Maple Bourbon Apple Cheddar Muffin (Print View)

Soft muffin pops with apple, cheddar and maple bourbon glaze. Sweet and savory flavors ideal for sharing anytime.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
07 - 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
08 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
09 - 2 tablespoons bourbon
10 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

→ Add-Ins

11 - 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
12 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

→ For Glaze

13 - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
14 - 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
15 - Pinch of sea salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with muffin papers.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine sea salt, and granulated sugar.
03 - Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to incorporate until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together cold buttermilk, lightly beaten egg, bourbon, and pure maple syrup.
05 - Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
06 - Gently fold in the finely diced apple and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
07 - Portion batter evenly into muffin cups using a cookie scoop or spoon. Insert a wooden lollipop stick into the center of each muffin, pushing halfway through.
08 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
09 - While baking, stir together maple syrup, bourbon, and a pinch of sea salt to make the glaze.
10 - Allow muffin pops to cool slightly before drizzling or brushing with maple bourbon glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Unique combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors
  • Fun presentation as muffin pops for easy serving
02 -
  • Best texture is achieved when butter and buttermilk are kept cold
  • Can be made without bourbon for a kid-friendly version
03 -
  • Do not overmix the batter to ensure fluffy and tender muffins
  • Try swapping apples for pears or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for variation