# What You'll Need:
→ Apples
01 - 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
02 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Muffin Batter
05 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
13 - 1/2 cup whole milk
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Caramel Drizzle
15 - 1/2 cup soft caramel candies (about 12), unwrapped
16 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Add diced apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are just tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until evenly blended.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, melted and cooled unsalted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
05 - Add wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir gently until almost incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
06 - Gently fold the caramelized apples and any making juices into the batter.
07 - Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full.
08 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center withdraws clean. Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
09 - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy (about 1 to 1.5 minutes total).
10 - Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cooled muffin cups before presenting.
