Pin Tender, fragrant muffins featuring spiced apples, sweet tea, and gooey caramel are perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. These Caramel Apple Cinnamon Sweet Tea Muffins bring together classic fall flavors in a comforting treat that is easy to make and sure to impress.
I first made these muffins on a chilly morning for my family breakfast and they disappeared before the coffee brewed. Adding sweet tea brought a lovely subtle depth that perfectly complemented the apples and caramel.
Ingredients
- Apple: 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 cup)
- Caramel: 12 soft caramel candies, unwrapped and cut in half (or 1/2 cup caramel bits)
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup for batter, 2 tablespoons for topping
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 3/4 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons for batter, 1/2 teaspoon for apples, 1/2 teaspoon for topping
- Eggs: 2 large
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, melted and cooled
- Brewed sweet tea: 1/2 cup, cooled
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
- Prepare Apples:
- In a small bowl, toss diced apple with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and remaining cinnamon.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, sweet tea, milk, and vanilla until fully combined.
- Combine Batter:
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined (do not overmix).
- Add Apples:
- Fold in the diced apples.
- Layer Caramel:
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Place a few caramel pieces in the center of each. Top with remaining batter, dividing evenly.
- Add Topping:
- Mix topping sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over muffins.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding caramel) comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pin These muffins have quickly become a weekend favorite in my home. My kids love helping to mix the apples and sprinkle the cinnamon topping, making it a cherished kitchen moment.
Substitutions & Variations
Swap apples for pears, or add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Drizzle store-bought caramel sauce over the baked muffins as an easy finish.
Required Tools
You will need a muffin tin, mixing bowls, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, plus a small knife or apple corer to prepare this easy recipe.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, and possibly soy in caramel candies. Check ingredient labels for nut allergens. Each muffin provides approximately 245 calories.
Pin Enjoy these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Sweet Tea Muffins with a mug of sweet tea or coffee for a comforting treat any time of day.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I keep muffins moist?
Use a mix of butter and milk, gently fold ingredients, and avoid overmixing the batter to retain moisture.
- → Can I substitute sweet tea?
Yes, unsweetened tea or milk works as a replacement, though sweet tea adds unique flavor and sweetness.
- → What's the best apple variety?
Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for best texture, though any baking apple will work.
- → How to achieve gooey caramel centers?
Place caramel candies in the center of the muffin batter before baking and serve warm for maximum gooeyness.
- → Can I add nuts?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded into the batter for extra flavor and crunch.
- → Are these muffins beginner-friendly?
Preparation is straightforward with simple steps, making this ideal for beginner bakers.