Pin A delightful twist on classic muffins: tender apple-cinnamon muffins infused with sweet tea, filled with gooey caramel, and served on sticks for a fun, portable treat.
I first made these muffin pops for a fall picnic with family. The addition of sweet tea to the batter was a surprise hit, and everyone loved the gooey caramel center, especially the kids.
Ingredients
- Muffin Batter: 1 cup (240 ml) strong brewed sweet tea, cooled; 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Apple Filling: 1 medium tart apple (e.g. Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Caramel Center: 12 soft caramel candies (store-bought or homemade)
- Topping: 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- To Serve: 12 wooden popsicle sticks
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
- Make Apple Filling:
- In a bowl, toss diced apple with lemon juice, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the cooled sweet tea.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Combine wet and dry mixtures until just incorporated. Gently fold in the apple mixture.
- Assemble Muffins:
- Spoon half the batter into the muffin liners. Place one caramel candy in the center of each, then cover with remaining batter.
- Add Topping:
- Mix 2 tbsp sugar with 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle over the tops.
- Bake Muffins:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick (avoiding the caramel center) comes out clean.
- Insert Sticks:
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Insert a wooden stick into the center of each muffin while still slightly warm.
- Cool and Serve:
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Pin My grandmother loves seeing the grandkids enjoy these muffin pops together; everyone gets to choose their own stick and savor the sweet caramel surprise inside.
Required Tools
Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, wooden spoon or spatula, popsicle sticks, cooling rack
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 195, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 35 g, Protein 3 g
Serving Ideas
Enjoy warm for the gooey caramel, or pair with a refreshing glass of iced sweet tea for an authentic Southern touch.
Pin Serve these muffin pops fresh for the perfect treat. Their fun presentation on a stick makes them great for entertaining or family gatherings.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I get gooey caramel centers?
Place soft caramel candies in the center of the muffin batter before baking, then cover them with the remaining batter. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness.
- → Can I substitute apples with other fruits?
Yes, pears work well as a substitute for apples, providing a similar texture and mild sweetness.
- → Why use sweet tea in the batter?
Sweet tea adds subtle depth, moisture, and classic Southern flavor to the muffins, complementing the cinnamon and apple.
- → How do I keep the pops from falling apart?
Insert popsicle sticks while the muffins are still warm and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack for firm pops.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as the caramel candies are free of gelatin, these pops are vegetarian-friendly.
- → How can I make these extra special?
Brush the muffins with extra sweet tea after baking, or pair them with iced sweet tea for added Southern charm.