Save Moist, tender muffin bites packed with fresh apples, a touch of bourbon, and a gooey caramel center—perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy treat.
I made these muffin bites for a family get-together last October, and they disappeared faster than any dessert I've baked. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and caramel makes them a regular favorite at our house.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (190 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed: 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp plus 1/2 tsp for topping
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter, melted and cooled: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Buttermilk, at room temperature: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Large eggs, at room temperature: 2
- Bourbon: 2 tbsp (substitute with apple juice if desired)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Apple, peeled, cored, finely diced: 1 medium (about 150 g)
- Soft caramel candies (or 1/2-inch caramel pieces): 24
- Granulated sugar for topping: 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin or line with mini paper liners.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, bourbon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine mixtures:
- Add the wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in apple:
- Fold in the diced apple.
- Fill muffin cups:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mini muffin cup. Press a caramel candy piece gently into the center of each, then cover with a little more batter to enclose the caramel.
- Add topping:
- Mix topping sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over each muffin bite.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted beside the caramel comes out clean.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Save These muffin bites turned into a family tradition for our autumn brunch after my kids requested them every year. The gooey caramel always makes everyone smile.
Required Tools
For best results, you'll need a 24-cup mini muffin tin, mixing bowls, a whisk, rubber spatula, and wire rack.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, dairy, and caramel candies may contain milk, soy, or nuts. Always check candy labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each muffin bite has about 105 calories, 4.2 g fat, 15 g carbohydrates, and 1.2 g protein.
Save Serve these warm for the ultimate dessert experience. The burst of caramel and apple makes for a memorable autumn treat.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep muffin bites moist?
Diced fresh apple and proper mixing help maintain moisture. Avoid overmixing to keep bites tender.
- → Can I use something instead of bourbon?
Yes, apple juice is a flavorful non-alcoholic substitute that preserves the fruity notes in the muffins.
- → What apples work best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith add great flavor and balance the sweetness of caramel and sugars.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, using vegetarian caramel candies ensures the bites remain vegetarian-friendly.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat slightly if desired.
- → Can I make these without a mini muffin tin?
Mini muffin tins are ideal, but standard tins work; just adjust baking time as needed.