Name: Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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 salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup peeled, finely chopped apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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These caramel apple cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and filled with the comforting flavors of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and gooey caramel. They are a perfect treat for fall baking or whenever I crave a dessert that feels cozy and homemade.

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cupcakes balance the sweetness of caramel with the natural tartness of apples. The cinnamon brings out the apple flavor even more, and the caramel gives each bite a decadent richness. These cupcakes are easy enough for a weekday bake but impressive enough to serve at gatherings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup peeled, finely chopped apples
1/2 cup caramel sauce

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
I whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
In another bowl, I cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
I fold in the chopped apples gently.
I divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
I bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
After cooling, I drizzle warm caramel sauce over the tops or use it as a filling for extra indulgence.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cupcakes. The preparation takes around 15 minutes, and the baking time is 18–20 minutes. Cooling and decorating adds another 10 minutes, so in total, I spend about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch. Another option is topping the cupcakes with cream cheese frosting before drizzling with caramel, which gives a tangy balance to the sweetness. For a lighter twist, I replace half the caramel drizzle with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If I want them warm, I microwave each cupcake for about 10 seconds before serving to soften the caramel topping. These also freeze well for up to 2 months; I just thaw them overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, I often use store-bought caramel sauce when I don’t have time to make homemade. It works perfectly in this recipe.

What kind of apples work best?

I prefer using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they balance the sweetness of the caramel nicely.

Can I make these into mini cupcakes?

Absolutely. I bake mini cupcakes for about 10–12 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t overbake.

How do I prevent the cupcakes from sinking in the middle?

I make sure not to overmix the batter and check that my baking powder and soda are fresh. This keeps the cupcakes fluffy and well-risen.

Can I frost these instead of just drizzling caramel?

Yes, I like pairing them with cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or even whipped cream before finishing with a caramel drizzle.

Conclusion

These caramel apple cupcakes are a simple yet indulgent dessert that brings together the best flavors of fall. I love how they come together quickly and always impress my family and friends. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy evening, they are a treat I keep coming back to.