Caramel Apple Muffins

For the caramel sauce:
In a medium sauce pan, combine the butter, brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir constantly until it starts to simmer. Let it simmer for about two minutes then take off the heat and add the vanilla and nuts. Set aside.

For the muffins:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the apple sauce, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add to the apple sauce mixture and beat until just combined. Fold in the apples.

Spray a muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray and insert muffin cups. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared muffin cup, then add some of the caramel sauce, and spoon the remaining batter into the muffin cup. Set aside the remaining caramel sauce.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool for about 10 minutes and then remove the muffins from the tin. Spoon additional sauce on top of the muffins. Let cool completely.

You may have additional sauce to use as you desire, on top of ice cream or as a dip for apples.