Heavenly Caramel Apple Muffins with Walnut Crunch Recipe

Sweet autumn mornings call for these irresistible caramel apple delight muffins with walnut crunch that burst with seasonal warmth and comfort.

Soft, tender muffins packed with juicy apple chunks promise a delectable breakfast or afternoon treat.

Warm spices dance through each bite, complemented by a rich caramel drizzle that weaves magic into every crumb.

Crunchy walnuts add a delightful texture that elevates these muffins from ordinary to extraordinary.

The blend of sweet apples and nutty crunch creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that dances on your palate.

Baked to golden perfection, these muffins deliver a nostalgic embrace of fall’s most beloved ingredients.

Dive into this recipe and let the aroma of cinnamon and caramel fill your kitchen with pure joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 215 kcal

Servings: 13

Caramel Apple Muffins Ingredient Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundational structure and softness for tender, delectable muffins.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and achieve a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the apple and creates a cozy flavor dimension.

• Butter: Softened to room temperature for smooth blending and rich, creamy moisture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Combine for deep sweetness and contribute to the muffins' golden-brown color.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure and richness to the batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a classic, sweet undertone that elevates the entire flavor experience.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a super tender, soft muffin crumb.

• Apples: Select crisp, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for vibrant texture and natural sweetness.
• Walnuts: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty depth that perfectly contrasts the soft muffin texture.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzled on top for an indulgent, glossy finish that takes these muffins to the next level.

Tools for Muffins with Caramel and Crunch

• Muffin Tin: Essential for shaping and baking muffins perfectly.
• Paper Liners or Cooking Spray: Prevents muffins from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Crucial for creaming butter and sugar to light, fluffy perfection.
• Medium Bowl: Used for mixing dry ingredients.
• Large Bowl: Combines wet ingredients and final batter.
• Whisk: Ensures dry ingredients are well blended.
• Toothpick: Checks muffins for doneness.
• Wire Rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly and avoid soggy bottoms.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helps fold in apples and walnuts gently.

Steps to Bake Caramel Apple Muffins Easily

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a cozy 350°F and get your muffin pan ready with gentle spray or cute paper liners.

• Flour Power

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, creating a soft cloud of flour, cinnamon, and secret baking magic.

• Sweet Foundation

Cream butter and sugars until they transform into a fluffy, dreamy mixture that whispers comfort.

• Liquid Love

Blend eggs and vanilla into the sugar mixture, watching it become silky and rich.

• Batter Bliss

Gently fold dry ingredients and buttermilk into the mix, creating a tender batter that hints at deliciousness.

• Apple and Walnut Embrace

Softly incorporate chopped apples and crunchy walnuts, giving your muffins personality and texture.

• Muffin Magic

Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full, creating little pockets of potential deliciousness.

• Baking Moment

Slide the pan into the warm oven for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and your kitchen smells heavenly.

• Caramel Finale

After cooling, drizzle golden caramel sauce over the tops, transforming good muffins into extraordinary treats.

Tips for Walnut Crunch and More

• Caramel Sauce Swirl: Experiment with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for a richer, more personalized touch. Warm the sauce slightly to make drizzling easier and smoother.
• Nutty Texture Boost: Try different nuts like pecans or almonds instead of walnuts. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their natural flavor and add extra crunch to the muffins.
• Spice Level Magic: Amp up the warmth by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the dry ingredients. These subtle spices complement the apple and caramel perfectly.
• Apple Variety Adventure: Mix different apple types like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor profile. Some apples provide tartness while others add natural sweetness to the muffins.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the muffin batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This method allows flavors to meld and saves morning preparation time, making breakfast prep a breeze.

Serving Muffins

• Autumn Morning Companion: Pair these muffins with a steaming cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy breakfast experience that warms both heart and soul.
• Sweet Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the muffins on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by fresh apple slices and a small bowl of extra caramel sauce for an elegant weekend brunch presentation.
• Dessert Transformation: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate these muffins into a delightful after-dinner treat that feels indulgent yet comforting.
• On-the-Go Snack Pack: Wrap individual muffins in parchment paper for a perfect packed lunch addition or afternoon pick-me-up that brings a touch of homemade sweetness wherever you travel.

Storing Tips for Muffins

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for quick breakfast or snack options.
• Refrigeration Tip: If you've added caramel sauce, store muffins in the refrigerator to maintain their quality. Let them reach room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare muffin batter the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake for fresh, warm muffins that taste like they were just made, saving you precious morning time.

Rustic Caramel Apple Muffins with Walnut Crunch

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Classic caramel apple delight muffins bring warmth and nostalgia to breakfast tables across North America. Crunchy walnuts and sweet caramel elevate these tender muffins into an irresistible morning treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (473 ml) diced apples (peeled and cored)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts
• Caramel sauce for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350°F and outfit a muffin tin with protective paper liners or a delicate cooking spray application.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring uniform ingredient integration.
3. Butter-Sugar Transformation: Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency with a pale hue.
4. Liquid Binding: Blend eggs into the sugar-butter base individually, fully incorporating each, then introduce vanilla extract to elevate flavor complexity.
5. Batter Composition: Merge dry flour mixture and buttermilk into the wet ingredients alternately, creating a smooth consistency while minimizing mixing to preserve tender texture.
6. Ingredient Incorporation: Gently fold chopped apples and walnuts throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
7. Baking Preparation: Distribute batter into muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full to facilitate optimal rising during the baking process.
8. Thermal Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, verifying doneness through a clean toothpick test when inserted into the muffin’s center.
9. Cooling Protocol: Allow muffins to rest in the tin for five minutes to stabilize structural integrity, then transition to a cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
10. Final Embellishment: Once thoroughly cooled, cascade a luxurious caramel sauce drizzle over the muffins, creating an indulgent and visually appealing finish.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter minimally to keep muffins tender and light, avoiding tough, dense results.
• Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal texture and balanced flavor.
• Toothpick Test Technique: Ensure muffins are fully baked by inserting a clean toothpick – it should come out without wet batter clinging to it.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow muffins to rest in the tin for five minutes before transferring to prevent structural collapse and maintain perfect shape.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg