Caramel Apple Muffins With Crumble Topping

Last Updated on July 20, 2025 by Jamie Saechao

Caramel apple muffins with crumble topping are the perfect treat to celebrate fall!  These delicious muffins taste like autumn in every bit.

This delicious fall dessert is like a tangy caramel apple wrapped into a sweet, tender muffin. This recipe looks impressive but it is simple and easy to make. You can make your own caramel topping or opt for store bought to save time. 

Why this recipe works: Applesauce provides moisture for the muffins and a tart apple flavor. Ginger and nutmeg spices lend an aromatic fall flavor, and a generous dose of vanilla extract and sugar bring the sweetness.

For more muffin recipes try my pumpkin streusel muffins, bakery blueberry muffins, or chocolate chip zucchini muffins. 

Recipe Notes + Tips

• Applesauce makes the wet ingredients looks curdled, but the batter is just fine. 
• Keep a close eye on the caramel as it cooks. The process is a little intimidating, but making homemade caramel is actually easy.
• For tender muffins, don’t over-mix the batter once you combine the dry ingredients to the wet. 
• Use a heat proof spatula or wooden spoon for making the caramel topping. 
• Be very patient when making caramel sauce. Do not leave the stove while cooking. 

Ingredients

Muffin batter:

• Butter (at room temperature)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Applesauce
• All purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking Soda
• Baking powder
• Ginger 
• Nutmeg

​Crumb topping:

• All purpose flour
• Cold butter
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Nutmeg
• Ginger

Caramel:

• Sugar
• Butter
• Heavy Cream

Making homemade caramel can seem intimidating, I know!  It’s such a fun process though and the caramel is made from real ingredients.  All you need is a light colored saucepan, a whisk, and a wooden spoon! Don’t leave the stove while the sugar caramelizes and you’ll be just fine.  

How To Make Caramel Apple Muffins

You can use a hand held electric mixer or a stand mixer for this recipe. 

Step 1:  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line muffin tin with paper liners. Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl on medium speed. Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Add the applesauce and mix until combined, scraping down the sides if needed.  The batter will look curdled.

Step 2: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger and nutmeg in a bowl. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.  Fill each muffin liners just below the top of the liner. Tap the muffin tin on the counter to remove air bubbles. 

Step 3:  For the crumb topping, whisk the all purpose flour, light brown sugar, salt, nutmeg and ginger in a small bowl. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add it to the flour. Use a fork to mash in the cold butter, then pinch the butter with your fingers until a crumbled mixture forms. Use your fingers to “fluff” up the mixture as you go. You want mostly medium size crumbles when done. 

Sprinkle each muffin liberally with crumb topping.

Step 4: Bake the muffins for 22-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.  Let cool for 3 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.  

How To Make Caramel Drizzle For Tops Of Muffins

Read my full article on making homemade caramel here.

In a medium sized stainless steel saucepan add the sugar and cookover medium heat. Swirl the sugar in the pan every 30 seconds until it melts and turns a deep golden brown color, about 6-8 minutes. 

Turn off heat immediately and stir in the butter with a wooden spoon or heat proof spatula until melted, then add the cream, whisking continuously. Remove from heat and let cool until thickened but still warm. 

Drizzle homemade caramel over the top of each muffin.  Yum!

Variations

• Chop up apple pieces and sprinkle them throughout the batter.
• For some fall crunch, chop pecans or walnuts and add to streusel topping.

Storage 

Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days on the countertop.

To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in wax paper or parchment paper.  Place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. 

These moist caramel apple muffins feature delicious fall flavors.  They taste just like a tart granny smith apple covered in caramel!  Enjoy these delicious muffins for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat after dinner.