Save to Pinterest Soft cinnamon roll-inspired muffins packed with juicy apples and topped with gooey caramel, making them perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat. These muffins bring together familiar flavors in a handheld form that everyone loves.
I remember making these muffins on a weekend morning and watching my family gather in the kitchen, drawn by the delicious scent of cinnamon and apples. They quickly disappeared from the cooling rack and became a most requested treat for cozy days.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed: 1/4 cup (55 g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Buttermilk: 3/4 cup (180 ml)
- Peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith): 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed (filling): 1/3 cup (70 g)
- Ground cinnamon (filling): 2 tsp
- Unsalted butter, melted (filling): 2 tbsp (28 g)
- Caramel sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml), plus extra for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with liners or grease well.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars:
- In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Mix wet and dry:
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in apples:
- Gently fold in diced apples.
- Prepare filling:
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon for filling.
- Layer batter and filling:
- Spoon half the muffin batter into the muffin cups. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar filling, drizzle melted butter and caramel sauce. Top with remaining batter, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 22–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and finish:
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, transfer to wire rack, and drizzle with extra caramel sauce.
Save to Pinterest One of my favorite moments is enjoying these muffins warm as a family with mugs of coffee or chai tea. They make any morning feel special.
Required Tools
Muffin tin, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, small saucepan (if making caramel).
Allergen Information
Contains milk, eggs, wheat (gluten). May contain tree nuts if nuts are added. Always check caramel sauce and all ingredients for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~280. Total Fat: 10 g. Carbohydrates: 44 g. Protein: 3 g per serving.
Save to Pinterest Try these muffins the next time you crave cinnamon rolls, and let the caramel apple aroma fill your kitchen. Every bite is a cozy treat.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What type of apples work best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith provide both flavor and structure when baked, preventing excess moisture.
- → Can the caramel sauce be made at home?
Yes, melt sugar until amber, then whisk in butter and cream for a homemade caramel rich in flavor.
- → How do I ensure muffins stay moist?
Use fresh buttermilk and avoid overmixing the batter; gently fold in apples for best texture.
- → Are there nut-free options?
Simply omit nuts and check ingredient labels to avoid allergens for a nut-free version.
- → Can these muffins be frozen?
Yes, cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- → Is a mixer required?
An electric mixer makes creaming easier, but a sturdy whisk and some effort can achieve similar results.