Recipe

Caramel Apple Cupcakes – A Fall Favorite

Updated on 2 min read
Media 23 3 Recipe Caramel Apple Cupcakes – A Fall Favorite

These Caramel Apple Cupcakes bring together tender, spiced cake, juicy apples, and a sweet caramel drizzle for the ultimate fall-inspired treat. Perfect for autumn gatherings, bake sales, or just a cozy afternoon snack, they’re a bite of apple pie in cupcake form.

⏱️ Quick Facts

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes
  • Calories: ~320 per serving

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup peeled, finely chopped apples (Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven
    • Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients
    • In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter & Sugar
    • In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients
    • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Combine Batter
    • Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
  6. Fold in Apples
    • Gently stir in chopped apples.
  7. Bake
    • Divide batter evenly among liners (about two-thirds full).
    • Bake 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool & Drizzle
    • Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
    • Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the tops before serving.

🌟 Tips for Success

  • Balance the Sweetness → Use tart apples like Granny Smith to contrast with the caramel.
  • Drizzle Like a Pro → Chill caramel sauce slightly so it thickens and sits on top without soaking into the cupcakes.
  • Extra Indulgence → Top with a swirl of cream cheese frosting before drizzling caramel.

✨ These Caramel Apple Cupcakes are soft, moist, and packed with cozy fall flavors. They’ll disappear fast—so you might want to double the batch!

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