Fluffy Cinnamon Caramel Breakfast Muffins Recipe: Morning Magic

Warm, gooey cinnamon caramel breakfast muffins invite you into a morning of pure comfort and sweet indulgence.

Mornings can feel magical when unexpected delights emerge from your kitchen.

Soft, tender crumbs whisper promises of delectable pleasure with every bite.

Swirls of rich caramel dance through delicate pastry, creating moments of pure bliss.

Fragrant spices drift through the air, awakening sleepy senses and tempting even the most reluctant breakfast eaters.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something extraordinary that feels like a warm hug.

Bake these muffins and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Cinnamon Caramel Muffins Highlights

• Effortless Breakfast Delight that Wows
• Perfectly designed for novice bakers with straightforward steps and minimal technical skills required. Even kitchen newbies can create professional-looking muffins without stress.
• Unexpected caramel filling transforms ordinary muffins into extraordinary breakfast treats. Each bite delivers a delightful molten surprise that elevates the entire eating experience.
• Guaranteed to make everyone from kids to adults smile with its irresistible combination of warm cinnamon and rich caramel. Versatile enough for lazy weekend mornings or special breakfast gatherings.
• Uses standard kitchen tools and creates minimal mess, making preparation and cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy households wanting delicious homemade goodness without complicated processes.

What You Need for Caramel Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and base for the muffins.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the muffins.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the muffins.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the muffins.
• Buttermilk: Contributes moisture and creates a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Heavy Cream, Salt: Create a rich, gooey caramel sauce with a deep, sweet flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the caramel's overall taste and aroma.

Making Cinnamon Caramel Breakfast Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Vessel

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and line it with paper liners or give it a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Dry Ingredient Blend

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

• Sugar
• Egg
• Buttermilk
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.

Step 3: Craft the Luscious Caramel Filling

Over medium heat, melt butter in a small saucepan.

• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Salt

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.

Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.

Let the caramel cool down a bit.

Step 4: Layer the Muffin Magic

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of muffin batter into each muffin cup.

Drop a teaspoon of caramel filling into the center of each, then cover with another tablespoon of batter.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

They’re ready when a toothpick comes out clean (except for the gooey caramel) and the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins rest in the tin for about 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the ultimate experience, serve these beauties warm and watch the caramel ooze out with each bite!

Pro Tips for Caramel Muffin Success

• Fill muffin cups only 2/3 full to avoid messy spills during baking and ensure even rising.
• Replace buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice if you don't have buttermilk on hand.
• Let caramel cool for a few minutes before adding to muffin batter to prevent it from completely sinking or burning.
• Use a toothpick test near the muffin's edge, not the caramel center, to accurately determine if the muffin is fully baked.

How to Store and Reheat Caramel Muffins

• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Place muffins in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual muffins for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check to ensure they're heated through without becoming tough or rubbery.
• Preheat oven to 300F. Wrap muffins in aluminum foil and warm for 5-7 minutes, which helps restore their original soft texture and revive the caramel's gooey consistency.

Perfect Sips with Cinnamon Caramel Muffins

• Savor Smooth Coffee Pairing: Rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee complements the sweet caramel and warm cinnamon notes, creating a balanced breakfast experience that highlights the muffins' subtle spiciness.
• Enhance Creamy Milk Companion: Cold whole milk or a creamy vanilla latte cuts through the muffins' richness, providing a refreshing contrast and softening the intense caramel flavor.
• Elevate Breakfast Sidekick: Vanilla Greek yogurt adds a tangy, protein-packed element that balances the muffins' sweetness, offering a lighter, more nutritious accompaniment to the decadent treat.
• Boost Breakfast Indulgence: Whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon creates a luxurious topping that amplifies the muffins' caramel and spice profile, turning a simple breakfast into a gourmet experience.

Sweet Twists for Caramel Breakfast Muffins

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Caramel Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap buttermilk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a lactose-intolerant friendly recipe.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and replace brown sugar in caramel with sugar-free alternatives to make a diabetic-friendly breakfast treat.
• Vegan Breakfast Muffins: Use flax egg instead of regular egg, plant-based milk, coconut oil, and maple syrup to create a completely plant-based version of these delicious muffins.

FAQs

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds tanginess and helps create a tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

• How do I prevent the caramel from sinking to the bottom of the muffin?

Coating the caramel layer with a bit of flour before adding the final batter layer helps prevent sinking. Also, be gentle when adding the top layer of batter to keep the caramel in place.

• What's the best way to check if muffins are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean (except for the caramel), the muffins are done. The tops should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

• Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and caramel the night before. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble and bake in the morning for fresh, warm muffins.

Cinnamon Caramel Breakfast Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful cinnamon caramel breakfast muffins bring warmth and sweetness to morning tables, promising comfort in every bite. Homemade goodness awaits with these irresistible treats you’ll savor from first crumb to last.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Filling Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C). Arrange a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or coat with non-stick spray.
2. Create the dry mixture by combining flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate container, thoroughly blend sugar, egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
3. Gently incorporate wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing minimally to prevent overdeveloping gluten. Maintain a light, airy texture by folding carefully.
4. Craft the caramel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Introduce brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt, bringing to a gentle simmer. Continuously stir for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat, fold in vanilla extract, and allow to cool briefly.
5. Fill each muffin cavity with approximately 2 tablespoons of batter. Create a central well by adding a teaspoon of caramel filling, then cover with an additional tablespoon of batter.
6. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean (excluding caramel residue) and tops turn golden brown.
7. Let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. For maximum enjoyment, serve while slightly warm to experience the luxurious caramel center.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing by gently folding wet and dry ingredients together, stopping when just combined to keep muffins tender and light.
• Create Perfectly Distributed Caramel by using a small spoon to carefully place filling in the center, ensuring each bite has a delicious caramel surprise.
• Customize Dietary Needs by substituting buttermilk with plant-based milk and using gluten-free flour for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance Flavor Variations by experimenting with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to add unique depth to the classic cinnamon profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg