Save 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.
The first time I made these muffin pops for my family, everyone loved the surprise of caramel in the center and the subtle sweet tea flavor. They quickly became a favorite weekend treat, especially served warm.
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 Baking Setup:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
- Mix Apple Filling:
- In bowl, toss diced apple with lemon juice, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Blend Wet Ingredients:
- In separate bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in cooled sweet tea.
- Form Muffin Batter:
- Combine wet and dry mixtures until just incorporated. Gently fold in apple mixture.
- Fill Muffin Liners:
- Spoon half the batter into muffin liners. Place one caramel candy in each center, cover with remaining batter.
- Add Topping:
- Mix 2 tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle over tops.
- Bake Muffins:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until toothpick (avoiding caramel) comes out clean.
- Insert Popsicle Sticks:
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Insert wooden stick into center of each muffin while warm.
- Cool & Serve:
- Transfer to wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Save These muffin pops were a huge hit at our last family gathering, with everyone enjoying both the flavor and the fun presentation. My kids love helping insert the sticks and sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar topping.
Required Tools
Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, wooden spoon or spatula, popsicle sticks, and cooling rack are essential to prepare this recipe successfully.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (in butter and caramel candies). Caramel candies may contain soy or nuts, so always check labels to ensure safety.
Nutritional Information
Each muffin pop is approximately 195 calories, with 6 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein per serving.
Save Enjoy these muffin pops warm, paired with a glass of iced sweet tea for the ultimate Southern dessert experience. You'll love the mix of soft muffin, apple, and caramel in every bite.
Kitchen Guide
- → What apples work best for this treat?
Tart apples like Granny Smith offer a bright flavor that balances the sweetness of caramel and tea.
- → Can I substitute pears for apples?
Yes, pears add a mellow sweetness and work well with the cinnamon and caramel combination.
- → How do I achieve a gooey caramel center?
Bake pops as directed, then serve warm to keep the caramel soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
- → Can I make these pops ahead of time?
These muffin pops can be baked in advance and stored airtight; add sticks once cooled for easy serving.
- → What drink pairs well with these sweets?
Iced sweet tea complements the flavors while enhancing the Southern-inspired character of the treat.