Save Sweet and fluffy cornbread bites filled with tender apple chunks and gooey caramel, perfect for snacking or dessert. These poppers combine the comforting flavors of fall into a delightful bite-sized treat.
Making these poppers instantly reminds me of autumn afternoons in my kitchen when the apple aroma fills the house and everyone gathers for a taste. The burst of caramel surprises each eater and brings a smile every single time I bake them.
Ingredients
- Yellow cornmeal: 1 cup (120 g)
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Eggs: 2 large
- Whole milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Unsalted butter, melted: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Apple: 1 large, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 1 cup)
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
- Soft caramel candies: 12, cut in half (or 24 small pieces)
- Sea salt (optional): 1 tsp, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prep the pan:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin or line with mini paper liners.
- Prepare apple filling:
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. 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 batter:
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in apples:
- Gently fold in the prepared apple mixture.
- Fill muffin cups:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mini muffin cup, filling halfway.
- Add caramel:
- Press a piece of caramel candy into the center of each cup, then top with batter to cover.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted (avoiding the caramel) comes out clean.
- Cool & finish:
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Sprinkle sea salt if desired. Serve warm.
Save Serving these poppers always sparks happy chatter in my family. Everyone loves guessing which one will be the gooiest and racing to grab seconds!
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). Check caramel candy and butter labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per popper)
Calories: 95, Total Fat: 3 g, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Protein: 1.5 g
Save Bake a batch for gatherings or cozy nights in—these poppers disappear fast! Make sure to keep a few aside for yourself.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What type of apple works best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweet caramel, resulting in a flavorful filling.
- → Can I make these without caramel candies?
Yes, swap with dulce de leche for a softer center, or omit entirely for a pure apple cornbread bite.
- → How do I know when poppers are baked?
The tops should be golden and a toothpick inserted away from the caramel center comes out clean.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they contain eggs and dairy but no meat products, so they are vegetarian-friendly.
- → What equipment is required?
A mini muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, apple corer and peeler, and wire rack are necessary.
- → How should they be stored?
Cool completely and keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.