Save A festive, bite-sized treat that combines tender biscuit muffins with caramelized apples, cinnamon, and a celebratory drizzle, perfect for parties and birthdays.
I made these for my niece's birthday party and they were such a hit. There's something about a handheld treat with caramel drizzle and rainbow sprinkles that brings out everyone's inner child (even the grownups couldn't resist grabbing more than one).
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Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp (plus 1/2 tsp for filling)
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): 1/2 cup (115 g) plus 2 tbsp for apple filling
- Whole milk: 2/3 cup (160 ml) plus 1–2 tsp for glaze
- Large egg: 1
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Granny Smith apple (peeled, cored, diced small): 1 large
- Light brown sugar: 1/3 cup (65 g)
- Cake pop sticks or lollipop sticks: 16
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Rainbow sprinkles: 1/4 cup (30 g)
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (60 g)
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Instructions
- Prepare muffin tin:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Make apple filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add diced apple, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and caramelized, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Cut in butter:
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla. Pour into dry mixture and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
- Fold in apples:
- Gently fold in the caramelized apple mixture.
- Fill muffin tin:
- Scoop batter into prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes, transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- Insert sticks:
- Insert a cake pop stick into the base of each cooled muffin.
- Decorate:
- Drizzle each muffin pop with caramel sauce and a glaze (mix powdered sugar with enough milk to make thick, pourable consistency). Immediately top with rainbow sprinkles. Let set before serving.
Save My family called these 'party biscuits on a stick' and everyone gathered in the kitchen to help dip and decorate. These have become a birthday tradition we look forward to every year.
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Required Tools
Mini muffin tin, mixing bowls, skillet, whisk, pastry cutter (or fork), wire rack, cake pop sticks.
Nutritional Information (per pop)
Calories: 150, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 2 g.
Category & Yield
Dessert (American). Easy. Makes 16 pops. Vegetarian.
Save
Make these muffin pops ahead of time for easy party prep. Each bite brings a burst of cinnamon apple and caramel for any festive celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different fruit instead of apple?
Yes! Pears or other firm fruits like peaches work well for a unique flavor profile.
- → What is the texture of the muffin pops?
They’re tender inside with a golden exterior, blending biscuit-like fluffiness with caramelized apple pieces.
- → How do I make the glaze thick and pourable?
Whisk powdered sugar with milk, adding a few drops at a time until it reaches desired thickness.
- → Can I pre-make these for a birthday party?
Absolutely! Bake a day ahead and decorate just before serving for best texture and freshness.
- → Are these muffin pops suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly. Always double-check labels for sprinkles.
- → How can I make these extra rich?
Dip the cooled pops in melted white chocolate before adding sprinkles for added indulgence.