramel apple muffins warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
FAQ for Easy Soft Caramel Apple Muffins
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best for these muffins. You can also experiment with pears or other fruits for a different flavor profile!
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness, but be sure to warm them up slightly before eating to bring back their soft texture!
Can I Freeze These Muffins?
Yes! Once completely cooled, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a quick treat!
Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add some if it doesn’t, to help with the texture!