Is there anything more perfect than a caramel apple in cupcake form? These Caramel Apple Cupcakes are moist, spiced, and packed with real apple flavor—then topped with silky caramel frosting and a drizzle of gooey caramel sauce. Each bite is like fall in cupcake form: sweet, cozy, comforting, and impossible to eat just one.
Whether you’re baking for a fall festival, a holiday party, or just a cozy night in with a sweater and some cider, this recipe is the one you’ll want in your back pocket. Thank you so much for being here—your presence means the world! Want more cozy dessert recipes like this sent right to your inbox? Don’t forget to subscribe below.
What Are Caramel Apple Cupcakes?
Caramel Apple Cupcakes combine the flavors of classic apple pie and caramel apples into a tender, spiced cupcake. The base is made with shredded or diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar, creating a moist and flavorful crumb. They’re topped with a rich caramel buttercream, plus a drizzle of warm caramel and a pinch of sea salt if you’re feeling fancy.
They taste like a caramel apple married a spice cake—and the result is next-level delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes
- Perfectly moist with bits of real apple in every bite
- Warm fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg
- Creamy, buttery caramel frosting
- Easy to make ahead and decorate
- Perfect for fall baking, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or bake sales
- A total crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults
What Do They Taste Like?
The cupcakes themselves are soft and moist with a warm, spiced apple flavor—kind of like apple muffins, but sweeter and fluffier. The caramel frosting is smooth, buttery, and sweet without being too heavy. And the final caramel drizzle adds just the right sticky-sweet finish to bring it all together.
They’re rich, but not over-the-top. Sweet, but balanced. Comforting, nostalgic, and totally indulgent.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Uses real apples and pantry staples
- No need for a stand mixer—just a couple of bowls and a whisk
- Caramel frosting can be made with store-bought or homemade caramel
- Easily adaptable (see substitutions below!)
- Freezer-friendly for holiday prep
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cupcakes
For the cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups peeled and finely shredded apple (about 2 medium apples)
For the caramel frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (more if needed)
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt (optional)
For topping:
- Extra caramel drizzle
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
- Apple slice or mini caramel candy (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Muffin tin and cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer (for frosting)
- Grater or food processor (for apples)
- Spatula and whisk
- Piping bag or zip-top bag (optional for decorating)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Use applesauce: Swap ½ cup shredded apple for ¼ cup applesauce if you’re short
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of caramel for a tangy contrast
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and milk in the frosting
- Gluten-free: Sub with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
How to Make Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Combine wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Add apples and dry ingredients
Stir in the shredded apples. Then fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Fill and bake
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners (about ¾ full). Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the caramel frosting
Beat softened butter until creamy. Add caramel sauce and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add cream or milk to reach desired consistency. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
Step 7: Frost and decorate
Pipe or spread the caramel frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Drizzle with extra caramel and sprinkle with sea salt or top with a slice of apple or candy if desired.
What to Serve with Caramel Apple Cupcakes
These cupcakes are rich and sweet—pair them with:
- Hot apple cider or spiced tea
- Chai lattes or pumpkin spice coffee
- Salted caramel ice cream (for serious indulgence)
- A glass of cold milk or warm mulled wine
Tips for the Best Cupcakes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor
- Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps the cupcakes tender
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
- Use thick caramel sauce for best frosting consistency
- Want extra depth? Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the batter!
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Room temp: Unfrosted cupcakes can sit at room temp for 2 days
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months; thaw and frost when ready
- Make ahead: Bake cupcakes a day ahead and frost before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use caramel candies instead of sauce?
You can! Melt soft caramel candies with a splash of milk in the microwave to make a quick caramel sauce.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but if you shred them finely, unpeeled apples can work too.
Can I make these into mini cupcakes?
Yes! Reduce bake time to 10–12 minutes and check with a toothpick.
Can I make a cake instead?
Absolutely—just pour the batter into an 8-inch round or square pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fall dessert that’s easy, festive, and completely craveable, these Caramel Apple Cupcakes are it. They’re soft, spiced, perfectly sweet, and topped with the kind of caramel frosting that dreams are made of.