Caramel Apple Muffins

These Caramel Apple Muffins might be my new favorite fall treat. Moist cinnamon-topped apple muffins are dipped in caramel, sprinkled with pecans, and then topped with a cinnamon stick to look just like a caramel apple. These muffins are a fall dessert… PERFECTED! 

I have been so excited to share these Caramel Apple Muffins with you! Not only are they absolutely adorable, but they are delicious to boot. 

I saw this idea done a while back and it’s been on my must-make list for a couple of years now. This year I made certain to get them done and I’m so glad I did. I know that I’m sharing them a bit early (fall isn’t here yet), so I hope you’ll forgive me. I’m still enjoying all things summer, but at the same time, I want to get ideas to you early so you can plan ahead. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

I’m lovin’ these caramel apple muffins for a few reasons.

• These Caramel Apple Muffins capture all the best flavors of fall. The combination of moist, cinnamon-infused muffins with juicy, fresh apples creates a delightful balance that’s hard to resist. Plus, the caramel and pecan topping adds a perfect sweet crunch, making each bite a mini celebration of autumn.
• The presentation of these muffins is a showstopper. By using long cinnamon sticks as decorative “handles,” these treats resemble caramel apples, bringing a fun and festive touch to any gathering. They’re perfect for impressing guests at fall parties or simply adding a bit of seasonal cheer to your kitchen.
• Despite their impressive appearance, these muffins are surprisingly simple to make. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques, so you can whip up a batch without stress. The extra steps for the caramel and pecan topping are well worth the effort, transforming ordinary muffins into extraordinary treats.
• These muffins offer a versatile flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of drinks and meals. Enjoy them as a special breakfast treat, a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, or a cozy dessert after dinner. Their rich, warm flavors make them a comforting choice any time of day.

Enjoy apple recipes? Me too! That’s why I created this collection of my favorite apple recipes for fall. There are so many delicious apple inspired treats you’re going to love!

Ingredients

Before we can bake these Caramel Apple Muffins. Let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need to gather.

• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness to the muffins, keeping them soft and tender.
• Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the muffins.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for the muffin batter, giving it structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise, making them light and airy.
• Baking Soda: Works with the baking powder to ensure a good rise and perfect texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that’s perfect for fall baking.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness in the muffins.
• Granny Smith Apples: These tart apples provide a fresh, fruity taste and keep the muffins moist.
• Brown Sugar: Used in the cinnamon topping for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the topping and helps create a crumbly texture.
• Caramels: Melted to create a gooey, sweet topping that pairs perfectly with the apple flavor.
• Whipping Cream: Ensures the caramel topping is smooth and easy to work with.
• Lightly Salted Roasted Pecans: Add a crunchy texture and a hint of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Serve as fun and festive “handles” for the muffins, mimicking caramel apples.

How to Make

Have I convinced you to give them a try? Ready to bake up these caramel apple muffins? I sure hope so. Let me walk you through the recipe.  For your convenience, I’ve provided a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a muffin tin with baking spray.
2. In a large bowl, add the sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat to combine.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. 
4. Add the dry ingredients to the sour cream mixture and beat on low until just barely blended. Fold in the diced apples. 

6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan filling each about three-fourths full.
7. Make the cinnamon topping by stirring together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a pastry blender or fork to cut in the butter.
8. Sprinkle the muffins with the cinnamon topping. 

9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
10. Add the caramels and whipping cream to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
11. Dip the bottom of a muffin into the caramel, then roll in chopped pecans. 

12. Place muffin caramel side up on a piece of wax paper and insert a cinnamon stick in the center. 
13. Repeat with the remaining muffins reheating the caramel if it begins to harden. 

Voila! It’s that easy to create these caramel apple muffins.

Whether you take them to a party, serve them at home as a dessert, or gift them to a neighbor, everyone is in for a treat! 

I have a couple of notes before you get to baking. 

Recipe Notes

Paper liners are not necessary for this recipe. In fact, it will make more work for you. Just use a good baking spray (this one is my favorite) and they will pop right out of the pan and be ready for caramel! 

As I mentioned above, these muffins look best with a long cinnamon stick. Mine are 6-inches long. This length is a bit hard to find in the store. I purchased mine here. 

In terms of presentation, the muffins are best enjoyed the day you bake them. Over time, the muffins will absorb the caramel so they won’t look quite as nice, but they’ll still be delicious! (I had them on my counter for a couple of days and during that time the caramel seemed to “disappear”. I was a bit bummed, but as soon as I took a bite my happiness returned.) 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple? 

Yes, you can! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the caramel, you can use any firm apple variety you prefer. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples are excellent alternatives.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time? 

Absolutely! You can bake the muffins a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just wait to add the caramel and pecan topping until right before serving to keep the caramel fresh and prevent the muffins from becoming soggy.

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramels? 

Yes, homemade caramel can be used if you prefer. Just ensure it’s thick enough to coat the muffins well. If your caramel is too thin, let it cool slightly to thicken before dipping the muffins.

How should I store leftover muffins? 

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the muffins (without the caramel topping) for up to three months.

More Apple Recipes You Will Enjoy

• Homemade Apple Strudel
• Apple Fritter Bread
• Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
• Caramel Apple Pie Martini
• Salted Caramel Honeycrisp Apple Pie

And with that, these caramel-dipped, pecan-sprinkled, and cinnamon-topped apple muffins are ready for a big bite. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. I hope you’ll try baking these caramel apple muffins. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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Caramel Apple Muffins

These Caramel Apple Muffins might be my new favorite fall treat. Moist cinnamon-topped apple muffins are dipped in caramel, sprinkled with pecans, and then topped with a cinnamon stick to look just like a caramel apple.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple, apple muffin, caramel apple, fall baking, muffins

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Decorating Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 15

Calories: 351kcal

Video

Ingredients

• 8 ounces sour cream 8 ounces sour cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith apples

Cinnamon Topping

• ⅓ cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ tablespoon unsalted butter cold

Caramel Topping/Garnish

• 1 package (14-ounces) caramels unwrapped
• 3 tablespoons whipping cream
• 1 cup chopped lightly salted roasted pecans
• 15 6-inch cinnamon sticks

Instructions

• Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a muffin tin with baking spray.
• In a large bowl, add the sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat to combine.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
• Add the dry ingredients to the sour cream mixture and beat on low until just barely blended. Fold in the diced apples.
• Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan filling each about three-fourths full.
• Make the cinnamon topping by stirring together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a pastry blender or fork to cut in the butter until it resembles clumpy sand.
• Sprinkle the muffins with the cinnamon topping.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove from the pan and cool completely on a cooling rack.
• Add the caramels and whipping cream to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. (This will take about 5 minutes.)
• Quickly dip the bottom of a muffin into the caramel then roll in chopped pecans. Place the muffin caramel side up on a piece of wax paper and insert a cinnamon stick in the center.
• Repeat with the remaining muffins reheating the caramel if it begins to harden.

Notes

In terms of presentation, the muffins are best enjoyed the day you bake them. Over time, the muffins will absorb the caramel so they won’t look quite as nice, but they’ll still be delicious!

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 251mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 230IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 1mg