There is no better way to usher in fall than with these delicious Caramel Apple Cupcakes.
Moist cupcakes loaded with apples and applesauce for double the apple flavor. A decadent caramel frosting tops them off beautifully. Popsicle sticks not optional.
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If you’re a fan of fall, you’re probably a fan of caramel apples. At least I am! There are few things I look more forward to than visiting Apple Hill and eating ALL THE APPLES as soon as fall officially hits.
You guys, it’s H.E.R.E. Fall is officially here and there is no better time than to enjoy the fruits of the season. I am a big fan of caramel apples. We have a tradition of each of us buying one as we leave Apple Hill and enjoying it all the way home. (We also do this when we leave Disneyland!)
Every year I am inspired to create yet another caramel apple recipe and this one may be my most favorite yet. And yes, I do realize that I say this every year 🙂
If you love caramel apples as much as I do, you’re going to go crazy for these Caramel Apple Cupcakes. Delicious, moist apple cupcakes are topped with a caramel frosting that is exactly what you’d find on a caramel apple.
There’s a lot to love about these easy apple cupcakes. Let’s start with the actual cupcake. I made the cupcakes with shredded apple and applesauce for serious apple flavor. If you love apple chunks in your cupcakes, by all means, go for it. I do love how the shredded apple is unobtrusive but still packs a lot of flavor and of course, adds tons of moisture. The applesauce is equally awesome.
I will say that the two combined do create an exceptionally moist cupcake and so I do recommend using parchment liners for easy peel-off. Most of the cupcakes peeled right away from these paper wrappers, but we did have one or two that were tricky. You can always substitute oil in for the applesauce should you desire. I for one love cupcakes made with applesauce, makes me feel better about this awesome “frosting” we’ve got going on here.
The frosting is simply soft caramels melted with a bit of heavy cream. Even better, it’s all done in the microwave and takes less than 2 minutes. The caramel is just spooned right on top of the cooled cupcakes and it’s just magical. Sooo good!
The kids suggested these popsicle sticks and I have to say, super cute!
More apple recipes to try:
- Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread
- Dutch Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars
- The Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling
- Apple Walnut Strudel
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How To Make Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce OR vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded apple Rome, Granny Smith, or other baking apple or combination of two varieties
Caramel Frosting
- 1 11 oz bag of caramels
- 1 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Line a muffin tin with parchment baking liners and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Whisk in the applesauce and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir the flour mixture into the wet mixture until combined.
- Stir in the shredded apples.
- Evenly divide the batter between the 12 cups.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Transfer cupcakes to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
Caramel Frosting
- Unwrap caramels and place in a microwave safe bowl.
- Stir in heavy cream.
- Microwave at 50% power for 1 minutes. Stir. Repeat int 30 second intervals until caramels are melted and smooth.
- Spoon frosting onto the top of cooled cupcakes and spread. You want a nice thick layer. If the caramel starts to thicken, microwave for another 30 seconds at 50% power, stir, and spread on cupcakes.
- Popsicle sticks are optional 🙂
Nutrition
More caramel apple madness…
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Daniel Brown says
good job! Thanks, for sharing!
Dixie says
I have been using silicone muffin liners. They work great. Nothing sticks. Looks delish
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You are so right Dixie! They are great for cupcakes like this!
YOLANDA ROUSE says
I was just looking for a caramel apply cupcake recipe. Thanks for the tip on the parchment cup. Will try and will do.
Question: is the consistency more towards a muffin. I’m asking as I see you filled the cups full and your rise was at the edge. I am just making sure since I want to make 24. I made some pumpkin spice cupcakes and saw I needed to double up on my batter to get a good size standard cupcake.
**********re-reply due to my typos**********bad grammar : ) rushing
YOLANDA ROUSE says
I was just looking for a caramel apply cupcake recipe. Thanks for the tip on the parchment cup. Will try and will do.
Question: is the consistency more towards a muffin. I’m asking as you filling the cups full and your rise was at the edge. just making sure since I want to make 24. I make some pumpkin spice cupcakes and saw I needed to double up on my batter to get a good size standard cupcake.
Debbie says
They are very moist & taste good but the cake stuck to the paper cupcake holder.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hi Debbie! Glad you enjoyed the cupcakes! I talked about them sticking to the paper in the post and recommended parchment liners 🙂
Kirsty Hutchings says
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls looking so testy..Thank you for sharing
Bridget says
Are these mini cupcakes or full size?
Debbie says
Full size. I got 15 out of the batter
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Great! Thanks Debbie!
Sheila Devor says
Do you peel the apples before shredding?
Ericka says
I made these they are amazing!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So glad you enjoyed them Ericka! Have a great week!
Bridget says
Did you use mini muffin pan or regular size cupcake pan? The recipe doesn’t say.
Spanish to English says
Love these caramel apple cupcakes!
Amy says
Will the caramel frosting stay soft if I make these ahead of time?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
It’s exactly like the caramel on a caramel apple so it’s firm but soft – it doesn’t get rock-hard or anything.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Super moist cupcakes and CARAMEL frosting…I want seconds 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Averie!