Applesauce Muffins with Caramel

These moist and fluffy Applesauce Muffins are made using a shortcut in the recipe. Making these easy muffins with cake mix will save time in the kitchen, so you can enjoy family and friends. The delicious batter is made with yellow cake and applesauce, topped with brown sugar streusel, and dipped in caramel sauce for a beautiful fall comfort food breakfast treat or snack.

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Applesauce Muffins with a Streusel Topping.

Muffins are always a hit in our home. Our favorites include easy banana nut muffins, homemade chocolate chip muffins, and semi-homemade blueberry muffins. I even make savory muffins like these muffin tin tacos.

Satisfying my addiction to Caramel Apples with a fun little twist. You’ll love seeing these Applesauce Muffins on your serving platter this fall. They make the dining room look so festive. Of course, they won’t last long, so enjoy looking at these pretty Caramel Applesauce muffins. 

You’ll have to decide whether or not to add the cinnamon topping. I knew some kids would prefer it plain and simple, so I only sprinkled half of mine with cinnamon.

What You’ll Love about These Applesauce Muffins

Easy – We are cheating a little by using a cake mix in the batter. It really makes this recipe a breeze.

Tasty – These muffins are soft and moist

Comfort Food – Applesauce muffins are full of fall vibes and comfort feels

The great thing about muffins is that they are versatile. They are great breakfast recipe and also satisfy your sweet tooth at dessert time.

Applesauce Muffin Ingredients

• yellow cake mix
• applesauce
• ground cinnamon
• nutmeg
• ground cloves
• eggs

streusel topping

• brown sugar
• flour
• cinnamon
• butter

caramel sauce

• heavy whipping cream
• caramels

Equipment You’ll Need

• Muffin Tins
• Mixing Bowls
• Mixing Utensils

How to Make Applesauce Muffins

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, applesauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and eggs.

Spoon batter into greased muffin tins – going about 3/4 of the way up the mold

Use a small bowl to mix the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter

Sprinkle the topping onto the prepared muffins

Bake for about 20-25 minutes – or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean

let cool

Melt the caramels and heavy cream in a medium-sized saucepan or microwave on high in a microwave-proof bowl for 1-2 minutes.

Let the caramel sauce cool slightly, but no so much that it hardens up

Dip the bottom of the muffins into the caramel sauce

Place on wax paper (top side down) to cool

Place food-safe sticks or craft sticks into muffins for an added touch

Expert Tips

Feel free to use muffin liners for easier cleanup

These muffins are perfect for a snack, a breakfast treat, or serve alongside your fall favorites like Slow Cooker Mulled Cider, Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate, or Apple Butter.

Have leftover caramel sauce? Try making a crescent wrapped caramel filled apple or Caramel Apple Handheld Pies.

Quick Tip

Not everyone likes streusel toppings, so skip that step if you have picky eaters or want to offer a variety

FAQs

Can you freeze applesauce muffins?

Yes. Let the muffins cool completely so the caramel hardens up. Toss muffins in a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months.

Is the Caramel Sauce Necessary?

Not exactly. The muffins will still taste delicious, but it does add another level of sweet flavor that I think you’ll love.

Flavor Variations

Apple: Add peeled and chopped apple bits into the batter

Apple Spice: For a muffin packed with spice, use a spice cake batter

Chocolate Chips: Add about 1/2 cup of milk chocolate chips to the batter

Storage

Store muffins in an airtight container for around 3 days.

For longer storage, store in the fridge or in the freezer for up to three months.

Thaw by microwaving until warmed through.

More Muffins You’ll Love

If you like all things caramel and apple like I do then you might like my recipes Apple Crisp, Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings , Apple Pie Cheesecake, Campfire Apple Crisp, Baked Apples in a Foil Pack, and Baked Apple Cider Donuts.

Here’s the Printable Recipe

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