🍏 Gooey Caramel Apple Muffins 🧁

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthier twist on a classic treat. Perfect for busy mornings or a cozy family snack!

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups diced apples such as Granny Smith
- ½ cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Take a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate, larger bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, whisking until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the diced apples gently.
6. Evenly distribute the batter among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for that extra touch of decadence.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 10 g

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡
- For an extra apple punch, sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar on top of the muffins before baking.
- If you prefer a less sweet muffin, reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without affecting the texture.

⏳ Preparation time 🍰
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 22 minutes
- Serving: 12 muffins