As the crisp autumn air rolls in, nothing captures the essence of the season better than baking. If you’re searching for a sweet way to indulge in fall flavors, look no further than these Caramel Apple Streusel Muffins with Vanilla Cream Filling. This recipe combines the comforting warmth of spiced apples with the rich, creamy surprise of vanilla filling and a crunchy streusel topping. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply craving a delicious breakfast treat, these muffins are sure to bring a touch of sweetness to your day.
A Perfect Blend of Autumn Flavors
The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and sweet caramel is iconic in autumn baking, but what sets these muffins apart is the delightful vanilla cream center. The filling adds a creamy contrast to the spice-laden batter, offering a surprise in every bite. Finished off with a buttery streusel topping, these muffins strike the perfect balance between soft, creamy, and crunchy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Muffins:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Vanilla Cream Filling:
Begin by beating together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag (or a plastic bag with a corner cut off) and set it aside.
2. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the warming spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, eggs, applesauce, milk, and caramel sauce until smooth. This mixture will add moisture and rich flavor to the muffins.
5. Bring the Batter Together:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in the diced apples for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
6. Assemble the Muffins:
Fill each muffin cup about one-third of the way with batter. Pipe a dollop of the vanilla cream filling into the center of each, then cover with more batter until the cups are about two-thirds full.
7. Make the Streusel Topping:
To create the crunchy topping, mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle generously over each muffin.
8. Bake and Cool:
Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream center) comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
A Versatile Fall Treat
These Caramel Apple Streusel Muffins are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm for a cozy breakfast, or bring them to a fall gathering where they’re sure to impress. The combination of soft apples, creamy vanilla filling, and crunchy streusel makes these muffins irresistible.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is all about savoring comforting flavors, and these muffins deliver on that promise. They’re the perfect way to celebrate the season’s bounty, combining all the warm spices, apples, and caramel that make fall baking so special. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the rich flavors that only this time of year can offer!
Print
Caramel Apple Streusel Muffins with Vanilla Cream Filling
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delightful Caramel Apple Streusel Muffins. Filled with a creamy vanilla center and topped with a crunchy streusel, they’re perfect for your autumnal gatherings or a sweet breakfast treat.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Muffins:
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 cup peeled and diced apples
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce
For the Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off. Set aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom.
4. In another large bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, applesauce, milk, and caramel sauce until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
6. Spoon a small amount of batter into each muffin cup, filling about 1/3 of the way. Pipe a dollop of vanilla cream filling into the center of each cup, then top with more batter, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
7. In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the muffins.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the vanilla cream filling) comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes