Inspired by a fall favorite, this fool-the-eye treat makes clever use of an apple muffin and cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

• your favorite apple muffins*
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• orange and brown paste food coloring
• chopped nuts
• craft stick

Instructions

1. Bake a batch of your favorite apple muffins* in reusable or paper liners and let them cool.

2. Use an electric mixer to blend 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add paste food coloring: 1 small dollop of orange and 2 small dollops of brown. Blend until evenly incorporated. If needed, add more color until the desired shade of caramel is reached.

3. Frost each muffin and coat or edge it with chopped nuts. Slide a craft stick into the center of each. Makes 12 muffins.

Tips:

Find our recipe for Apple Cranberry Spice Muffins here.

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Find more about:

• Autumn |
• Breakfast Breads |
• Cream Cheese |
• Muffins |
• Nuts |
• Pastries

Related Categories:

• FamilyFun October 2011 |
• Marvelous Muffins |
• Breakfast Breads |
• Breads & Pastries |
• Fall Desserts