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Delicious Crunchy Chocolate Caramel Muffins Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cupall-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cupcocoa powder
  • 1 tspbaking powder
  • 1/2 tspbaking soda
  • 1/4 tspsalt
  • 1/2 cupunsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cupgranulated sugar
  • 2large eggs
  • 1 tspvanilla extract
  • 1/2 cupbuttermilk
  • 1/2 cupchopped caramel candy bars (e.g., Snickers or Twix)
  • 1/4 cupchocolate chips
  • For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 4 oz(113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tbsppowdered sugar
  • 1/2 tspvanilla extract
  • For Garnish:
  • 1/4 cupcaramel sauce, for drizzling
  • 1/4 cupmelted chocolate, for drizzling
  • Extra candy bar chunks (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start by setting your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This initial step is crucial for ensuring your muffins rise perfectly. While waiting, take out your muffin tin and line it with paper liners to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them thoroughly; this process will ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to uniformly risen muffins.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, pour the melted butter and granulated sugar. Using a whisk, mix them together until smooth and creamy. Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, taking care to blend them in completely before adding the next. Finish with the vanilla extract, enhancing your batter with a sweet aroma that will entice any chocolate lover.
  4. Gradually incorporate your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Alternate this with the buttermilk to keep the batter moist. Stir gently — it’s important not to overmix as that could lead to dense muffins. You want just a few small lumps remaining for the best texture!
  5. Fold in the chopped caramel bars and chocolate chips, which add delightful bursts of sweetness and texture. Ensure they are well-distributed throughout the batter for an indulgent experience in every bite.
  6. In a separate smaller bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until it achieves a creamy, smooth consistency. This filling will provide a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet, chocolate muffins.
  7. Begin spooning about a tablespoon of muffin batter into each paper liner, creating a base layer. Next, add a teaspoon of the luscious cream cheese filling in the center, then top with more batter until each liner is about two-thirds full. This layering technique ensures a delightful surprise in every muffin.
  8. Pop your muffin tray into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into one of the muffins, avoiding the cream cheese center; if it comes out clean, your muffins are ready. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist and soft.
  9. Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle the tops with melted chocolate and caramel sauce for a finishing touch that elevates these muffins from delightful to decadent. If using, sprinkle additional candy bar chunks for extra visuals and flavor.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a week. You can also freeze them for about three months; just reheat them when ready to enjoy!

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