Save Tender apple muffins swirled with cinnamon and topped with a rich caramel glaze, inspired by classic Danish kringle flavors.
I first tasted kringle pastries on a chilly weekend and wanted to recreate those comforting flavors in muffin form. My family was delighted by the apple pieces tucked inside and the gooey caramel glaze.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup (115 g) for muffins, 1 tbsp melted for cinnamon swirl
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g)
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Whole milk: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Peeled, diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
- Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g) for cinnamon swirl
- Ground cinnamon for swirl: 1 tsp
- Soft caramels, unwrapped: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Heavy cream: 2 tbsp
- Salt for glaze: Pinch
Instructions
- Prepare muffin tin:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Combine wet mixture:
- Mix in sour cream and milk until just combined.
- Combine wet and dry:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until almost incorporated. Fold in diced apples.
- Prepare cinnamon swirl:
- In a small bowl, combine all cinnamon swirl ingredients.
- Layer and swirl batter:
- Fill muffin cups halfway with batter. Add a small spoonful of cinnamon swirl to each, then top with remaining batter and another swirl of cinnamon mixture. Gently swirl with a toothpick.
- Bake muffins:
- Bake 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- Glaze muffins:
- Melt caramels with cream and pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins.
Save We brought these muffins to our weekend brunch and everyone, young and old, reached for seconds. It's now a requested treat for cozy family gatherings.
Required Tools
12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, hand or stand mixer, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, toothpick
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk/dairy. May include tree nuts if pecans are added on top. Always check caramel labels for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 260 per muffin. Total Fat: 11 g. Carbohydrates: 38 g. Protein: 3 g.
Save Enjoy these muffins as a sweet breakfast or dessert treat. Their tender crumb and warm spices make them perfect with coffee or cider.
Common Questions
- → How do I get moist muffins?
Sour cream and melted butter help keep the texture soft, while diced apples add juicy moisture.
- → Can I use different apples?
Yes, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are suggested for flavor and texture, but any firm baking apple works well.
- → Is homemade caramel required?
Soft caramels melted with cream provide a quick glaze for topping, but homemade caramel can be used if preferred.
- → How do I create the cinnamon swirl?
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, then swirl into both muffin layers for noticeable flavor pockets.
- → Are pecans necessary?
No, they are optional for added crunch and nutty flavor. Simply sprinkle on before serving if desired.
- → How long do these muffins stay fresh?
For best texture, enjoy within two days. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.