Caramel Apple Chai Muffins (Printable)
Layers of chai-spiced muffin, cheesecake, and caramelized apples stacked on skewers create a playful fall dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chai Cake
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1/2 cup whole milk
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper)
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Cheesecake Layer
11 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1 large egg
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Apple Filling
15 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
17 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
18 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
19 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Caramel Sauce
20 - 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
→ Muffin Skewer Assembly
21 - 8 wooden or bamboo skewers
22 - extra chai spice for garnish (optional)
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spices. In a separate bowl, combine vegetable oil, whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just incorporated.
03 - Beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract and mix until creamy.
04 - Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of chai cake batter into each prepared muffin cup. Add 1 tablespoon of cheesecake mixture on top, then another layer of chai cake batter, filling cups approximately three-quarters full.
05 - Bake muffins for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
06 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Sauté diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice until soft and caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool.
07 - Once muffins have cooled, slice each horizontally into two even rounds.
08 - For each wooden or bamboo skewer, alternate layers of muffin slice, spoonful of apple filling, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Repeat to assemble two or three stacked segments per skewer. Finish with an additional drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of chai spice if desired.
09 - Serve skewers immediately, or chill assembled skewers for 15 minutes to set layers for a firmer texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Combines classic chai, cheesecake, apple, and caramel flavors for a unique fall treat
- Fun skewer presentation makes serving and eating easy for gatherings
02 -
- This dessert contains egg, dairy, and gluten
- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought chai muffins and cheesecake bites to speed up assembly
03 -
- Slice the muffins carefully for even layering on the skewers
- Chill assembled skewers for 15 minutes for neatly stacked layers and easy handling