Caramel Apple Buttermilk Muffins Recipe
Introduction
These Caramel Apple Buttermilk Muffins are a delightful treat combining tender apples, rich buttermilk, and a sweet caramel twist. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they bring cozy flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper liners.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and buttermilk to form a smooth batter.
- Step 3: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Step 5: Drizzle caramel sauce over each muffin for added sweetness and flavor.
- Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the muffins turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast with the caramel sweetness.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- For extra caramel flavor, swirl some caramel sauce into the batter before baking.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk if you don’t have any on hand.
Storage
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat muffins gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness and caramel warmth.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
While fresh apples are best for texture, you can use thawed and drained frozen apples if fresh ones aren’t available. Make sure they are not too watery to avoid soggy muffins.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness, but you can substitute it with an equal amount of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
PrintCaramel Apple Buttermilk Muffins Recipe
Delight in these moist and flavorful Caramel Apple Buttermilk Muffins, combining the tartness of fresh apples with the richness of buttermilk and a luscious caramel swirl. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these muffins offer a tender crumb and a golden-baked finish with a delightful caramel touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well to prevent sticking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Fold in the apples: Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down.
- Fill muffin cups and add caramel: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Spoon a small amount of caramel sauce on top of each muffin and gently swirl it into the batter with a toothpick or skewer for a marbled effect.
- Bake the muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best texture and tartness.
- Make sure not to overmix your batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Rewarm muffins briefly in a microwave or oven to enjoy the caramel softened again.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Keywords: Caramel apple muffins, buttermilk muffins, fall recipes, apple dessert, breakfast muffins, caramel swirl muffins

