Save Sweet and fluffy cornbread bites filled with tender apple chunks and gooey caramel are perfect for snacking or dessert. These poppers combine the comforting flavors of fall into a delightful bite-sized treat.
I first made these caramel apple cornbread poppers for a cozy weekend get-together with friends. Everyone loved the surprise caramel center and the way the apple added a touch of freshness.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (120 g) yellow cornmeal, 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1/3 cup (80 ml) unsalted butter (melted), 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Apple Filling: 1 large apple (peeled, cored, finely diced–about 1 cup), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Caramel: 12 soft caramel candies (cut in half or 24 small pieces), 1 tsp sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin or line with mini paper liners.
- Make Apple Filling:
- In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine and Fold:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.<br>Do not overmix.<br>Fold in the prepared apple mixture.
- Fill the Muffin Tin:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mini muffin cup, filling halfway.<br>Press a piece of caramel candy into the center of each cup, then top with a little more batter to cover.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted (avoiding the caramel) comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Serve warm.
Save Making these with my kids became an autumn tradition. After baking, we all gathered in the kitchen to enjoy them warm right off the wire rack.
Required Tools
Mini muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula, apple corer and peeler, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains: Eggs, milk, wheat (gluten) and possibly soy (in some caramel candies). Always check caramel candy and butter labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each popper provides approximately 95 calories, 3 g total fat, 16 g carbohydrates, and 1.5 g protein.
Save Enjoy these caramel apple cornbread poppers fresh and warm for the ultimate fall treat. Their nostalgic flavors always make gatherings a little sweeter.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of apple works best for poppers?
Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness and provide a pleasant texture after baking.
- → Can I substitute caramel candies?
Yes, dulce de leche is a good alternative for a soft, creamy center in each bite.
- → How can I keep the poppers moist?
Ensure apples are fresh and avoid overmixing the batter. Serve warm for the best texture.
- → What tools are needed for preparation?
A mini muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, apple corer, and a wire rack make prep simple and effective.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these treats contain no meat and use eggs and dairy, fitting a vegetarian diet.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they can be baked in advance and gently reheated before serving for best softness.