As the leaves begin to fall and the air gets crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the cozy essence of autumn than with a batch of Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Muffins. These decadent treats combine the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples, the richness of cream cheese, and the indulgence of caramel drizzle, making them the perfect snack for breakfast or a comforting afternoon break.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply treating yourself to a fall-inspired dessert, these muffins are sure to impress. The contrast between the soft, spiced muffin and the creamy, sweet center will have you reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these irresistible muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar mixture for topping
- Optional: 1/4 cup caramel sauce for a delicious drizzle
Instructions for the Perfect Muffin
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures your muffins bake evenly and makes for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. The cinnamon adds that quintessential fall flavor, pairing beautifully with the apples.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure to mix them well so the butter is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. Incorporate Apples:
Gently stir the chopped apples into the dry ingredients. This helps coat the apples in flour, preventing them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the muffins tough.
6. Create the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. This will be the surprise creamy center that takes these muffins to the next level.
7. Fill the Muffin Liners:
Fill each muffin liner halfway with the batter. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each, then cover with more batter to seal in the creamy filling.
8. Top with Cinnamon Sugar:
Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet and slightly crunchy topping.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) should come out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional Caramel Drizzle:
For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled muffins. The combination of caramel, apples, and cream cheese creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Enjoy Your Muffins
These Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Whether you’re indulging in one for breakfast or sharing with friends, they’re guaranteed to bring the comforting flavors of fall right into your kitchen.
So, if you’re craving a sweet, autumnal treat that combines the best flavors of the season, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
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Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Muffins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Celebrate the flavors of fall with these Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Muffins. Bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy centers, they’re topped with a sweet caramel drizzle for a decadent treat. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar mixture for topping
Optional: 1/4 cup caramel sauce for drizzle
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Stir the chopped apples into the dry ingredients.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth.
Fill each muffin liner halfway with the batter. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center, then top with more batter to cover the cream cheese.
Sprinkle the tops with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes