9 Irresistibly Cozy & Powerful Caramel Apple Muffins with Walnuts and Gooey Drizzle

Thank you for being here, friend There’s something about caramel and apples that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven. These Caramel Apple Muffins with Walnuts & Caramel Drizzle are exactly that kind of bake—the kind you make on a quiet weekend morning, when the kitchen smells like cinnamon, butter, and sweet apples.

They’re soft and tender inside, lightly crisp on top, packed with juicy apple chunks, crunchy walnuts, and finished with a luxurious caramel drizzle that makes them feel bakery-worthy. My nonna always believed muffins should be “just sweet enough to feel special,” and these hit that mark perfectly.

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Overview of Caramel Apple Muffins with Walnuts

What This Recipe Is

Classic apple muffins elevated with toasted walnuts and finished with a silky caramel drizzle—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love Them

• Soft, moist crumb
• Loaded with real apples
• Crunchy walnuts in every bite
• Easy homemade caramel drizzle
• Perfect for fall… but honestly great year-round

What They Taste Like

Warm cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery muffin base, nutty crunch, and just enough caramel sweetness to feel indulgent without being overpowering.

When to Make Them

• Weekend breakfasts
• After-school snacks
• Brunch spreads
• Bake-and-share gifts

Full Ingredient List (Complete & Detailed)

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Apple Walnut Muffins

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but lovely)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (or vegetable oil)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup milk or buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Caramel Drizzle

• ½ cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped (or caramel bits)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Muffin tin
• Paper liners
• Small saucepan (for caramel)

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap walnuts for pecans
• Use dairy-free milk if needed
• Add ¼ cup raisins for extra sweetness
• Use store-bought caramel sauce to save time

How to Make Caramel Apple Muffins

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Step 1: Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk sugars, melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Combine

Stir dry ingredients into wet just until combined. Fold in apples and walnuts gently.

Step 5: Bake

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Make Caramel Drizzle

Melt caramels with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Step 7: Finish

Drizzle warm caramel over cooled muffins.

What to Serve with These Muffins

• Coffee or latte
• Hot apple cider
• Vanilla yogurt
• Fresh fruit

Tips for Perfect Muffins

• Don’t overmix the batter
• Dice apples small for even baking
• Toast walnuts for deeper flavor
• Let muffins cool slightly before drizzling

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 2 days (airtight)
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze without drizzle up to 2 months

General Information

Apple muffins have been a staple in American home baking for generations. Adding caramel and nuts gives them a nostalgic bakery-style twist while keeping them approachable and family-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apples with the skin on?
Yes, but peeling gives a softer texture.

Can I skip the caramel drizzle?
Absolutely—they’re delicious on their own.

Can I make mini muffins?
Yes! Reduce bake time to 10–12 minutes.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Muffins with Walnuts & Caramel Drizzle are the kind of recipe that brings people into the kitchen—warm, comforting, and impossible to resist. Perfect with coffee, perfect for sharing, and perfect for slowing down just a bit.

You may also love:

• https://poulef.com/apple-oatmeal-cake/
• https://poulef.com/weight-loss-mini-muffins-apple-raisin-oat/
• https://poulef.com/fluffy-fruit-loaf-cake/
• https://poulef.com/orange-raisin-scones/
• https://poulef.com/carrot-cake-muffins/

Interactive Corner

If you bake these, leave a review or share a photo on Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Approx. per muffin)

Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs
~245 kcal	5 g	12 g	32 g

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