Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Fall Magic

Sweet caramel apple cupcakes craft ordinary dessert moments into magical culinary experiences.

Seasonal baking reaches new heights with this delightful treat that blends rich autumn flavors.

Warm spices and creamy caramel create a harmonious dance of textures and tastes.

Each bite promises a nostalgic journey through orchards and cozy kitchens.

Soft, moist cake layers intertwine with tangy fruit notes and smooth caramel undertones.

Bakers of all skill levels can master these irresistible cupcakes with simple techniques and accessible ingredients.

Seasonal celebrations demand something extraordinary that sparks joy and creates lasting memories.

Ingredients to Bake Caramel Apple Cupcakes at Home

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cupcake's tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Adds warm, aromatic autumn spices to complement the apple flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter, Vegetable Oil: Creates moisture and rich texture in the cupcakes.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps keep the cupcakes soft and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cupcake's structure.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, balanced batter consistency.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
• Fresh Apples: Adds natural sweetness and texture to the cupcake.

• Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the buttercream.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Caramel Sauce: Gives a rich, deep sweetness to the buttercream.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm spice note to the frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and line cupcake pan with decorative liners.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk ingredients together until well mixed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

• Softened butter
• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat for 3-4 minutes until mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream

Blend until completely incorporated.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Scrape bowl sides to ensure even mixing.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients. Alternate with milk, mixing gently.

Step 7: Fold in Apple Chunks

Gently fold finely chopped apples into batter.

Step 8: Bake Cupcakes

Fill cupcake liners about ¾ full. Bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Cupcake Base

Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 10: Prepare Caramel Buttercream

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until smooth.

Step 11: Create Creamy Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Caramel sauce
• Ground cinnamon

Mix until creamy and well blended.

Step 12: Decorate Cupcakes

Pipe caramel buttercream onto cooled cupcakes.

Step 13: Final Touch

Drizzle extra caramel sauce and garnish with a fresh apple slice.

Step 14: Store and Serve

Keep cupcakes in refrigerator for 2-3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Tips to Get Gooey Caramel and Soft Apple Bits

• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss chopped apples in a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during mixing.
• Cream Butter Perfectly: Ensure butter is at room temperature and beat until light and fluffy for a tender, moist cupcake texture.
• Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test, inserting it into the center of a cupcake- if it comes out clean with just a few crumbs, they're ready.
• Smooth Buttercream Technique: Sift powdered sugar before adding to avoid lumps and create a silky-smooth caramel frosting.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and to allow flavors to develop and settle.

How to Store Caramel Apple Cupcakes for Later

• Refrigerate: Store cupcakes in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Place wax paper between layers to protect the delicate caramel buttercream from sticking.
• Room Temperature: Keep cupcakes at room temperature for up to 2 days if serving within a short period. Consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving for best results.

Perfect Pairings for Caramel Apple Cupcakes

• Pair with Warm Cider: Complement the caramel apple cupcakes with a steaming mug of spiced apple cider. The warm, fragrant drink echoes the cupcake's autumnal flavors and enhances the sweet-tart apple notes.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cupcake. The cold, smooth vanilla perfectly balances the rich caramel buttercream and adds a luxurious texture contrast.
• Enjoy with Chai Latte: A spiced chai latte provides a delightful companion to these cupcakes. The warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom in the chai beautifully mirror the spices baked into the cupcake, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Combine with Salted Caramel Macchiato: A salted caramel macchiato offers a decadent drink pairing that amplifies the caramel undertones. The espresso's boldness cuts through the sweetness, creating a well-rounded taste sensation.

Creative Twists on the Classic Caramel Apple Cupcake

• Spiced Autumn Apple Cupcakes: Replace some flour with ground almond meal for a nutty texture and add extra cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Apple Crunch: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the caramel drizzle and mix crushed pecans into the buttercream for added crunch and depth.
• Maple Caramel Apple Sensation: Swap some sugar with pure maple syrup and incorporate maple extract into the buttercream for a rich, woodsy sweetness.
• Apple Cheesecake Fusion: Swirl cream cheese into the buttercream and add a small cheesecake center inside each cupcake for a decadent, creamy variation.

Why Caramel Apple Cupcakes Are Fall in a Bite

• Savor Seasonal Sweetness: These caramel apple cupcakes capture the essence of autumn with perfectly balanced fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that dance deliciously in every bite.
• Masterful Moisture Magic: The combination of sour cream, oil, and fresh apple chunks ensures an incredibly tender, soft cupcake that stays wonderfully moist and never feels dry or crumbly.
• Transform Ordinary to Extraordinary: With a luxurious caramel buttercream and elegant caramel drizzle, these cupcakes elevate a simple dessert into a stunning treat that looks professionally crafted yet feels warmly homemade.
• Quick and Approachable Baking: Despite looking impressive, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Caramel apple cupcakes blend classic autumn flavors into a delightful dessert that whispers comfort and nostalgia. Moist spiced cake topped with silky caramel frosting and crisp apple chunks creates an irresistible treat you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (195 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup finely chopped apple
• 0.25 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil

Dry Ingredients:

• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.125 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.25 cup (52 grams) sugar
• 0.5 cup (112 grams) packed brown sugar
• 0.75 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons (43 grams) sour cream

Buttercream Ingredients:

• 1.25 cups (280 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5 cups (575 grams) powdered sugar
• 4–6 tablespoons caramel sauce
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• Additional caramel sauce, for drizzling
• Apple slices, for decorating

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and arrange cupcake liners in a baking pan.
2. Whisk together flour, leavening agents, aromatic spices, and seasoning in a medium mixing vessel.
3. Cream butter, vegetable oil, and sugars in a large bowl until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency.
4. Incorporate vanilla essence and tangy dairy product, ensuring thorough blending.
5. Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly integrating each and scraping bowl edges between additions.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain smooth texture.
7. Delicately incorporate finely diced apple fragments into the batter, distributing evenly.
8. Distribute batter into cupcake liners, filling approximately three-quarters full.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes until a test skewer emerges clean from the cupcake’s center.
10. Transfer cupcakes to a cooling rack, allowing complete temperature reduction.
11. Whip softened butter until silky and uniform in a spacious mixing bowl.
12. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, blending meticulously after each addition.
13. Fold caramel sauce and warming spice into the buttercream, creating a rich, aromatic frosting.
14. Adjust buttercream consistency with additional caramel or sugar as needed.
15. Once cupcakes have thoroughly cooled, elegantly pipe caramel-infused frosting atop each.
16. Embellish with a cascading caramel drizzle and a delicate apple garnish.
17. Preserve cupcakes in a sealed container within refrigeration for 2-3 days, returning to ambient temperature before serving.

Notes

• Precision matters when measuring ingredients to ensure the perfect texture and flavor of these delightful cupcakes.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a lighter, more consistent batter that bakes evenly.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes – mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and texture in the recipe.
• Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting and losing its beautiful shape.
• Drizzle caramel sauce just before serving to maintain the sauce’s glossy appearance and prevent soggy frosting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 404
• Sugar: 47g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 61mg