why make this recipe

Caramel Apple Muffins with Walnuts & Drizzle are a delicious treat that combines the comforting flavors of apples, spices, and caramel. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. They offer a warm, soft interior with a crunchy walnut topping and a sweet caramel finish. Plus, they are easy to make, bringing a cozy homemade touch to your kitchen.

how to make Caramel Apple Muffins with Walnuts & Drizzle

Ingredients :

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions :

Prepare the Muffin Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until it is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Finally, fold in the chopped apples and walnuts.
Bake the Muffins: Evenly divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Add the Caramel Drizzle: If your caramel sauce is thick, warm it slightly to make it easier to drizzle. Generously drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cooled muffins to give them a glossy and decadent finish.
Serve & Enjoy: Enjoy your muffins warm, paired perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

how to serve Caramel Apple Muffins with Walnuts & Drizzle

These muffins are best served warm. You can enjoy them on their own or with a pat of butter. They make a wonderful addition to breakfast or brunch, and they can also be served as a delightful snack or dessert.

how to store Caramel Apple Muffins with Walnuts & Drizzle

To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Place the muffins in a freezer-safe bag, and they will last for about 2-3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.

tips to make Caramel Apple Muffins with Walnuts & Drizzle

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Use a mix of different apples for varied flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the muffins tender.
Experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds for a unique twist.

variation

You can add a sprinkle of oats on top of the muffin batter before baking for an added texture. Additionally, try swapping out walnuts for pecans or even adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use different types of apples?
A1: Yes! You can use any type of apples you prefer. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work great.

Q2: Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
A2: Buttermilk adds moisture and richness to the muffins, but you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar for a similar effect.

Q3: How can I make these muffins healthier?
A3: You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reduce the sugar slightly if desired. You can also replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.