UPSIDE-DOWN TURTLE MUFFINS

Upside-Down Turtle Muffins image

These gems feature an ooey-gooey caramel center and a glossy chocolate glaze topped with sweet pecans. They're perfect when you want something sweet. -Patrice Bruwer-Miller, Wyoming, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 8 muffins.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 Riesen's chewy chocolate-covered caramels, divided
24 pecan halves

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine the flour, chopped pecans, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. Stir in the brown sugar, buttermilk, egg and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened., Fill greased muffin cups three-fourths full. Press one caramel into the center of each muffin cup. Bake at 400° for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the edge comes out clean. , Cool for 1 minute; invert onto a baking sheet. Top muffins with remaining caramels; return to the oven for 1-2 minutes or until caramel is softened. Place three pecan halves on each muffin. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334 calories, Fat 17g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 38mg cholesterol, Sodium 367mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.