There’s something magical about the cozy flavors of fall—crisp apples, warm spices, and rich caramel. Whether you’re curled up with a warm drink on a chilly evening, baking for a harvest party, or simply craving a nostalgic dessert, Caramel Apple Cupcakes hit all the right notes. These cupcakes are inspired by the classic caramel apple, a nostalgic fairground treat, but made better—because they’re baked into soft, spiced cupcakes and topped with thick, gooey caramel frosting.
This recipe was born from my annual fall tradition: apple picking at a local orchard. With more apples than I knew what to do with, I started experimenting, and the result was these moist, spiced apple cupcakes with a dreamy caramel topping. They’ve since become a family favorite, especially during the holidays and back-to-school season. Trust me—once you try one, you’ll be hooked.
🧁 Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cupcakes
If you need convincing (you won’t), here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Moist and flavorful: Thanks to fresh shredded apples and applesauce, every bite is perfectly tender.
- Rich caramel frosting: Forget buttercream—this gooey, decadent caramel topping is next-level.
- Easy to make: With simple pantry ingredients and no electric mixer required, this is a no-fuss recipe.
- Customizable: Use your favorite baking apples or a mix for extra depth.
- Perfect for events: These cupcakes are ideal for parties, bake sales, or seasonal celebrations.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make these delicious cupcakes and the rich caramel frosting:
For the Cupcakes:
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or substitute vegetable oil)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded apple (Rome, Granny Smith, or a combo of baking apples)
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 11 ounces caramels (about one bag – I used KRAFT)
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
🍏 Best Apples for Baking
To get the perfect flavor and texture in your cupcakes, you’ll want to use apples that hold up well in the oven. Here are a few top choices:
- Granny Smith: Tart and firm—balances the sweetness of the caramel.
- Rome: Mild and slightly sweet—great for shredding.
- Honeycrisp: Crisp with a sweet-tart profile.
- Fuji or Gala: Add natural sweetness, though a bit softer when baked.
Pro tip: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for cupcake success. No fancy tools needed—just a couple of bowls, a whisk, and a muffin tin.
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with parchment cupcake liners or grease it lightly.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. Then add:
- ½ cup applesauce (or vegetable oil)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
4. Mix It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix. Fold in:
- 1 ½ cups shredded apple
The batter will be thick and slightly textured from the apples.
5. Fill and Bake
Evenly divide the batter between your 12 prepared muffin cups. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool Completely
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the caramel topping.
🍯 How to Make the Caramel Frosting
This caramel frosting is the easiest you’ll ever make. No candy thermometer, no fuss—just sweet, buttery bliss.
1. Melt the Caramels
Unwrap the 11 oz of caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream.
Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring each time, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
2. Frost the Cupcakes
Use a spoon to scoop the warm caramel onto each cooled cupcake. Spread it gently with the back of the spoon to create a thick, glossy layer.
Note: If the caramel begins to harden while you work, simply microwave it again for 30 seconds at 50% power, stir, and keep going.
3. Optional: Add Popsicle Sticks
For a fun caramel-apple-on-a-stick vibe, insert a small wooden popsicle stick into the center of each cupcake after frosting. Kids love it!
🎉 Variations and Creative Twists
Want to customize your cupcakes? Here are a few fun ideas:
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle on top of the caramel for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with sea salt for that irresistible salted caramel flavor.
- Top with a swirl of whipped cream for a lighter finish.
- Add a dash of nutmeg or cloves to deepen the fall spice profile.
- Mini cupcakes: Bake in mini tins for party-sized treats (reduce baking time to 12–15 minutes).
🧊 Storage Tips
These cupcakes store beautifully—here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days (best if kept in a cool area).
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh caramel frosting before serving.
📸 Make It Instagram-Worthy
Looking to impress your followers? Here’s how to make your Caramel Apple Cupcakes stand out on social media:
- Drizzle extra caramel over the top for dramatic effect.
- Sprinkle with crushed nuts or cinnamon sugar.
- Serve on a rustic wooden tray or cake stand with a few fresh apples nearby.
- Snap a photo in natural lighting (like near a window) to make the caramel shine.
Don’t forget to tag your creations with #CaramelAppleCupcakes and @YourBlogHandle so we can share your delicious results!
🛒 SEO Tip: Where to Buy Ingredients
Wondering where to find the best baking apples or caramels? Check your local farmer’s market for fresh, in-season apples or shop online for bulk deals on:
- Organic apples
- High-quality caramels
- Parchment cupcake liners
- Apple shredders and corers
Including specific products or affiliate links (if applicable) can boost SEO and provide value to your readers.
🙋♀️ FAQs About Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
Can I use homemade caramel?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade caramel sauce, let it cool slightly and spoon it over the cupcakes as you would the melted caramels.
Can I use apple butter instead of applesauce?
Yes, but note that apple butter is sweeter and more concentrated, so reduce the sugars slightly to balance it out.
Can I make this into a cake instead of cupcakes?
Definitely. Pour the batter into a greased 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Frost with the caramel as directed.
📝 Final Thoughts
Caramel Apple Cupcakes are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of fall flavors, comfort food, and a little bit of childhood nostalgia. Whether you’re baking for your family, a festive gathering, or just treating yourself to something special, these cupcakes are guaranteed to please.
Simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always delicious, this recipe is one to bookmark and revisit every apple season. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to fall bake.
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