Name: Caramel Apple Crisp Muffins
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the muffins:; 2 apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled and diced; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels; For the crisp topping:; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; For garnish (optional):; Caramel sauce for drizzling

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins combine tender apple chunks with warm spices, gooey caramel, and a buttery oat streusel topping for the ultimate treat. You’ll love that they’re easy to make, portable, and taste like mini caramel apple crisps in muffin form. They also store well, making them great for meal prep or holiday baking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the muffins:

Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled and diced
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Salt
Eggs
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Vegetable oil or melted butter
Milk or buttermilk
Vanilla extract
Caramel bits or soft caramel candies (chopped)

For the crisp topping:

Rolled oats
All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Cold unsalted butter, cubed

For garnish (optional):

Caramel sauce drizzle

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.
Make the muffin batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, beat eggs with brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in diced apples and caramel bits.
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Sprinkle generously with crisp topping.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool slightly, then drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 muffins.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use chopped pecans or walnuts in the topping for added crunch.
Swap caramel bits for toffee bits for a slightly different flavor.
Make mini muffins—reduce baking time to about 12–14 minutes.
Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for extra spice.
Use whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin.

Storage/Reheating

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze muffins (without caramel drizzle) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
To refresh the topping’s crunch, reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

What apples are best for these muffins?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well because they balance tartness and sweetness.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?

Yes, swirl some into the batter or drizzle on top after baking.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the skins on for more fiber.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and vegan butter or coconut oil in the topping.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.

Why is my topping sinking into the muffins?

The butter may have been too soft. Use cold butter for a crumbly topping that stays crisp.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake right after mixing, but you can chop apples and make the topping in advance.

Are these muffins overly sweet?

They are indulgent but balanced with the tart apples. You can reduce sugar slightly if preferred.

How do I know when they’re done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I serve these warm?

Yes, they’re delicious warm, especially with a caramel drizzle on top.

Conclusion

Caramel apple crisp muffins bring together the best of apple crisp and classic muffins in one irresistible treat. With tender apples, gooey caramel, and a golden oat topping, they’re bursting with flavor and texture. Perfect for cozy mornings, bake sales, or holiday gatherings, these muffins are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.