Soft muffin with caramelized apple, maple, and ginger. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or midday snack.
# Components:
→ Caramel Apple Filling
01 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - Pinch of salt
→ Muffin Batter
07 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
09 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 1 cup buttermilk
14 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
→ Topping (Optional)
18 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup, for drizzling
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with nonstick spray.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add diced apples, light brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, pure maple syrup, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
05 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; some lumps should remain.
06 - Carefully fold the slightly cooled caramel apple mixture into the batter until evenly distributed.
07 - Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Let muffins cool in the tin for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
10 - Drizzle each muffin with a little maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
