The Best Luscious Caramel Apple Muffins You’ll Ever Taste

Delight in the cozy, comforting flavors of autumn with these Luscious Caramel Apple Muffins. Packed with chunks of fresh apples, warm spices, and topped with a drizzle of sugar-free caramel, these muffins are a guilt-free treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or an afternoon snack. Simple to make, these muffins are a healthier alternative to classic baked goods, keeping you on track while indulging your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup sugar substitute (such as Stevia or monk fruit)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar substitute
• 1/4 cup light butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• 1/4 cup sugar-free caramel sauce
• 1 tbsp almond milk (optional) for thinning the caramel

Instructions

Prepare the Muffin Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, sugar substitute, brown sugar substitute, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in the diced apples.

Bake the Muffins

1. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
2. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Add the Caramel Drizzle

1. Warm the sugar-free caramel sauce in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or until pourable. If needed, stir in a little almond milk to thin it out.
2. Drizzle the caramel over the cooled muffins.

Nutritional Information

(Per Muffin)

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• WW Points: ~4

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

1. Low-Calorie Comfort Food: All the flavors of caramel apples in a lighter, more nutritious form.
2. Easy to Make: Minimal prep time and common pantry ingredients make this a go-to recipe.
3. Perfectly Portable: These muffins are great for breakfast on the go, school lunches, or road trips.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweetness.
2. Measure Flour Correctly: Avoid dense muffins by spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
3. Customize the Caramel Drizzle: Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
• Serve warm with a dollop of fat-free whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

These Luscious Caramel Apple Muffins bring the essence of fall to your table, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. With their moist crumb and caramel drizzle, they’re bound to become a favorite in your healthy baking repertoire. Enjoy the flavors you love while staying on track with your health goals!