Irresistible Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet autumn winds carry the nostalgic scent of warm caramel apple cupcakes that dance between comfort and indulgence.

Crisp apples meet rich caramel in a delightful bakery-style treat that promises pure delight.

Soft, tender cupcakes burst with seasonal flavor and a decadent twist.

Each bite tells a story of golden orchards and cozy afternoons.

The subtle blend of spices creates a magical harmony that makes these cupcakes irresistible.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet stunning dessert that celebrates fall’s most beloved flavors.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of these irresistible cupcakes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15-18 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients in Caramel Apple Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cupcake, providing structure and soft texture with a delicate crumb.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and create a cozy autumn flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and contributes to tender cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps create a soft, delicate crumb.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create incredibly moist cupcakes.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic background flavor that complements apple and caramel.
• Milk: Helps achieve smooth batter consistency and lightens the cake's texture.

• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cupcake.
• Fresh Apples: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and authentic fruit texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, creamy buttercream with perfect consistency.
• Caramel Sauce: Delivers rich, golden flavor and creates decadent final touch.

Tools Required for Caramel Apple Cupcake Baking

• Cupcake Pan: Standard 12-cup muffin tin for even baking.
• Electric Mixer: Crucial for creaming butter and creating smooth batters.
• Mixing Bowls: Medium and large bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helps scrape bowl sides and fold in apple pieces.
• Piping Bag: For elegant buttercream application on cupcakes.
• Wire Rack: Allows cupcakes to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Toothpicks: Helps check cupcake doneness by testing center.

Baking Caramel Apple Cupcakes from Scratch

Autumn Apple Magic

• Baking Preparation Cozy Corner

Get your kitchen ready with a warm oven and cute paper liners. This is where delicious memories begin.

• Flour Power Mixing

Combine dry ingredients like a kitchen wizard, creating a magical base for your cupcake adventure. Whisk flour with warming spices that smell like fall.

• Butter Bliss Transformation

Cream butter with sugars until they become a fluffy cloud of sweetness. This is where baking becomes an art form.

• Liquid Harmony

Gently introduce eggs and creamy extras, blending everything into a smooth, dreamy batter. Each addition builds layers of flavor.

• Apple Enchantment

Fold tender apple pieces into the batter, creating little pockets of fruity surprise in every bite.

• Oven Magic

Bake until golden and fragrant, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas that welcome autumn.

• Caramel Dream Topping

Whip up a luxurious buttercream that whispers sweet caramel secrets. Swirl generously over cooled cupcakes.

• Final Flourish

Drizzle extra caramel and add a pretty apple slice for a stunning finish that screams homemade love.

Enjoy within a few days, keeping them chilled and bringing to room temperature before serving.

Tips for Moist Caramel Apple Cupcakes

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel buttercream for an extra layer of delightful crunch and nutty goodness.
• Enhance the warm autumn flavors by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the cupcake batter for a more complex spice blend.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste or texture.

How to Present Caramel Apple Cupcakes

• Autumn Dessert Companion: Warm cinnamon spice tea pairs perfectly with these cupcakes, enhancing the apple and caramel flavors.
• Fall Gathering Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert display by arranging cupcakes on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices as elegant garnishes.
• Elegant Portion Strategy: Cut cupcakes in half and serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent and shareable dessert experience that elevates the classic treat.
• Gifting Sweetness: Package individual cupcakes in clear small boxes tied with autumn-colored ribbons, making them delightful homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

Store These Caramel Apple Cupcakes Fresh

• Cupcake Cooling Strategy: Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain their delightful texture. Room temperature helps prevent condensation and keeps the frosting from melting.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store decorated cupcakes in an airtight container with a gentle layer of plastic wrap to prevent the caramel frosting from absorbing other food odors. Keep them in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 3 days.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cupcake batter and caramel buttercream a day in advance. Store the batter covered in the refrigerator and the frosting in an airtight container. This strategy saves time and allows flavors to develop more deeply.
• Freezing Friendly: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving to maintain optimal taste and texture.

Sweet Caramel Apple Cupcakes

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Scrumptious caramel apple cupcakes blend autumn’s warmest flavors into one delightful dessert. Cinnamon-spiced cake topped with silky caramel frosting offers sweet comfort for seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1.5 tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.125 tsp ground nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.25 cup (52 grams) sugar
• 0.5 cup (112 grams) packed brown sugar
• 0.75 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsps (43 grams) sour cream
• 1.25 cups (280 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5 cups (575 grams) powdered sugar
• 4–6 tbsps caramel sauce
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• Additional caramel sauce, for drizzling
• Apple slices, for decorating

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line cupcake pan with decorative liners.
2. Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking until thoroughly integrated.
3. Wet Foundation: Cream butter, oil, and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base mixture.
4. Liquid Integration: Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream, ensuring complete incorporation of all ingredients.
5. Egg Incorporation: Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly and scraping bowl sides to maintain consistent texture.
6. Batter Assembly: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with milk to create a silky, well-blended batter. Gently fold in diced apples, distributing evenly throughout.
7. Baking Process: Fill cupcake liners three-quarters full and bake for 15-18 minutes, confirming doneness with a clean skewer test.
8. Cooling Stage: Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling before frosting.
9. Frosting Creation: Whip butter until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar and incorporating caramel sauce with warming spices to develop a rich, aromatic buttercream.
10. Finishing Touches: Pipe caramel-infused frosting onto cooled cupcakes, drizzle with additional caramel, and garnish with a subtle apple accent. Store in sealed container, refrigerated for 2-3 days, serving at room temperature.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Measure ingredients carefully to maintain the perfect balance of flavors and texture in your cupcakes.
• Apple Selection Tip: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for optimal moisture and a slight tangy contrast in the batter.
• Temperature Control: Allow butter, eggs, and dairy to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, even incorporation.
• Frosting Finesse: Refrigerate buttercream briefly if it becomes too soft, helping create clean, beautiful piping designs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg