# Ingredient List:
→ Apples
01 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
→ Chai Spice Blend
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Muffin Batter
10 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
11 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
15 - 3/4 cup cold whole milk
16 - 1 large egg
17 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Caramel Sauce
18 - 1/2 cup soft caramel candies (about 10 pieces), unwrapped
19 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
02 - Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples and brown sugar; cook, stirring, until apples are caramelized and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
03 - Combine ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and the prepared chai spice blend.
05 - Cut cold diced butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the texture is coarse and crumbly.
06 - In a separate bowl, whisk together cold whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
07 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
08 - Carefully fold the cooled caramelized apples into the batter.
09 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
10 - In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramel candies and heavy cream together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted caramel over each muffin and swirl gently with a toothpick.
11 - Bake for 22-25 minutes or until muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12 - Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
