Save Soft spiced muffins infused with chai, apple, and cinnamon, dipped in caramel and served on a stick for a fun, autumn-inspired treat.
Whenever the weather cools and apples are in season, I love baking these muffin pops for my family—the caramel coating always gets everyone excited, and serving them on sticks makes it extra fun for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 ¾ cups (220 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 ½ tsp
- Ground chai spice: 1 tsp (or ½ tsp each ground cardamom and ginger)
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ tsp
- Unsalted butter, softened: ½ cup (115 g)
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed: ¼ cup (55 g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Whole milk: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Apple, peeled and finely diced: 1 medium (about 1 cup)
- Soft caramels, unwrapped: 10 oz (280 g)
- Heavy cream: 2 tbsp
- Cake pop sticks or lollipop sticks: 12
Instructions
- Prep:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, chai spice, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine Mixtures and Add Milk:
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two additions, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in Apples:
- Gently fold in the diced apple.
- Bake:
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Pops:
- Once cooled, remove muffin liners. Carefully insert a stick into the center of each muffin, about halfway through.
- Melt Caramel:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Dip Muffins:
- Dip each muffin top into the melted caramel, allowing excess to drip off. Place upright (stick down) on parchment paper to set.
- Set:
- Allow caramel to set for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Save My kids helped stir the batter and loved sticking the pops together, turning baking into a cherished autumn family activity.
Required Tools
Muffin tin, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, microwave-safe bowl, cake pop sticks, parchment paper are needed for this recipe.
Nutritional Information
Each muffin pop: 270 calories, 10 g fat, 43 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with chai tea or spiced cider for a perfect cozy treat.
Save Enjoy these sweet spiced muffin pops for any fall gathering or just a quiet treat with loved ones.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the apple?
Yes, pears work well as a substitute and offer a similar texture and juiciness to the finished treat.
- → How do I ensure muffins are moist?
Use softened butter, avoid overmixing, and fold in the diced apple gently to create tender muffins.
- → How do I melt the caramel smoothly?
Combine soft caramels with cream and microwave in short bursts, stirring after each, until fully melted.
- → How do I add extra texture?
Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on the caramel before it sets for added crunch and flavor.
- → Can these be made ahead?
Yes, bake muffins ahead, store airtight, then dip in caramel just before serving for best results.
- → What pairs well with these pops?
Serve with warm chai tea or spiced cider for a cozy complement to the aromatic flavors.