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- 1 cup apple cider - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1 large egg, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled and finely diced - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade, for drizzling) For this recipe, using precise measurements is key. I like to use a kitchen scale for accuracy. When you melt the butter, make sure it is not too hot when added to other ingredients. Room temperature eggs mix better and create a smoother batter. Use fresh apple cider, as it enhances the flavor. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness that works well with sweet caramel. You can try different types of apples, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a sweeter taste. If you're aiming for a lighter version, substitute some butter with unsweetened applesauce. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. You can also add nuts, like chopped pecans, for extra crunch and flavor. Experimenting with spices, such as ginger or allspice, can create a unique twist on these muffins. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat helps the muffins rise well. While the oven warms up, grease a muffin tin. You can use cooking spray or muffin liners. This step ensures easy removal of muffins later. Next, take one cup of apple cider and pour it into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium-high heat until it boils. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The cider will reduce to about half a cup. This process concentrates the flavor. After reducing, let it cool slightly before using. In a large bowl, combine half a cup of melted unsalted butter and one cup of packed brown sugar. Stir until they blend well. Then, add one large egg and one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. After that, pour in the reduced apple cider. Whisk gently to combine everything. In another bowl, whisk together one and a half cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, one-fourth teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and half a teaspoon of salt. This mix adds flavor and helps the muffins rise. Now, slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. It's okay if there are a few lumps. Next, fold in one finely diced Granny Smith apple. This adds texture and a pop of flavor. Scoop the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This amount allows the muffins to rise nicely. Place the tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, your muffins are ready! Once baked, take the muffins out of the oven. Let them cool in the tin for about five minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are still warm, generously drizzle caramel sauce over the tops. This adds a sweet finish that makes these muffins a real treat! To make your muffins light and fluffy, start with room temperature ingredients. This helps the batter mix well. Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. When adding the dry mix, stir just until combined. A few lumps are fine. Accurate measurements are key to great muffins. Use a kitchen scale for precision. If using cups, spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t scoop directly from the bag; this packs the flour. For brown sugar, pack it tightly into the cup. Having the right tools makes baking easier. Use a good quality muffin tin to ensure even baking. Silicone liners work great for easy muffin removal. A whisk and a spatula are essential for mixing. A kitchen scale helps with accurate measurements. Don’t forget an oven thermometer to check your oven’s temperature! {{image_4}} You can swap out the Granny Smith apple for other fruits. Pears work nicely and add sweetness. You could also use diced peaches or even berries for a twist. Just keep the fruit juicy but not too watery. This change can give your muffins new flavors and textures. You can experiment with what you like best. To make these muffins gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well, but look for one that has xanthan gum. This helps with the structure. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly. Start with the same amount of apple cider and see if the batter feels right. Adding spices can enhance the flavor of your muffins. Try adding cloves or ginger for a warm taste. You can also mix in nuts like walnuts or pecans. Chop them finely and fold them into the batter. This adds crunch and depth to the muffin. Just be careful not to overmix when you add them in! To keep your caramel apple cider donut muffins fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a humid area, it’s best to refrigerate them. This will help prevent them from getting too moist or stale. If you want to save some muffins for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the muffins cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. After wrapping, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature. Reheating your muffins can bring back their warm, soft texture. For best results, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 to 8 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat each muffin for about 15 to 20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough. Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce for these muffins. It saves time and tastes great. Just drizzle it on top while the muffins are warm. If you want a homemade touch, you can make your own caramel sauce. These muffins stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them moist. If you want them to last longer, try freezing them. Yes, you can make these muffins in advance. They freeze well, so bake them ahead of time. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer bag. Just reheat them when you’re ready to enjoy. Granny Smith apples work best for this recipe. They add a nice tart flavor that balances the sweetness. You can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste. This blog post covered how to make delicious caramel apple cider muffins. We went over the key ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and storage tips. You learned how to make muffins fluffy and tried fun variations. Remember, use fresh apples and measure carefully for the best results. Experiment with spices or nuts to make it unique. Enjoy your tasty muffins!

Caramel Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these mouthwatering Caramel Apple Cider Donut Muffins! Bursting with sweet apple cider, warm spices, and a delicious caramel drizzle, these muffins are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying them for breakfast or as a sweet treat, their fluffy texture will delight your taste buds. Click through for the full recipe and bring the taste of autumn into your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup apple cider

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled and finely diced

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade, for drizzling)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with muffin liners.

    Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/2 cup, roughly 10-15 minutes. Once reduced, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

      Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and packed brown sugar. Mix vigorously until the two are well incorporated.

        Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir it all together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

          Add Reduced Cider: After the cider has cooled slightly, pour it into the mixing bowl and whisk gently until fully combined with the other wet ingredients.

            Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly mixed.

              Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until everything comes together – be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!

                Fold in Apples: With a spatula, gently fold in the diced Granny Smith apple, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

                  Fill Muffin Tins: Scoop the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about two-thirds full for the best rise.

                    Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.

                      Cool the Muffins: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                        Add Caramel Drizzle: While the muffins are still warm, generously drizzle caramel sauce over the tops for added sweetness.

                          Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins

                            - Presentation Tips: Present these delightful muffins on a rustic wooden serving platter. Offer extra caramel sauce in a small bowl for drizzling, and garnish the platter with thin apple slices for a fresh and vibrant touch.