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).
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)
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.
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.