Apple-cinnamon muffins with caramel, sweet tea, and popsicle sticks create a portable, flavorful treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Muffin Batter
01 - 1 cup strong brewed sweet tea, cooled
02 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Apple Filling
11 - 1 medium tart apple, peeled, cored, diced
12 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
13 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Caramel Center
15 - 12 soft caramel candies
→ Topping
16 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ To Serve
18 - 12 wooden popsicle sticks
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a standard muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
02 - Toss diced apple with lemon juice, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Set mixture aside.
03 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
04 - Blend melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth. Stir in the cooled sweet tea.
05 - Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in prepared apple filling.
06 - Spoon half of the batter into the muffin liners. Place one caramel candy in the center of each cup. Top with remaining batter.
07 - Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Evenly sprinkle the mixture over the tops of the muffins.
08 - Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted beside the caramel comes out clean.
09 - Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. While warm, gently insert a wooden popsicle stick into the center of each muffin.
10 - Transfer muffins to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving.
